Handcrafted full grain leather pieces designed to age beautifully over time.
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What Is Full Grain Leather?
Full grain leather is the highest quality of leather, left unaltered to preserve the natural grain of the hide. Because it is not sanded or corrected, it retains its original texture, markings, and strength, making every piece unique.
Known for its durability, full grain leather develops a rich patina over time, deepening in color and character through use. For this reason, it is traditionally used for high end products designed to last and improve with age.
Why Full Grain Leather?
What makes full grain leather stand out is its structure. Because it comes from the top layer of the hide and keeps the entire natural grain intact, it contains tightly packed fibers that give it unmatched strength and longevity.
This structure allows full grain leather to resist wear, maintain its shape, and age gracefully. Instead of deteriorating, it develops patina, a natural shine and color variation that only adds to its appeal over time.
For products meant to be worn, carried, and relied on daily, this difference matters.
The Grain
The term grain refers to the outermost layer of the hide, which has dense, tightly packed fibers. This part of the hide is where the hair follicles were originally located, and it is the toughest part of the hide. The grain is characterized by unique patterns and markings, with no two hides ever exactly the same. Full grain leather includes this entire outer layer, giving products a natural and distinctive appearance.
The Junction
Beneath the grain lies the junction, where the grain transitions into the lower layers of the hide. In this area, the fiber density begins to loosen slightly. Full grain leather includes both the grain and the junction but does not include the corium. This is essential, as the dense fibers in these layers are what give full grain leather its renowned strength and durability.
The Split
The split refers to the lower layers of the hide that are separated when the top grain is removed. These layers have looser fibers and are significantly less durable. They are often used to produce suede or corrected grain leather. In full grain leather, the split is completely removed, leaving only the strongest and most durable part of the hide.
Full Grain Leather Compared to Other Leathers
Leather quality depends on which part of the hide is used and how much it is processed. Full grain leather retains the natural surface of the hide, preserving strength and allowing the material to age naturally. Other leather types are altered to improve uniformity, softness, or cost, which changes how they perform over time.
Full Grain Leather vs Top Grain Leather
Top grain leather is produced by sanding the surface of full grain leather to remove natural marks, creating a smoother appearance. This reduces fiber strength and prevents the leather from developing a natural patina. Full grain leather remains unaltered, making it stronger and longer lasting.
| Key difference | Full grain leather | Top grain leather |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Natural grain preserved | Sanded and treated |
| Strength | Very high | Reduced |
| Aging | Develops patina | Does not develop patina |
Full Grain Leather vs Suede Leather
Suede is made from the underside of the hide, giving it a soft texture but much lower durability. It is more sensitive to water and stains and wears down faster. Full grain leather uses the strongest outer layer of the hide, making it suitable for daily use.
| Key difference | Full grain leather | Suede leather |
|---|---|---|
| Hide layer | Outer layer | Underside split |
| Durability | High | Low |
| Water resistance | More resistant | Absorbs easily |
Full Grain Leather vs Genuine Leather
Despite its name, genuine leather refers to lower grade leather made from the inner layers of the hide. It is often heavily processed and coated, which limits breathability and aging. Full grain leather retains its natural grain and develops character over time.
| Key difference | Full grain leather | Genuine leather |
|---|---|---|
| Hide layer | Top layer | Inner layers |
| Processing | Minimal | Heavy |
| Longevity | Long term | Short term |
For a detailed explanation of full grain leather, its structure, and how it compares to other leather types, you can read our complete guide here:
Our Full Grain Leather Sources
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany has been a center of leather tanning since the Middle Ages. Its tanneries are known for traditional vegetable tanning methods that result in leather with rich color, natural aroma, and exceptional durability.
The leather sourced from this region reflects centuries of craftsmanship and respect for material.
Igualada, Spain
Igualada has produced leather since the 10th century and remains one of Spain’s most respected tanning regions. Combining traditional techniques with modern precision, Igualada tanneries produce full grain leather known for consistency, strength, and character.
By sourcing from Tuscany and Igualada, we ensure our leather carries both material excellence and cultural heritage.
