What Is Full Grain Leather and Why Is It the Best Choice If You Are Looking for a High Quality Leather Wallet Phone Case

Full-grain leather phone cases are always the best leather cases on the market. However, when we’re looking for a leather wallet phone case, if you go to Amazon, there are going to be millions of products ranging from 5 bucks to 100 bucks. You’ll find faux leather, PU leather, genuine leather, and more. If you’re looking for the best of the best leather cases, full-grain leather is the only choice for luxury, high quality, and classic taste.

However, most people have no idea what full-grain leather is or why it’s so highly recommended. In today’s blog, we’ll break down everything about full-grain leather and why it’s the perfect option for your leather wallet phone case choice.

Full-grain leather is the pinnacle of leather quality, sourced from the strongest and most durable part of an animal’s hide—the top layer, just beneath the hair. Many industries like fashion, automotive, furniture, and luxury goods and accessories sought this material. Thus, the full-grain leather market was valued at $17.69 billion and is projected to grow to $30.23 billion by 2030.

Before we go deeper, let’s first talk about the different layers of animal hide used to make leather.

Leather is like the skin of an animal that we remove the hair from. Usually, when we make leather from raw skins, there are several layers of leather during the tanning process. Different layers will have different levels of durability, patterns, and different uses.

Normally, the hide of animals can be like a sandwich style:

• Top Layer: Full grain (natural grain) or top grain (sanded grain).

• Middle Layer: Split grain (used for suede or lower-quality goods).

• Bottom Layer: Bonded leather (scraps glued together).

Full-grain leather is the very top layer and highest-quality layer. It is much more durable, has natural textures, and is used for premium leather goods.

Unlike other types of leather, it isn’t sanded or treated to remove marks, so it keeps its original grain, including scars, pores, and wrinkles. These natural details make it look unique and also help it last a really long time.

If you want leather that’s tough, stylish, and only gets better with age, full-grain leather is the way to go!

So, full grain leather has the most natural state of animal's hide, which means it has more defects. But let’s say it is perfect in its own way.

Yes, full grain leather will not be flawless because it has scars, bites, stretch marks, and other imperfections that an animal can have. The surface can be smooth or slightly pebbled, depending on the animal and the tanning process.

Below, I'll show you full-grain leather vs. other types of leather. You can see that the other kinds look almost perfect, but the full grain leather has lots of scars and marks.

Besides, full grain leather develops a rich patina over time, meaning it gets softer and gains a unique character with use. Please check the photo below:

Now, if you search our market, there are several different kinds of leathers you might have heard of: Full Grain Leather, Genuine Leather, Suede Leather, and Faux Leather.

Full Grain Leather: This is the leather from the very top of animal skins. It has natural textures (sometimes with scars), and it is more durable than other kinds. It also needs minimal processing during tanning. And it always feels more premium and thinner than other kinds, too.

Genuine Leather: Don’t get fooled by the term. Some brands in the market want to stir the water by telling you this is genuine leather to make you think it is of high quality. Now, from a literal perspective, any kind of leather made from animal skins is real leather. But in professional leather tanning terms, genuine leather is lower-grade leather made from skin that has had the best top layer removed. It then undergoes more processing, sometimes with added man-made textures to make it look like full grain leather.

Suede Leather | Bonded Leather: This kind of leather is made from the bottom layers of animal skins. Sometimes, it is even worse than faux leather. Feels like plastic on the top.

Faux Leather is a synthetic material created to replicate the texture, appearance, and sometimes even the smell of real leather. It’s commonly used in fashion, furniture, accessories, and phone cases. While it doesn’t have the same natural qualities as genuine leather, it offers a cruelty-free and budget-friendly option for those who want the leather look without the high cost or ethical concerns.

If you are looking for something luxurious and premium that you will use daily, and your wallet can afford it, choosing full grain leather is always the best option.

If you’re looking for the best leather out there, full grain leather is the top choice. It lasts the longest, feels the nicest, and keeps the natural beauty of the leather. Below are the most common kinds of full grain leather in the market.

