Types of Leather: Everything You Need to Know

When shopping for leather products like journals and notebooks, you'll often see descriptions like full-grain, top-grain, genuine, or even faux/vegan leather. Although these terms might all sound premium, the truth is that each one represents very different levels of quality.

At Leatherpress, each of our journals is crafted with full-grain leather—the finest and most durable kind. We believe the quality of a full-grain leather journal is worth investing in. After all, it exists to provide a reliable, lasting home for your words and thoughts.

Below, we’ve developed a simple breakdown of what each of the leather types means so you can understand exactly the difference our full-grain leather makes. Scroll to the end for a quick chart summarizing the facts.

Types of Leather:

1. Full-Grain Leather

2. Top-Grain Leather

3. Genuine Leather

4. Faux/Vegan Leather

Full-Grain Leather

Step into thousands of years of history and heritage with full-grain leather. Full-grain leather is the highest grade of leather available—and the only kind we use here at Leatherpress. From the Ancient Egyptians to the Romans to countless other cultures, full-grain leather has been used by even the earliest civilizations for clothing, goods and necessities. 

Each of our journals, notebooks, and sketchbooks is carefully bound in a beautiful, durable full-grain leather cover. Even the colorful pebbled leather of our Inspire Collection (pictured in Pacific Blue and Quartz Pink above) is full-grain; in this case, it’s simply been dyed and embossed for a one-of-a-kind look and texture. 

Full-grain leather comes from the top layer of the hide and retains the natural grain—that is, it hasn’t been sanded or buffed. This means the leather is exceptionally strong, breathable, and long-lasting. The tactile experience of full-grain leather is unmatched by other leather types. Wrap your writing in sturdy leather with a scent and feel all its own. You’ll become familiar with it like returning home after time away.

Over time, full-grain leather develops a handsome patina—a natural sheen that tells a story and adds character, just as the contents of your journal do. Full-grain leather truly earns its price point, as it’s an investment in quality and timeless style. Every time you reach for your Leatherpress notebook, you’re embracing a historically rich legacy fashioned by a commitment to lasting value. Your journal will last through the decades, a conversation between your present and future self.

Top-Grain Leather

The next step down in quality from full-grain leather is top-grain leather. Top-grain leather also comes from the upper layer of the hide but has been sanded for a more uniform surface. Although it’s still a common choice for leather goods like handbags, sofas, or jackets, it lacks the aging potential and textured, classic character of full-grain leather. 

Genuine Leather

Despite its name, genuine leather is not as authentic as you might think. Genuine leather refers to the lower layers of the hide, often what’s left over after the top grain is removed. It undergoes heavy processing to make it appear like higher-grade leather, but in reality the quality is lacking. While it may look good at first, genuine leather tends to wear out faster, is less breathable, and often cracks or peels over time. It’s commonly used in products advertised as “budget-friendly,” but it often becomes a waste when the product deteriorates.

Faux Leather

Faux leather, sometimes referred to as artificial leather or vegan leather, isn’t actually leather at all. It’s a synthetic material made from plastic compounds like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Designed to imitate the look and feel of real leather, faux leather is often marketed as an affordable option. However, it lacks the breathability, durability, and aging qualities of real leather. Faux leather often cracks, sheds, or peels quickly, especially with frequent use. It ranks below even genuine leather in quality, and would not be considered an investment.

Summary Table

We hope this guide has helped you understand the differences between full-grain, top-grain, genuine, and faux leather—and why full-grain leather is worth the investment every time. At Leatherpress, our aim is to provide you with only the best journals, and that starts with the cover. Shop all of our notebooks and experience the difference full-grain leather makes here.