Certain facts about leather are known by everyone. It’s durable, lasts a long time, has a fantastic smell, and looks awesome. Of course, there is much more to leather than most people realize. Leather has captivated humanity for thousands of years, and even today, it remains a symbol of durability, craftsmanship, and timeless style. But beyond the appeal of leather jackets and other fashionable leather garments, there’s a world of surprising facts about leather that many people don’t know. The leather industry is a global powerhouse, blending age-old traditions with modern innovations to produce leather that fits a wide range of uses—from heavy-duty boots to stylish wallpaper.

Historically, leather was essential to daily life. In Ancient Rome, leather was used to make everything from armor to scrolls, while Egyptian women were known to wear leather sandals and use finely crafted leather accessories. Today, the tanning process has evolved far beyond the rudimentary tanning methods of the past. Modern leather production focuses on sustainability and ethical sourcing while still emphasizing quality. Only the best leather comes from quality hides that have been carefully selected and expertly treated.

There are different grades of leather, and each has its own story. Full grain leather is widely recognized as the highest quality leather, maintaining the complete grain layer for unmatched durability and character. Right behind it is top grain leather, which is slightly sanded down for a smoother appearance but still retains much of its strength and beauty. On the other hand, genuine leather, while real, is often made from the lower layers of the hide and is considered lower on the quality spectrum. There’s also artificial leather, a popular alternative for those looking to avoid animal products, though it doesn’t quite offer the same feel or aging potential as natural leather.

Interestingly, some of the thickest leather comes from exotic animals, used for specific leather items like boots or belts. Leather remains a versatile material, crafted not only into fashion pieces but also into car interiors, home décor, and even protective gear. The protective finish added during the tanning stage helps enhance its longevity, especially in high-wear applications. Whether it's a bag made from tanned leather or a jacket crafted from the raw material of premium hide, leather’s allure lies in its enduring quality, functionality, and historical depth.

Leather has been used for centuries in ways you may not expect. As well as creating armor out of it, the Romans used leather for other items, like weapons, tents, furniture, and wallpaper.

They weren’t the only ones using leather either. Egyptian women wore leather as fashionable clothing, the English created handmade leather mugs, and in the early 19th century, leather replaced wood to make golf balls.

Most people assume leather comes from cows, goats, or sheep, though several exotic options are available. The skins of alligators, deer, ostrich, and snakes are a few of these.

Even some water-based creatures are used for leather in some countries. In Thailand, leather comes from stingrays. Siberians and Scandinavians were known for their salmon leather centuries ago, though this type of leather is only produced in Iceland and Norway these days.

Leather is one of the best materials available for the eco-conscious. It is renewable, natural, and biodegradable, so it has a minimal environmental impact. Leather is also highly durable, lasting for decades. In the United States, as well as many other countries, leather comes from animals already being used for the meat industry, so there is less waste and fewer animals killed.

Though vegan leather seems like the better choice since it doesn’t use any animal by-products, most vegan leather is made of polyurethane, recycled plastics, or rubber. These materials lack durability, needing to be replaced often, plus they don’t biodegrade, adding to our already high carbon footprint.

The texture of leather can change depending on its environment, due to the thousands of pores in the material. When in a humid environment, leather absorbs more moisture, becoming softer.

In drier areas, not only is there no moisture to absorb, but the material can lose what moisture it contains. The material becomes tough and could even crack if left exposed to such conditions for too long. When your leather items are not in use, it’s best to store them in a climate-controlled area to avoid such extreme conditions.

Leather can be dyed a variety of colors, such as red, blue, purple, yellow, or green. White is also an option, though it is the most difficult to produce. This is because many hides can’t absorb the white dye without resulting in a cracked, unappealing look. Due to the tricky process to create white leather, it is the rarest option, and also the most expensive.

When it comes to the leather industry, there’s more than meets the eye. Did you know that the leather industry generates billions of dollars globally every year? This booming market is fueled by the demand for high-quality leather products, with luxury brands often opting for the finest materials like top grain leather to craft their exclusive designs. Genuine leather, such as kangaroo leather, is highly sought after for its durability, lightweight nature, and unique texture. The leather material used in crafting everything from jackets to accessories plays a crucial role in the final product's appeal.

The leather production process is an intricate art that begins with selecting the highest quality leather from quality hides, and sometimes the thickest leather available. While traditional methods continue to dominate, modern manufacturers also utilize synthetic alternatives to offer more eco-friendly options without sacrificing style or durability. The intricate process that makes leather a premium material is rooted in decades of craftsmanship and innovation.

In addition to its timeless appeal, the leather business is constantly evolving, with leather goods ranging from everyday items like wallets to luxury jackets and leather products. Whether you're looking for top grain leather for an investment piece or exploring the appeal of genuine leather alternatives, it's clear that leather remains one of the most versatile and coveted materials in the fashion world.