Accessories Materials & Fabrics
Accessories are sold on material quality more than anything else. This hub explains the leathers, tanning methods and technical fabrics used across wallets, belts and bags, so you can judge what you are buying and why it is priced as it is.
Leathers
Full-Grain Leather
The top layer of the hide with its natural grain intact -- the highest grade.
What it is
Full-grain leather keeps the outermost surface of the hide untouched, showing natural markings and the tight top grain.
Why it matters
It is the strongest, longest-lasting leather and develops a patina with age, which is why it commands the highest price.
Top-Grain Leather
The upper hide lightly sanded to even out the surface.
What it is
Top-grain leather has the very top layer buffed and refinished, removing blemishes for a uniform look.
Why it matters
It is more consistent and a little more supple than full-grain, though slightly less durable and patina-forming.
Genuine Leather
A catch-all term for real leather from the lower layers of the hide.
What it is
Genuine leather is real leather, but usually from the split lower layers, often surface-coated to look uniform.
Why it matters
It is real and affordable, but less durable than full or top grain; the label alone does not signal high quality.
Saffiano Leather
A cross-hatch textured, coated leather that resists scratches.
What it is
Saffiano is leather stamped with a fine diagonal cross-hatch and sealed with a protective coating.
Why it matters
The texture and coating make it scratch and water resistant, which is why it is popular for structured wallets and bags.
Pebble Leather
Leather with a raised, bumpy grain, natural or embossed.
What it is
Pebble leather has a rounded, textured surface that can be a natural grain or pressed in.
Why it matters
The texture hides scuffs and wear well and gives a relaxed, tactile finish.
Nubuck
Top-grain leather sanded to a fine, velvety nap.
What it is
Nubuck is full or top-grain leather buffed on the outer side to raise a short, soft nap.
Why it matters
It feels luxurious but marks and stains more easily than smooth leather, so it needs protecting.
Suede
The soft, napped underside of the hide.
What it is
Suede is made from the inner split of the hide, giving an all-over soft nap.
Why it matters
It is supple and warm-looking, but the most delicate leather finish; it needs a protector and gentle care.
Tanning
Vegetable-Tanned Leather
Leather tanned with natural plant tannins.
What it is
Vegetable tanning uses tannins from bark and plants over weeks, giving a firm leather that starts pale and darkens.
Why it matters
It ages into a rich patina and is the traditional choice for burnished-edge, hand-finished goods.
Chrome-Tanned Leather
Leather tanned quickly with chromium salts.
What it is
Chrome tanning uses mineral salts to tan hides in a day, producing soft, supple and colour-stable leather.
Why it matters
It is the most common modern tannage, giving even colour and softness, though it patinas less than veg-tan.
Textiles and synthetics
Waxed Canvas
Cotton canvas impregnated with wax for water resistance.
What it is
Waxed canvas is heavy cotton treated with wax so water beads off while the fabric stays breathable.
Why it matters
It gives a rugged, weather-ready bag material that ages with character and can be re-waxed.
Ballistic Nylon
A dense, high-strength woven nylon originally made for armour.
What it is
Ballistic nylon is a thick, tightly woven nylon developed for durability against abrasion and tearing.
Why it matters
It makes exceptionally tough, lightweight bags that shrug off hard travel and daily knocks.
Cordura(R)
A branded family of hard-wearing, abrasion-resistant fabrics.
What it is
Cordura is a trademarked high-tenacity nylon fabric engineered for abrasion, tear and scuff resistance.
Why it matters
It is a benchmark for tough, lightweight bag and accessory fabric that lasts.
Vegan Leather
A leather-look material made without animal hide.
What it is
Vegan leather is a synthetic or plant-based material, often polyurethane, finished to mimic leather.
Why it matters
It suits those avoiding animal products and can be lighter and easy-clean, though durability varies by grade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between full-grain and top-grain leather?
Full-grain keeps the natural top surface of the hide intact, making it the strongest and best for patina. Top-grain has that surface lightly sanded and refinished for a more uniform, slightly softer result that is a touch less durable.
Is genuine leather good quality?
Genuine leather is real leather but usually made from the lower splits of the hide and surface-coated. It is affordable and hard-wearing enough for everyday use, but it is not as durable or long-lasting as full or top-grain leather.
Why is saffiano leather so scratch resistant?
Saffiano is stamped with a fine cross-hatch texture and sealed with a protective coating. Together these resist scratches and water, which is why it is favoured for structured wallets and bags that see daily handling.