Aging, Patina and Longevity
One of the defining characteristics of full grain leather is how it ages. Exposure to light, oils from the hands, and daily use causes the leather to darken slightly and develop a patina. Rather than deteriorating, full grain leather matures. Scratches and wear marks blend into the surface, adding character instead of damage. With proper care, full grain leather products can last for decades and are often passed down over generations.
Care and Maintenance
Moisture and Drying
Full grain leather has a natural resistance to small amounts of moisture, but it should never be exposed to prolonged or heavy wet conditions. If the leather becomes damp, any excess water should be gently wiped away with a soft cloth. The piece should then be left to dry naturally in a well ventilated space. Heat sources such as radiators, hair dryers, or direct sun should always be avoided, as they can strip the leather of its natural oils and cause the fibers to harden or crack.
Light, Heat, and Storage
Light and warmth play a role in how full grain leather ages, but balance is essential. While everyday exposure contributes to the development of patina, prolonged or intense sunlight can lead to uneven fading and dryness. When not in use, full grain leather products are best stored in a cool, dry environment with good air circulation. Proper storage helps the leather retain its structure, prevents unnecessary stress on the fibers, and reduces the risk of mold or mildew.
Conditioning and Suppleness
Over time, full grain leather benefits from occasional conditioning. Applying a high quality leather conditioner helps replenish natural oils that are gradually absorbed through use. This keeps the leather supple, supports even aging, and enhances the depth of the patina. Conditioning should be done sparingly, allowing the leather to absorb what it needs without becoming oversaturated or coated.
Aging with Care
Full grain leather is not meant to remain unchanged. With use, it will soften, darken slightly, and develop subtle marks that reflect its history. Scratches and creases become part of the surface rather than damage to be hidden. When cared for with attention and restraint, full grain leather maintains its strength and beauty while becoming increasingly personal over time.
Ethics, Cost and Sustainability
Full grain leather is more expensive because it uses only the highest quality hides, requires longer production time, and demands skilled craftsmanship. Vegetable tanning is a slow, traditional process that prioritizes durability and longevity over speed.
While vegan alternatives continue to evolve, most are plastic based and lack the breathability, aging potential, and lifespan of full grain leather. Responsible sourcing, ethical tanning, and long lasting products remain central to sustainable leather craftsmanship.
Full Grain Leather Bags
Full grain leather bags are designed for long term use. Made from the strongest part of the hide, they retain their structure while developing patina through daily wear.
Instead of losing shape or surface quality, full grain leather bags adapt to use, softening slightly, deepening in tone, and becoming uniquely personal over time.
Leather Wallets from Atelier Madre
Full Grain Leather Wallets
A wallet is handled every day, which makes durability essential. Full grain leather wallets resist cracking and peeling, maintain their shape, and age naturally.
Each crease and mark becomes part of the leather’s character rather than a flaw, making full grain leather wallets reliable companions for years of use.
Leather Wallets from Atelier Madre
Full Grain Leather Belts
Full grain leather belts stand out for their strength and longevity. Because they retain the top layer of the hide, they do not stretch excessively, crack, or peel like lower grade leathers.
Over time, a full grain leather belt develops patina, a soft sheen and subtle color changes that make it look better with age. This is why full grain leather belts are often considered lifetime accessories when properly cared for.
Leather Belts from Atelier Madre
Full Grain Leather Sleeves for Macbook and IPad
Full grain leather laptop sleeves combine protection with refinement. The dense fiber structure provides durability, while the leather’s natural flexibility allows it to adapt to regular handling.
As with all full grain leather products, the surface evolves with use, developing depth and character without compromising function.
Leather Sleeves from Atelier Madre
Atelier Madre
In September 2021, we opened our doors in the heart of the city centre of Barcelona.
If you pass by, you will not only see us creating in the workshop, you can also shop directly from us.
We welcome you to come and see the whole collection firsthand.
If you are in Barcelona, visit us and let's have a chat.
Our address: Carrer del Rec 20, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Open: Monday-Sunday 11:00-20:00