Leather types

In general, leather is sold in three forms:

Full-Grain leather, made from the finest raw material, is clean natural hides which have not been sanded to remove imperfections. Only the hair has been removed. The grain remains in its normal state which will allow the best fiber power, resulting in greater strength. The natural grain also has natural breath ability, ensuing in greater comfort. The normal Full-Grain surface will wear recovered than other fur. Rather than wearing out, it will develop a natural "Patina" and grow more beautiful over time. The finest furniture, and footwear, are prepared from Full Grain leather.
Corrected-Grain leather, also known as Top-Grain leather, is wooly on one side and smooth on the other. The smooth side is the side where the hair and normal grain used to be. The hides, which are made from mediocre quality raw materials, have all of the natural grain sanded off, and a simulated grain applied. Top grain leather generally must be heavily painted to cover up the sanding and stamping process.