Split leather: an affordable and responsible alternative

When we think of leather products, we immediately think of luxury, sustainability, and craftsmanship. But did you know that within the world of leather, there are different layers—literally? One of them is split leather , a leather quality that is often underestimated but has a surprising amount to offer. In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what split leather is, why it's an affordable and good alternative to top-quality leather, and how you, as a conscious consumer, can discover it.

What is split leather?

Split leather is created during the tanning process of the hide. An animal hide is thick and is therefore split into multiple layers. The top layer, called "top grain" or "full grain" leather, contains the natural grain structure of the hide. The bottom layer—the part closer to the animal's flesh—is called split leather . This leather has a smoother surface and less visible natural markings. It is often treated or coated to make it stronger and more attractive, and its appearance can be virtually indistinguishable from higher-quality leathers.

Why is split leather a good alternative?

One of the biggest advantages of split leather is its price. Because it's not the top layer of the hide, it's considerably more affordable than full-grain leather. Yet, it's still genuine leather—not an imitation—and offers an authentic look and feel. It's supple, lightweight, and easy to work with. As a result, split leather is often used for fashion accessories like belts, bags, and shoes, as well as in the furniture industry.

For our customers, this means you can enjoy the look of leather without paying top dollar. And because we at De Lederwaren Ambacht only work with carefully selected materials, you can be sure that even our split leather meets our high quality standards.

Is split leather less durable?

Technically, split leather is slightly less durable than full-grain leather. For example, it doesn't develop a natural patina and is more susceptible to wear and tear with intensive use. Nevertheless, it's certainly not a bad choice. With proper maintenance—a good leather cream, a protective spray, and a little care—split leather will remain beautiful for years. Moreover, by using split leather, you contribute to more efficient use of the entire animal hide. Instead of just using the top layer, the rest is also utilized. This makes split leather a responsible choice in a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important.

Our vision on split leather

At De Lederwaren Ambacht, we believe that good craftsmanship doesn't have to be expensive. That's why, in addition to top-quality full-grain leather, we also use carefully crafted split leather in part of our collection. This allows us to offer stylish, sustainable products to a wider audience. Our split leather belts, for example, are made with the same care and precision as all our other products. The difference lies in the layer of the hide—not in the love of the craft.