Leather Terminology

Aniline Finish: Skins are drum-dyed for a soft, smooth feel. They are usually coated with protein, resin, lacquer, or can be waxed

Distressed: Buffing surface to create uneven coloration and markings for a weathered look

Glazed Finish: Surface is polished to a high luster by pressurized glass or steel rollers

Grain: Refers to the outer surface, markings or the patterns on the leather's surface

Leather: A generic term used for all kinds of tanned animal hides or skins

Metallic: Metallic color applied during the tanning process for a lustrous appearance

Napa: Commonly refers to the surface or top grain of any soft leather hide

Patent: Heavily finished to give a highly lustrous, baked-enamel type appearance

Pearlized: Spray-on finish giving pearlized effect

Shearling: Natural lamb pelts with the leather side often suede and worn on the outside

Split: When a thick hide is split, the term refers to the top surface that looks like suede but is not as soft

Suede: Leathers that are finished by buffing the underside of a hide to produce a velvet-like nap

Unbuckle: Lightly buffed top grain to a very fine nap that appears smoother than suede

The Leather Apparel Association
4705 Center Blvd., Suite 806
Long Island City, NY 11109
Tel: 718-606-0767
Fax: 718-606-6345
Email: fharrow@leatherassociation.com