If you've ever stood in a store holding two bags that both claim to be 'leather' and wondered why one costs three times the other - the answer almost always comes down to the type of leather used. In this guide, we're breaking down every major type of leather used in bags, what makes each one better or worse, and why Nam Leather chooses the materials it does for every genuine leather bag in its collection.
THE LEATHER QUALITY SPECTRUM: FROM BEST TO WORST
1. FULL-GRAIN LEATHER - THE GOLD STANDARD
Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather available. It comes from the outermost layer of the hide and retains all of the natural grain and markings. Full-grain leather is the most durable and develops the most beautiful patina over time.
- Natural surface with visible pores and markings
- Develops a rich patina with use
- Most breathable type of leather
- Extremely durable - can last decades
Nam Leather sources quality hides that deliver the full-grain experience - real texture, real character, real longevity.
2. TOP-GRAIN LEATHER - PREMIUM AND REFINED
Top-grain leather is lightly sanded to remove imperfections and then embossed with a more uniform grain pattern. Still very durable, great balance of durability and aesthetics. Used by mid-to-high-end brands.
3. CORRECTED-GRAIN LEATHER - ENTRY LEVEL REAL LEATHER
Heavily sanded and embossed with an artificial grain pattern. Less breathable, doesn't develop patina the same way. Real leather, but the lowest tier before bonded.
4. GENUINE LEATHER - THE TERM THAT CONFUSES EVERYONE
Technically refers to leather from lower layers of the hide. More processed, less durable. However - when Nam Leather describes its products as genuine leather bags, it means real leather - not synthetic, not bonded, not faux.
5. BONDED LEATHER - NOT REAL LEATHER IN ANY MEANINGFUL SENSE
Made from leather scraps glued together with polyurethane. Will peel and crack within 1-2 years. Nam Leather never uses bonded leather.
6. SUEDE AND NUBUCK - SOFT ALTERNATIVES
Both are real leather. Suede from inner split of hide. Nubuck is top-grain buffed for soft texture. Both are genuine leather but require more maintenance.
WHAT TYPE OF LEATHER DOES NAM LEATHER USE?
Nam Leather sources quality hides for its genuine leather bags - prioritizing natural character, durability, and texture that only real leather can deliver. Every genuine leather bag from Nam Leather is crafted in Canggu with attention to the material from the first cut to the final stitch.
WHICH LEATHER IS BEST FOR BAGS?
For everyday bags, top-grain and full-grain leather are the sweet spot. What you should absolutely avoid: bonded leather, PU leather, or any material that isn't real hide. Nam Leather genuine leather bags are built on this philosophy.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LEATHER BAG FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE
- Daily commuter or traveler: Full-grain or top-grain. Built for heavy use.
- Professional use: Top-grain. Polished and durable.
- Casual/lifestyle: Full-grain develops beautiful character over time.
- Beachside Canggu life: Nam Leather genuine leather bags are designed for exactly this.
