The Leather ABC:
A Concise Guide

  • Handcrafted: Products made primarily by hand, involving processes such as cutting, assembling, and finishing. Some stitching may still be done by machine.

    Handsewn: Products stitched entirely by hand, using traditional saddle stitching techniques that provide superior strength and durability compared to machine stitching.

    Monsieur: a French honorific meaning "Mister," used as a polite title for addressing or referring to a man.

  • Tote Bag: A spacious, open-top bag with handles, ideal for carrying everyday essentials.

    Pouch: A small, simple bag used for holding small items, often without straps.

    Crossbody Bag: A hands-free bag worn across the body, perfect for convenience.

    Clutch: A small, handheld bag, typically for formal occasions or evening wear.

    Backpack: A practical, two-strap bag worn on the back, suitable for carrying heavier loads.

    Satchel: A structured bag with a top handle and often a long shoulder strap.

    Messenger Bag: A crossbody bag with a flap, often used for work or commuting.

    Duffel Bag: A cylindrical bag with a zipper, great for sports or weekend trips.

    Bucket Bag: A structured bag with a round base, typically with a drawstring closure.

    Briefcase: A formal, structured bag for carrying documents and laptops.

    Hobo Bag: A slouchy, crescent-shaped bag with a single shoulder strap.

    Boston Bag: A classic, rounded bag with a structured design and top handles, often used for short trips or as a stylish day bag.

    These variations cater to different uses and fashion preferences.

  • Bifold Wallet: A classic fold wallet with compartments for cards and cash.

    Trifold Wallet: A wallet with three folds, offering more storage space.

    Cardholder: A slim wallet for cards, ideal for minimalists.

    Money Clip: A simple, compact option for holding cash and a few cards.

    Travel Wallet: A larger wallet for travel documents, cash, and cards.

    Zipper Wallet: A wallet with a zipper closure for extra security.

    Passport Wallet: Designed specifically for holding passports, tickets, and other travel documents.

    Coin Wallet: A small wallet with compartments for coins and small items.

    Long Wallet: A sleek, elongated wallet that can hold cash, cards, and documents without folding, often favored for its elegant appearance.

    These wallet types cater to various needs, from minimalism to travel convenience.

  • Cowhide: Durable and thick, ideal for heavy-duty products like bags and shoes.

    Goatskin: Soft, lightweight, and supple, perfect for luxury accessories.

    Salmon Skin: A unique, eco-friendly leather with a distinct texture and pattern.

    Sheepskin: Soft and lightweight, offering a comfortable, flexible feel.

    Calfskin: Smooth and refined, prized for its softness and quality, used in premium goods.

    Pigskin: Known for its toughness and fine grain, often used for linings or casual leather goods.

    Deerskin: Exceptionally soft and flexible, yet durable, offering a luxurious feel for gloves, garments, and high-end accessories.

    Lizard: Exotic and elegant, featuring a distinctive scale pattern, commonly used for small leather goods and statement pieces.

    Each type offers distinct characteristics suited to different products and preferences.

  • Pebbled Grain: Features a textured, bumpy surface that adds visual interest and enhances durability.

    Sleek Grain: Smooth and polished, offering a refined, luxurious look.

    Full Grain: The highest quality, maintaining the original texture and marks of the hide.

    Top Grain: Slightly sanded for a smoother feel while still preserving strength.

    Corrected Grain: Treated to remove imperfections, resulting in a more uniform texture.

    Genuine leather: A term used in the leather industry to describe a specific quality of leather, typically ranking below higher grades like top-grain leather or full-grain leather. Despite its name, it does not necessarily indicate high quality.

    Each grain type influences the look, feel, and durability of the leather.

  • Burnishing: Polishing the edges of leather to create a smooth, finished look.

    Stitching: The process of sewing leather pieces together, often done by hand for durability and aesthetic detail.

    Beveling: Smoothing and rounding the edges of leather for a polished finish.

    Embossing: Pressing designs into leather for decorative purposes.

    Hot Foil Stamping: A technique using heat and pressure to imprint metallic or colored foil onto leather for a luxurious, custom finish.

    Skiving: Thinning leather in specific areas to make it easier to fold or sew.

    Edge Paint: A colored coating applied to leather edges for a clean, decorative look.

    Awl: A pointed tool used to create holes in leather for stitching.

    This glossary showcases the refined techniques that make leather products unique and high-quality.