Types of Leather

Full Aniline

Also called true aniline, naked aniline, pure aniline, unprotected, natural.

Prized for its soft, buttery texture and silken feel, full aniline leather absorbs minor scratches and nicks gracefully, developing a rich patina over time. Elite Leather uses only the world’s finest cowhides which display natural hallmarks such as healed scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles. These unique “beauty marks” reflect the authenticity of the leather. Transparent dyes enhance, rather than conceal, its character.

Semi-Aniline

Also called aniline-plus and protected leather.

It takes an additional step to turn aniline leather into semi-aniline. A pigmented topcoat is applied to help ward off spills and stains. This gives you the best of both worlds: the soft, natural “hand” of aniline leather plus enhanced cleanability. You can still see the natural markings and grain of the hide, yet the leather is more protected from your environment. This type of leather is the ideal choice for high-energy households where accidents are common.

SPECIAL EFFECTS LEATHER

For those seeking a one-of-a-kind look, special techniques can be used to emboss, hand-antiqued, color, and distress the leathers. For example, the leather can be hand-rubbed for a smoky, vintage look. Or infused with wax so that when it’s pulled during the upholstery process, a collage of light and dark areas appear. No matter which technique is used, the leather takes on a remarkable character all its own.

Nubuck

With its sensuous, velvety feel and lush appearance, nubuck leather appeals to all the senses. Top grain aniline leathers are gently buffed to remove the top cell layer. The result is a whisper-soft nap that delivers almost sinful tactile pleasure. The buffing only slightly obscures the hide’s color variations and natural markings. Nubuck is dramatically different in feel and quality than suede, which can’t match its strength and integrity.