Italian Leather blog

There is much confusion about what Italian leather is, and why it is called the best in the world. While it is true that many types of the finest leather are created in Italy, there are other countries that produce exceptional leather as well.

What exactly Italian leather is, is also a matter of debate. Many factors can lead to a piece of leather being called Italian. Hides that are processed in Italy (though they originated elsewhere) can be called Italian leather. Also, some firms that are registered in Italy, call their products Italian leather though there may be no connection between the final product and Italy!

Great leather is largely determined by the quality of the rawhide – and that in turn depends on the health and the quality of the animal from whom the hide was taken. Most leather comes from cows, but much of the fine Italian leather is actually Ostrich hide.

Regardless of what the definition is, Italian leather has come to be synonymous with quality. So what are the qualities of this magical leather that is superior to all others?

Full Grain Leather

The skin of an animal is made up of several layers. The outermost layer of the hide is the strongest and the most beautiful. You can clearly see the grain of the skin and it is therefore called Full grain leather.

The best leather is always made of Full grain leather and it also the longest lasting. With proper treatment, it can be tough or soft depending on the use. As it ages, it acquires a lovely sheen that adds value to the object. It can be used in high end furniture and carefully crafted leather accessories.

No Markings

The best quality leather has no blemishes. Several factors such as injury can create marks on an animal’s skin that don’t affect it’s integrity, but takes away from it’s status as a perfect product. The finest Italian leather is always blemish free.

Accessories

These characteristics make Italian leather suitable for high end purposes. Let’s take a look at some of the applications they can be put to:

Wallets and Purses

Wallets and purses are ideally suited to fine Italian leather. This is because they are luxury items that can be taken care of, thus ensuring that the leather remains unblemished. They can be viewed as status symbols and only the finest Italian leather is worthy of being the best.

Shoes

The best furniture can come covered with Italian leather to add to it’s luster and luxuriousness. You sometimes find antique furniture that is coated with quality leather and they are highly prized. Furniture is easier to take care of than shoes with regard to scratches, and so they are ideally suited for being adorned with Italian leather.