This leather is tanned using things like tree bark and plants instead of chemicals. It starts off a bit stiff but gets softer and better-looking over time. It’s perfect for things like belts, wallets, and bags that you want to last for years.

This leather is treated with special salts to make it softer and more flexible. It also resists water better than other types. You’ll find it in shoes, jackets, and even car seats because it’s comfy and durable.

This type of leather has oils and waxes added to it, which gives it a rich, worn-in look that changes over time. When you bend or scratch it, the color shifts, making it look unique. This kind of leather is great for boots, bags, and furniture.

This is the softest and most natural-looking leather because it’s dyed without a thick coating. It feels amazing to touch, but since there’s no protective layer, it can get stained easily. It’s often used for fancy furniture and high-end leather goods.

This leather is similar to aniline leather but has a light coating to protect it from stains. It still looks natural but is a little tougher. You’ll see it in luxury car seats and furniture that need to be both beautiful and durable.

This leather has a special crosshatch pattern stamped onto it, making it super tough against scratches and water. That’s why luxury brands love using it for handbags and wallets—it stays looking new for a long time.

Those types above are the most common full grain leather in the market. If you want something that ages beautifully, go for vegetable-tanned or oil-pull-up leather. If you need soft and flexible leather, chrome-tanned is a great pick. For a luxurious feel, aniline and semi-aniline leather are amazing. And if you want something super durable, saffiano leather is the way to go.

You will generally see more defects on full-grain leather because it keeps the natural surface of the hide, with scars, stretch marks, and other imperfections. This makes every piece unique. Unlike corrected or embossed leather, full grain develops a rich patina over time, getting softer and gaining character with use.

Corrected grain has a lot taken off, with a thick finish added. Nubuck has enough removed to create a slightly fuzzy texture. Embossed leather is also not considered “full grain,” but it can be full grain that’s simply been stamped with an embossing plate.

Top-grain leather, which has some of the surface removed, is often used in upholstery for a more uniform look. While it’s not as natural as full grain, some top-grain leathers—especially embossed ones—can still be just as good in durability and feel.

Full-grain leather is utilized in various products where quality and durability are paramount. High-end shoes and boots often feature full-grain leather uppers, offering both comfort and longevity. Items like belts, wallets, and bags benefit from the strength and unique look of full-grain leather. Premium furniture pieces use full-grain leather for its durability and the rich patina it develops over time.

Full-grain leather is also making its way into modern everyday carry (EDC) accessories, such as high-end phone cases. Leatherborne phone cases, for example, use genuine full-grain leather to provide a sophisticated look while ensuring durability. These cases develop a rich patina over time, making each one unique to its owner. The leather also offers a natural grip, reducing the chances of accidental slips while maintaining a premium feel.

The process involves several stages, including preparation, tanning, and finishing.

I. Preparation

• Treat: The hide is treated to preserve it and make it temporarily imputrescible
• Soak: The hide is soaked to clean and rehydrate it
• Lime: The hide is soaked in an alkali solution to remove proteins and natural fats and greases
• Remove hair: The hair is removed from the hide
• Remove subcutaneous materials: Fat and other subcutaneous materials are removed from the hide

II. Tanning

• The hide is put into a rotating drum with tanning material
• The pH levels are stabilized

III. Finishing

• The leather is treated and cured with natural oils to maintain its softness and elasticity
• The leather is dyed and sealed

To keep your full-grain leather phone case looking its best, follow these simple care tips:

• Clean Gently: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and dust. Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive water.

• Condition Occasionally: Apply a leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking.

• Avoid Extreme Conditions: Keep your case away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to maintain its quality.

Check out our full premium leather maintenance guide to learn more ways.

Leather isn’t just about looks—it’s about quality, durability, and craftsmanship. If you can, always go for full grain leather over other types. It lasts longer, gets better with age, and feels amazing. It’s a smart choice if you want something that stays stylish for years.

At Leatherborne, we take pride in making phone cases from the best full grain leather. Check out our collection and see the difference for yourself!