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About Our Leather and Materials
Every Vintage Leather Sydney bag, wallet and accessory is made with a full-grain leather exterior, then finished with linings and hardware chosen to hold up to daily use.
Full-grain leather
Full-grain leather is the top layer of the hide with its natural grain left intact. It isn't sanded or buffed to hide marks, so it keeps the dense, tightly packed fibres that make it the strongest and most durable grade of leather. That's why we use it for the exterior of everything we make.
Because the surface is left natural, full-grain leather also breathes, softens with use and develops a patina over time, rather than wearing thin.
How full-grain compares with other leather
| Leather grade | What it is | How it wears |
|---|---|---|
| Full-grain | The top layer of the hide with the natural grain intact | The most durable grade, and develops a patina over time |
| Top-grain | The top layer, sanded or buffed to remove marks and usually given a finish coat | Smoother and more uniform, but less durable and ages less richly |
| Genuine leather | A label often used for lower layers of the hide, finished to look like grain leather | Usually less durable, and coated versions can crack or peel |
| Bonded leather | Leather scraps and fibres bonded together with adhesive | Prone to peeling and flaking with regular use |
How full-grain leather ages
Full-grain leather changes as you use it. It darkens slightly, softens and builds a patina, the gentle sheen that comes from handling, sunlight and everyday wear.
Small scars, creases and variations in the grain are natural features of the hide, and each hide takes colour a little differently. That means no two pieces in our brown and tan range look exactly the same. These are signs of real full-grain leather, not defects, as explained in our returns, exchanges and warranty policy.
Linings
Where a piece is lined, we use polyester, chosen for its strength and resistance to wear and tear. It means the inside of your bag holds up to daily use as well as the outside does.
Hardware
Our buckles are made from high-quality metal. They add strength where a strap takes weight and give each piece a clean, classic finish.
How our duffle bags are built
Our duffle bags carry more weight than anything else we make, so they get extra reinforcement:
- Leather straps and shoulder pads, cut from the same full-grain leather as the body, for comfort and durability
- YKK zips, known for their smooth operation and long service life
- A metal base for extra protection against wear and tear
Browse our leather duffle bags to see the range.
Caring for your leather
Full-grain leather needs very little to stay in good condition. Keep it away from prolonged moisture and direct heat, wipe off marks with a soft dry cloth, and condition it occasionally to keep it supple. Our leather care tips cover this in more detail, and every full-price piece is backed by our 365-day warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Is all your leather full-grain?
Yes. The exterior of every Vintage Leather Sydney product is made from full-grain leather. Where a piece is lined, the lining is polyester.
Is full-grain leather better than top-grain?
For durability, yes. Full-grain keeps the whole grain layer intact, while top-grain is sanded or buffed to remove marks, which makes it more uniform but less durable, and it ages less richly.
Will my leather change colour over time?
Yes, slightly. Full-grain leather darkens and develops a patina with use, handling and sunlight. This is how natural leather ages and is part of its character.
Why does my item look slightly different from the photos?
Each hide takes colour a little differently and has its own natural markings, so every piece varies slightly in tone and grain. These are natural features of full-grain leather, not defects.
What zips do your duffle bags use?
Our duffle bags use YKK zips, chosen for their smooth operation and long service life.
What colours does your leather come in?
Our range is made in brown and tan full-grain leather.