Aniline leather is leather that takes its colour from aniline dyes. Pure aniline leather will have no finish on the surface. Most of this type used in furniture has a clear coat finish but will still be very absorbent. Alcantara is the fabric equivalent of suede and is not leather at all. Nappa leather used to be produced from sheepskins but now is used as a ‘term’ to describe leather (with or without a finish) that has a very soft ‘hand’. To have this sort of feel it would need to be high quality (often full grain) leather.
SofTex leather is a synthetic material. But its main plus, it has increased breathability and improved cooling ability, it is very similar to the skin. SofTex is a cross between leather and artificial leather, it does not cool, unlike leather, and has excellent elegance. I also want to add that artificial leather is more resistant to dirt and scratches and is very easy to clean.
Aniline leather, my friend. It’s all about that au naturel vibe. This leather is minimally processed, allowing its true character to shine through. It’s got that genuine, rustic look that ages gracefully over time.
Now, Alcantara – a bit of a wildcard in the leather game. It’s not leather at all! It’s a synthetic microfiber with a suede-like texture. Soft, durable, and often used in high-end cars and luxury goods, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for that suede feel without the leather.
And hey, if you’re hungry for more leather knowledge, I’ve got a tip for you. Check out the Von Baer blog; they’ve got a treasure trove of leather-related info that might just scratch that leather itch of yours.