Is Italian Leather Really Genuine Leather?

The premium leather for which Italy is renowned is the type of full-grain leather tanned with vegetable extracts. This type of leather is taken from the outermost layer of the animal's skin, which is the most durable part. It has an unaltered grain structure, making it incredibly robust. If you're looking for genuine leather, we have a wide selection and can help you find the perfect finish for your project.

Faux leather has a smooth, plastic-like edge, while genuine leather has a more natural, rugged edge. When sellers realized that people would pay more for Italian leather, they started searching for ways to get that extra money without having to pay for premium materials. The cheapest tanneries were established in Italy and began to produce cheaper furs. Since the phrase “Italian leather” doesn't specify quality, it can refer to any type of leather from Italy. You could even get away with calling bi-cast leather “Italian leather” as long as it was made in Italy.

Although burgundy is the traditional color of Latigo leather, it is now available in shades of brown, black and red. Italian leather is associated with high quality because, in its day, Italy was home to many prestigious leather tanneries. One of the characteristics of good quality Italian leather is that it uses full-grain leather and processes them in a way that produces a softer and more flexible leather than other vegetable tanning methods. But what does “Italian leather” mean? Does it automatically mean that the leather is of high quality? Italian leather is highly prized in fashion and design for its beautiful nuances and its long-lasting strength. Since the surface isn't finished, it's suitable for leather work such as printing, embossing, carving and engraving. As this process is only suitable for high-quality animal skins, it's one of the most expensive types of leather in the world. The problem arises during the manufacture of a final product rather than what type of leather is used.

As mentioned above, there are only a few protected terms in the leather industry and Italian Leather isn't a guarantee of quality. Genuine leather also tends to have an inconsistent texture because it's natural and more difficult to regulate. If you like leather, find out why Italian is the best for durable and elegant bags, belts or watch straps. Although curing isn't considered part of the tanning process, it's the first crucial step in obtaining leather.