How to Choose the Right Leather Grade for Your Brand’s First Jacket Run

Not all leather is created equal — and for brands ordering their first bulk run, the wrong grade choice can cost far more than just money.

When brands come to us with their first jacket order, the most common mistake we see is selecting leather by price alone. Leather grade, tannage, and origin all affect how a jacket wears, ages, and represents your brand — sometimes dramatically.

Here’s the quick breakdown of what actually matters:

Vegan PU — cost-effective, consistent, improving fast

Full-grain cowhide — most durable, develops a patina over years

Lambskin — softer hand, premium feel, better for slim silhouettes

Suede — napped finish, more casual, requires more care