What Is Full Grain Leather Made Of? [Quick Guide]

Full grain leather is often considered the highest quality leather you can get. But most people don’t know what that really means.

Is it just thicker? More durable? Better looking over time? And why does it matter when you’re buying a leather jacket?

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what full grain leather is made from, how it’s processed, and why it stands apart from other types of leather like top grain or genuine leather. If you’re shopping for a long-lasting jacket or simply curious about how leather works, this breakdown will give you all the basics.

What Exactly Is Full Grain Leather?

Full grain leather comes from the top layer of the hide. The outermost part, just beneath the animal’s hair. It’s the strongest, most natural part of the hide, which is why it’s prized.

Unlike other leathers, full grain is not sanded or buffed to remove imperfections. That means every scar, pore, and wrinkle from the animal’s life is still there. It’s raw in the best way possible. 

Most full grain leather is made from cowhide, but it can also come from buffalo, goat, or even horsehide. What matters is that it keeps the full structure of the grain intact.

So when someone asks what full grain leather is made of, the answer is simple: the pure, unsplit top layer of hide. No filters. No fakery.

Why Does Full Grain Leather Cost More?

Because it deserves to. No, really. Full grain leather jackets take more time, better materials, and real craftsmanship. The hides are thicker, harder to work with, and less forgiving during production. But the payoff is huge.

Here’s what you get:

• Strength. The grain structure is untouched, so it holds up over decades.
• Aging. It develops a rich patina that only gets better with time.
• Uniqueness. No two jackets are ever identical.

Lower grades like top grain or genuine leather are often split or sanded to hide defects, which weakens the material. They’re easier to produce and cheaper to sell, but they wear out fast.

A full grain leather jacket? That’s an heirloom.

How Is Full Grain Leather Made?

It starts with sourcing high-quality hides, usually from cows raised for their strong, healthy skin. Then comes the real work:

1. Tanning: This process preserves the hide and makes it flexible. The best full grain leather is vegetable-tanned, which takes weeks but creates a deep, natural finish.
2. Drying and conditioning: The leather is dried slowly and then treated with oils and waxes to lock in moisture.
3. Cutting and shaping: Because it hasn’t been sanded or corrected, each hide has to be cut carefully to work around natural marks.

At Leather Mates US, our full grain jackets are hand-cut and stitched to preserve the quality. We don’t treat imperfections as defects.

Full Grain vs Top Grain vs Genuine Leather

Let’s make this easy:

Type of Leather	Where It Comes From	Texture	Durability	Price
Full Grain Leather	Top layer of the hide	Natural, rugged	Highest	Premium
Top Grain Leather	Top layer, sanded/buffed	Smooth, uniform	Medium-high	Mid-range
Genuine Leather	Lower layers of hide	Processed	Low	Cheap

If you’re serious about buying something that lasts—a jacket that ages, softens, and molds to your body.

Do Full Grain Leather Jackets Soften Over Time?

Absolutely. They start out a little stiff, sure. But as you wear them, the leather warms, stretches, and adapts to you. That’s the magic.

The patina develops from your body heat, the oils in your skin, and even how you move. It doesn’t fade. It deepens.

And yes, you can apply oil for leather occasionally to keep it conditioned and crack-free. Just don’t overdo it.

How to Take Care of Full Grain Leather

Don’t overthink it, but don’t ignore it either.

• Condition it every few months if it feels dry.
• Keep it dry, or dry it gently if it gets soaked.
• Clean your leather jacket with a proper cleaner—never detergent or alcohol wipes.
• Store it on a wide hanger, away from direct sunlight.

This isn’t high-maintenance. It’s just respect. The better you treat your jacket, the longer it stays in your rotation.

Are There Different Types of Full Grain Leather Jackets?

Yes, and they’re worth exploring.

Some are heavyweight and thick like a biker jacket. Others are thinner and more flexible, like cafe racers or minimalist bombers. You’ll also find:

• Shearling material coats with full grain exteriors and wool interiors.
• Wolverine leather jackets with distressed full grain finishes.
• Leather duster coats that combine full grain toughness with trench-style flow.

We make all of them at Leather Mates US. And if you want a custom cut? We’ll build it around your measurements, your style, and your story.

Can Full Grain Leather Be Dyed or Colored?

Yes. Full grain takes dye beautifully because it’s absorbent and porous. You can go classic black or rich brown, or try something more daring—oxblood, deep navy, even tan.

But we don’t paint over leather. We let the natural grain show through. That’s what gives it depth. Texture. Presence.

Why Leather Mates US Uses Full Grain

Because cutting corners cuts character. Leather Mates US only uses full grain leather for our jackets because anything else feels fake. You can spot it from a mile away, the stiffness, the flaking, the way it tries to look perfect.

Our jackets? They come with personality built-in. And whether you’re buying off the rack or going fully custom, we make sure you’re getting leather that deserves your time.

FAQs

What if I get my full grain leather jacket wet

Water won’t destroy full grain leather, but it’s best to dry it gently with a towel and let it air out away from direct heat. Once dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to keep it from stiffening or cracking.

Can you tell me how to soften a stiff leather jacket

Wearing it regularly is the best way to soften it naturally. You can also apply a leather conditioner or mink oil in small amounts to speed things up. Just avoid over-conditioning and let the leather adapt to your body over time.

Why should I choose full grain if you say it’s more expensive

Full grain costs more because it’s the real thing: stronger, more breathable, and built to last. Leather Mates US only uses full grain hides in its jackets, so you get quality that doesn’t cut corners and a piece that gets better every year.

Will a full grain leather jacket fit me well or does it feel bulky

A proper full grain jacket should feel structured at first but never bulky. It breaks in over time and molds to your body with wear. For the best fit, look for options with thoughtful tailoring or get it custom-made.

Final Thoughts:

Full grain leather isn’t just a material, It’s the real foundation of a jacket that’s made to last. It keeps the natural grain of the hide intact, skips the shortcuts, and delivers the kind of aging and durability you won’t get from lower-grade leathers.

If you’re investing in a leather jacket, knowing what full grain means helps you make a smarter decision. It’s about structure, quality, and long-term wear.

At Leather Mates US, full grain is the standard, not the upgrade. Because when you’re building something to last, there’s no reason to settle for less.