Types of Leather

Harness leather is a heavy, vegetable‑tanned leather, making it strong, weather‑resistant, and durable. It is supplied either as a butt (the dense, strongest part of the hide) or a side (half hide, offering larger workable panels).

Characteristics
Thick and firm.
Resistant to stretching.
Smooth finish with natural patina over time.
Available in butt or side cuts.

Uses
Saddlery and harnesses.
Belts and straps.
Outdoor gear (tack, reins, collars).
Utility items (tool belts, rugged accessories).

Upholstery leather is a specially prepared leather designed for covering furniture, automotive interiors, and commercial seating. Wide range of colours and textures, from sleek modern finishes to rustic distressed looks.

Thickness: 1.4–1.6 mm — thin enough to stretch smoothly over frames, but strong enough to resist wear.

Uses: Furniture: Sofas, chairs, recliners.
Automotive interiors: Car seats, dashboards, trims.
Commercial seating: Hotels, restaurants, and office furniture.

A shoe upper is the leather portion that covers the foot above the sole, shaping the shoe’s style, comfort, and durability. But at Prestige Leathers, our craftsmanship goes far beyond footwear. We provide a wide range of finishes, prints, and textures that bring distinctive character to shoes, wallets, belts, handbags, and other leather goods.

Types of Shoe Uppers

Full-Grain Shoes Uppers
Natural, durable, and breathable; ages beautifully.

Suede Shoe Uppers
Soft and textured; stylish for casual and fashion footwear.

Patent Leather Uppers.
Glossy coated finish; sleek and formal.

Industrial Shoe Uppers. Heavy-duty, reinforced leather for rugged use.

Synthetic Shoe Uppers
(PU Splits)
Lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective.

Suede leather is made from the underside of the hide. It is created by splitting the hide and buffing the inner surface, which produces a soft, velvety texture.
It is available in a wide range of colours.

Characteristics
Texture: Velvety, soft, and flexible.

Appearance: Matte, with a uniform nap (fine fibres on the surface).

Durability: Less resistant to moisture and stains compared to full‑grain.

Thickness: Usually thinner than upper leather, making it pliable.

Breathability: Comfortable and airy, ideal for interiors and casual we

Uses
Footwear Uppers – casual shoes, loafers, and boots.
Lining Leather – suede splits for soft interiors in shoes and bags.
Handbags & Accessories – stylish interiors and exteriors with colour variety.
Garments – jackets, skirts, and gloves for a luxurious feel

Full Veg Leather is leather that is both full‑grain (the highest grade of hide, with the natural finish and vegetable‑tanned (processed using tannins from plants.

Characteristics
Extremely durable and breathable.
Ages beautifully, darkening and gaining character over time.
Eco‑friendly and biodegradable compared to chrome tanning.
Stiff initially, but Molds to the wearer with use.
Warm, natural tones that deepen with age.

Uses
Harness & Saddlery – With its toughness and weather resistance, it’s ideal for reins, harnesses, and saddles.
Belts & Straps – Firm yet flexible, ensuring long‑lasting wear without stretching.
Craft & Artisanal Goods – Perfect for hand‑tooled leatherwork, embossing, and decorative finishes.
Borehole Cups & Conveyor Belts.

Lining leather is the leather used on the inside of shoes, bags, belts, and other leather goods. Its role is to provide comfort, breathability, and a smooth finish against the skin, while also protecting and supporting the outer leather.

Types of Lining

(Full‑Grain Lining)
Made from the top layer of the hide, keeping the natural grain intact.
Strong, smooth, and breathable.
Used in premium footwear and luxury leather goods where durability and comfort are essential.

(Suede Split)
Made from the underside of the hide, with a velvety, textured finish.
Soft, flexible, and economical.
Ideal for casual shoes, handbags, and accessories where a plush interior is desired.