Buying a leather jacket is an investment that those of us at Independence Brothers say is an extension of yourself. Choosing a leather jacket, therefore, is a multi-faceted decision. How do you choose among the best leather jackets for men? What kind of style do you want? A leather biker jacket? A leather bomber jacket? What color do you want? And most importantly, what kind of leather do you want?

When shopping for a leather jacket, it's essential to understand the different types of leather available. Among the most sought-after options is top grain leather, known for its durability and luxurious feel. It’s often considered a step below full grain leather but still offers a high-quality product. Top grain leather is made by removing the top layer of the hide, which gives it a smoother, more uniform appearance. However, this process can sometimes involve processed leather, which reduces the natural imperfections and marks that give real leather its unique character.

While genuine leather is a common term used to describe real leather, it's important to note that it can be made from lower quality leather, typically the lower layers of the hide, making it less durable compared to top grain leather or full grain leather. The key differences between these types of leather come down to the surface quality, the appearance, and the durability. Top grain leather strikes a balance between higher quality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a durable leather jacket without breaking the bank. On the other hand, full grain leather retains the natural texture and imperfections of the hide, providing a rugged look that some people prefer. Understanding these differences will help you make a more informed decision about whether top grain leather is the right choice for your next jacket.

There are a few leather qualities that are available when you purchase a leather jacket:

• Top grain
• Full grain
• Corrected
• Genuine

The quality of leather refers to the leather itself, and how altered or close it is to its natural setting. It has an effect on how the leather feels as well. We will chat about what distinguishes top grain from the rest. Ultimately, we want you to be able to decide whether or not you should get a top grain jacket when you finally make that purchase.

The quality of a leather jacket is determined by how the leather has been handled before being turned into a jacket. We mentioned the qualities before, but let’s take this opportunity to go into it in more detail:

Genuine leather is the lowest quality leather. When full grain leather is split, genuine leather is the bottom half, while the top half becomes top grain. Genuine leather is the catchall term for anything that is leather, but not high quality. It essentially just means it is technically leather, and can even mean scraps of leather bonded together to make the product (bag, jacket, belt, etc.)

Corrected leather is leather that has been sanded down to remove any imperfections. As a result of the sanding, the original grain is gone. A faux animal skin grain is then put on the leather by a mechanical pressing, and the leather is treated. Corrected leather gets treated with a few different products, including oils, treatments, and dye. This makes it more appealing and customizable to consumers. It also results in a uniform grain with extremely smooth leather, albeit a more plastic feel. Corrected leather is always made from top grain leather, but not all top grain leather is corrected.

Full grain leather is, conversely, leather that has not been split. It is the full hide. Not only has it not been split, but it has not been sanded, buffed, or had any other alterations done to remove any natural marks of the hide or imperfections on the surface. This type of leather retains the natural grain and skin pattern of the animal. Full-grain has some breathability due to the natural pores. It also has natural oils, making it a very soft leather. During prolonged contact, there is less moisture. Full grain also develops a patina during its lifetime. A patina on leather is a gloss or sheen on a surface that results from aging. It is the highest quality leather out of all of them, and if you are buying a product that is full grain leather, the seller will be sure to make it known that it is full grain. Full grain leather is likely more expensive, as it is higher quality and will last you much longer.

Top grain leather refers to leather that is split from the bottom layers of the leather. Top grain is the process of sanding away the natural grain from the top surface of the leather. Imitation grain gets stamped into the leather to give a more uniform look. However, no genuine grain remains. This results in a leather jacket that is thinner in material and weight. Leather is heavy and that can sometimes be uncomfortable for people. Many times top grain leather is preferred for that reason – it leads to more comfortable jackets. The bottom half of the leather is used to make suede, while the top layer is used for the jacket. Top grain leather is the most common type of leather in high-end leather products, but it is the second-highest quality, although the name suggests otherwise. The surface gets sanded and a finish coat is added. This results in a colder, more plastic feel of the leather with less breathability, even though it is thinner and more comfortable. The coat does not develop a natural patina, and it is more pliable than full grain leather. It is less expensive and is more stain-resistant, making it the most common type of leather in a leather jacket.

As you may have gathered, there are a few pros to getting a top grain leather jacket. The biggest one is the price point. Because top grain leather is not as high of a quality as full grain leather, it costs less money. How much you want to invest in your leather jacket depends on your own situation, but if you are looking to spend less money, top grain leather jackets have that as a bonus.

