Leather 101: Understanding Full Grain vs. Top Grain vs. Genuine

Not all leather is created equal, and a few quick tips can be the difference between a lifetime investment and money down the drain.

Let's start with the oft heard “genuine leather.” It may sound premium, but it's essentially a catch-all term that represents the lowest tier of leather, often misleading the unsuspecting customer into thinking they are purchasing  a premium product. We explain this in detail on our Leather Lowdown page. LUMAZI only uses use full grain leather, the very best available. It comes from the outermost layer of the hide, preserving the natural grain and strength.

Why Full Grain Stands Out

Not only is this grade of leather coveted for its quality and beauty, people love it for its unaltered texture, which grants each piece its own, unique look. Its surface, for instance, will show natural variations in tone and texture, giving every product its own personality.

Lower grade leathers, which lack in quality and durability, are also heavily processed to look uniform and borderline plastic. Full grain leather wears beautifully over time, developing a rich, charismatic patina as opposed to fading or cracking.

Built to Last

Full grain leather contains the hide's most durable fibers, making it stronger and more breathable. It resists moisture and stains more effectively, even holding partial healing properties when rubbed against the natural oils of your hands, aging gracefully with regular use.

Luxurious

A high-quality, full grain leather looks, feels, and even smells superior, which is why it’s the most sought-after and premium leather available. In short, when it comes to grading leather products, you usually get what you pay for. 

What Makes LUMAZI Different

LUMAZI only uses full grain leather from elite tanneries in Europe and North America. Our leather is treated with oil wax for enhanced durability and elegance. Our products are hand-assembled with stainless steel hardware, ship free, and are backed by a lifetime warranty. 

All of this is why we confidently say, "you simply won't find a higher quality leather case anywhere."