Not sure how to distinguish between nubuck and suede? Think "100% leather" is all you need to know? Find out here with this glossary:
Leather - An animal pelt which has been tanned (chemical and mechanical process to eliminate perishables) and turned into a material.
Full-grain - The original, unaltered hide which has had the hair removed. Shows the full grain of the animal. High quality.
Lambskin - Leather from a young sheep or lamb.
Kidskin - Leather from a young goat.
Calfskin - Leather from young bovine (cow).
Cowhide - Leather from a mature cow.
Pigskin - Leather from pigs and hogs.
Shearling (some pros classify this as a fur) - Leather from sheep with the wool still attached.
Suede - The flesh side (underside) of the leather is buffed to produce a nap.
Top grain - This is a confusing term and it's usually used when the grain isn't real -- it's been "corrected" or sanded away and imitation grain has been stamped on the leather. "Full grain" or "Full top grain" indicate the original grain remains. Usually a cheaper leather.
Cordovan - From the portion of the hide called the shell, which is produced with vegetable dyes and results in a very high-quality piece (usually shoes) that have an always-polished look.
Embossed - A pattern that is applied using extreme pressure to leather. Often this produces the look of another type skin (crocodile, alligator, ostrich, etc.)
Split - The hide is sliced into pieces to give uniform thickness and the inside (flesh side) is finished as suede.
Nubuck - Leather that is buffed on the grain (hair) side of the grain to produce a velvety fine nap.
Patent - Leather that has a high gloss finish produced by oils, varnish and resin.
Tips
-In general, the less the skin has been treated (dyed, corrected, etc.) the higher the
quality of the piece.
-Leather should look natural, smell good and have a great hand (feel great when you touch
it.)
-Full grain leather is the highest quality, split leather is the cheapest.