The con to that is what makes the price less expensive: the lesser quality of the jacket. As a result, the longevity of the jacket is compromised. When you invest in a full grain leather jacket, you know it is one that is going to last you a long time. Top grain does not have that durability. The thinner leather, while more pliable, will not last as long.

Another pro of top grain leather jackets is the comfortableness for some people. Full grain leather jackets, since the leather has not been separated, is a bit heavier. For some, that could be beneficial. For others, the thicker leather is important. Motorcycle riders, for example, wear leather jackets as a form of protection. If you are purchasing a motorcycle jacket, a thicker leather affords you more protection and therefore top grain leather may not be the best choice. If your jacket is more of a statement or outerwear piece, having more comfortable, thinner leather may work best.

Another pro to top grain leather is that it is more stain-resistant. While the jacket may not last as long because it is thinner, it will resist staining more. It also will not form a patina the way full grain leather does. A patina is the mark of high-quality leather, but some people like it, while others do not. Therefore, the lack of a patina could be seen as a positive or a negative.

The final distinct quality of top grain leather jackets could go as both a pro and a con as well. For a full grain leather jacket, you are able to see all imperfections of the leather that may have come about as a result of the life of the animal. In top grain leather, that is sanded and coated, giving it a more uniform look. Whether this aspect of top grain leather jackets is a pro or con is up to you and your sense of style.

If you know our site, you know that here at Independence Brothers, we love a good custom leather jacket. We try to provide the best leather jackets for men. It is the best of both worlds - having a leather jacket and being able to choose aspects about it that make it truly you. There are a variety of custom leather jacket companies out there. Most of these companies pride themselves on making custom full grain leather jackets. Because the jackets are full grain and because they are custom, this usually means a higher price tag.

Some places do make custom top grain leather jackets. Companies like MONT5 use top grain leather, and every jacket is bespoke. Because MONT5 connects you directly to the jacket maker and cuts out any middle man, the price of their jackets is affordable compared to most.

Independence Brothers, while we only use full grain leather, keeps our jackets at affordable prices. To us, it is an all-around win-win situation. You are able to get a custom leather jacket, it is the highest quality of leather, and the price is comparable to some top grain leather jackets.

While we fully campaign for the full grain, whether or not a top grain leather jacket appeals to you depends on your sense of style. Consider the usual factors:

1. Style - Simply put, what do you like to wear? A leather jacket is an extension of yourself, and something that you will wear often, so it has to be something that you love. When it comes to style, going custom is helpful in maximizing how much the jacket reflects you. Even if you like a classic leather biker jacket, or a leather bomber jacket, you can customize it to make it uniquely yours.
   
2. Budget - A leather jacket is an investment, and top grain leather jackets tend to be less expensive than full grain ones. Just because this is usually the case, however, doesn’t mean that it always is. Companies like Independence Brothers keep their jackets at affordable pricing, even for the highest quality bespoke leather jacket.
3. Use - As we mentioned before, for those of us getting a motorcycle jacket for riding, top grain is probably not the leather you should be buying. You’ll need a heavier leather to protect you, and will want to go full grain. If you are using it for more general outerwear, than a top grain jacket may be a good option for you.
4. Comfort - Top grain leather, in being thinner and more pliable, is less heavy and could be more comfortable.

After considering these factors, remember that with a top grain jacket, you’ll get a little bit less out of it. When it comes to style, you won’t have as many custom options. In addition to that, the jacket may not last as long, since the leather is lower quality. A leather jacket is always an investment and an investment that you want to last as long as possible.

At the end of the day, purchase the leather jacket the feels like the best fit for you. Be sure to read reviews and don’t be afraid to chat with someone who works for the company that sells the best leather jackets for men. They are usually knowledgeable about the world of leather jackets and can help you with your journey.

We hope this article has been informative and helpful for anyone who is considering purchasing a leather jacket or who wants to learn more about top grain leather. Remember that those of us at Independence Brothers are glad to help you with your leather jacket decision. We hope you are able to find a leather jacket that you love as much as we love leather jackets themselves. Feel free to click around our site to see the custom full grain options that are out there at affordable prices for you. Read our blog for more information about leather jackets, leather jacket companies, and the wide world of leather itself. Most importantly, happy shopping!