“Top” Does Not Mean “Best”
When shopping for a leather bag, briefcase, or accessory, you’ll often see terms like full grain and top grain leather. Both are considered premium, but there is a clear difference in quality and character. At LODRO, we craft exclusively with full grain leather and here’s why.
What Is Full Grain Leather?
Full grain leather is the highest grade leather available. It’s made from the very top layer of the hide where the natural grain is left completely intact. Unlike other types of leather, it isn’t sanded or corrected, so it maintains all the natural strength, texture, and character of the hide. Not only is it the strongest and most durable leather, full grain leather ages beautifully over time by developing a patina that tells the story of your journeys. As the uppermost layer of the hide, full grain leather also retains every mark and variation that makes each piece truly unique.
What About Top Grain Leather?
Top grain leather is also cut from the upper layer of the hide, but it is sanded and treated to remove imperfections. This process makes it look smoother and more uniform, but also removes the leather’s natural strength and ability to age with character. It is still a strong material, however, not as robust as full grain. While top grain is still a reasonable option given a lower budget, it simply cannot match the authenticity, longevity, and evolving beauty of full grain leather.
Why We Only Use Full Grain Leather
At LODRO, we believe that a professional’s bag should do more than carry belongings. It should hold your stories and experiences. That’s why we exclusively use full grain leather across our collection. It ensures our bags last for years and even decades. It evolves with you, becoming softer, richer, and uniquely yours.
Conclusion
While both full grain and top grain leather are solid options, the right choice ultimately depends on what you value most. Top grain leather is often more budget-friendly and provides a clean, polished look that makes it an attractive option for those who want a refined aesthetic at a lower price point. But if you’re looking to invest a little more in the highest quality leather that can last a lifetime and look better with time, then, full grain leather is the option to go with.