When choosing leather products, there is a material that offers a unique combination of affordability, and durability and is a low-price alternative to full-grain leather, it is known by the name split leather. Split leather is usually made from the lower layers of animal hides and undergoes some chemical processing and embossing to get the desired texture of leather.
Let's explore what split leather is, its features, and its comparison with full-grain and top-grain leather. We will also see some applications and usage of split leather and will help you with some tips for choosing the correct split leather.
What is Split Grain leather?
Split leather is a type of leather that is manufactured from the bottom layers of the animal hide. During the leather manufacturing process, the hide is split into two layers, the top grain layer and the bottom layer. The top grain layer, which is the upper portion of the hide, retains the natural grain, and characteristics of the leather are used to make the Top grain leather.
The split leather can be made from any animal hide like goat, buffalo, cowhide, horse, bison, etc. The split leather can be made from the inner side of any animal hide.
It involves the process of cleaning the hide, splitting the hide layers, and then buffing and sanding off the blemishes and imperfections. Split leather hides then go through embossing and dyeing to give it the desired colour and texture.
Split leather is very popular due to its soft texture and affordability. Split leather is suitable for those who are looking for an affordable alternative to full-grain or top-grain leather. It has a soft and breathable texture which is ideal for clothing and footwear as well.
Split leather goods are very easy to clean and maintain making them less prone to damage. With proper care, split leather goods can last many decades. If you are looking for a soft and comfortable leather type then split leather can be an ideal choice for you.
Split leather has some distinctive points that differentiate it from other types of leather. Let’s see some of the key points of split leather.
Made from the lower layers of hide: Split leather is made from the inner or lower side of the leather hide and has a smooth consistent texture.
Look and feel: Split leather is known for its soft and velvety texture, which feels luxurious to the touch. The surface of split leather has a fuzzy appearance.
Low price: Compared to top grain leather, split leather is often more affordable and low price due to which many people prefer this type of leather.
Easy to clean and maintain: Split leather is relatively easy to clean and maintain. It can be easily cleaned with a brush to remove dirt and stains, and some products can be washed with water too.
Applications of Split Grain Leather
Split leather has a soft and supple texture due to which it is used in many products. Here are some popular applications of split leather:
Fashion Industry: Split leather is highly functional, looks fashionable and is also affordable due to which it is used in making many fashion accessories like bags, wallets, belts, etc.
Clothing: Due to its breathable and soft texture, split leather is used in making clothing items like suits, jackets, etc.
Footwear: Split leather is used to make comfortable boots, sneakers etc.
Furniture: Split leather offers a cozy and soft feel due to which it is also used in making cushion covers, sofas, chairs etc.
Here's a guide on how to select good quality split leather:
Feel the texture: Authentic split leather has a soft and velvety texture. Run your fingers on the leather surface and it should feel soft and velvety.
Check the Label and tags: When purchasing split leather products, check the label or product description where it should be mentioned as split leather or the grade of leather.
Check Thickness and Weight: Split leather should have some weight and is thicker as compared to lower grades of leather or fake leather.
Smell the leather: Split leather has a distinct leathery smell. It should not have strong chemical or synthetic odors, which may indicate faux leather.
Take expert advice: You can consider taking advice from local leather retailers or any leather craftsmen for selecting the correct split leather goods.
Split Grain leather vs Full Grain Leather
Basis
Split Grain Leather
Full Grain Leather
Description
Split leather is made from the bottom layers of the animal hide and has a smooth and soft texture.
Full-grain leather is derived from the topmost layer of the animal hide and has imperfections like scars and marks on the leather.
Look and feel
Split leather is very soft and smooth and has a velvety feel to the touch.
Full-grain leather has a slightly raw look and feels uneven to the touch.
Durability
Split leather is less durable as compared to full-grain leather and is soft in texture.
Full-grain leather is known for its high durability. This leather can last for many decades.
Price
Split leather is an affordable alternative to full-grain leather and is less priced.
Full-grain leather is more expensive as compared to any other type of leather.
Split Grain leather vs Top Grain leather
Basis
Split Grain Leather
Top Grain Leather
Description
Split leather is made from the bottom layers of the animal hide and is sanded and buffed to give a smooth and soft texture.
It is derived from the top layer of the hide additional processing is done to remove the imperfections, resulting in a smoother surface.
Look and feel
Split leather is very soft and smooth and has a velvety fuzzy feel to the touch.
Natural grains and Imperfections such as scars, and wrinkles are present to some extent.
Durability
Split leather is less durable as compared to full-grain leather and is soft in texture.
Top Grain leather is among the highly durable leathers.
Price
Split leather is an affordable alternative to full-grain leather and is less priced.
Top Grain leather is expensive and used in premium goods.
Conclusion:
Split leather is a low-cost alternative to top grain and full grain leather and is widely used in many industries like clothing, footwear, and furniture as well. In this blog, we explored some tips and ways to choose the right split leather. With these informative tips, you can surely tell the split leather qualities and how it is different from other types of leather.
