Leathers we use. 

We are proud to share with you exactly what leathers we use to make all our products. 

Knowing exactly what types of materials are used and where it comes from we feel is very important as this helps make a much more informed purchase. 

All is not what is seems

Difference between Genuine Leather and Full Grain Leather. 

Genuine leather is kind of a catch-all term for any real leather that isn’t synthetic. The problem is, it usually refers to the lower quality layers of the hide that are left after the top, most durable part is removed. It’s often sanded, treated, and coated to look nice, but it doesn’t age well and can wear out faster over time. Basically, it’s “real leather,” but not the good stuff.


Full-grain leather, on the other hand, is the highest quality leather you can buy. It comes from the very top layer of the hide, keeping all the natural grain and imperfections that make each piece unique. It’s super durable, breathable, and actually looks better the more you use it as it develops a natural patina over time.

We encourage you to also do your own independent research.

All our products are made using Full Grain Leather. 

Leather we use

Conceria Walpier

Conceria Walpier - founded in 1974 in Ponte a Egola Tuscany Italy, Walpier specialise in producing the some of the worlds best vegetable tanned (cow hide)leather 

Vegetable tanning is a very ancient process that uses exclusively tannin of vegetable origin and which requires time and craftsmanship to transform the raw materials into a completely natural leather that is amazing to work with and is perfect for all kinds of leather goods.


The Leathers we currently use from the Walpier product line are:

Buttero - This has a smooth matte finish and has a wonderful medium firm yet supple feel.

Buttero Hatch - This has all the great benefits of Buttero with a beautiful luxury embossed hatch print.

Rocky - Forged from premium French bullhide, this heavyweight masterpiece features 100% pure vegetable tanning—an embodiment of endurance that surpasses expectations. In Rocky leather, strength isn’t just a quality; it’s the very essence of its character.

Leather we use

Badalassi Carlo

Badalassi Carlo - Badalassi Carlo is located in San Miniato, in the province of Pisa (Tuscany)

specialising for over 40 years in vegetable-tanned leather, particularly from cowhide, with high taste, manual finishing and traditional character. 


The Leathers we currently use from the Badalassi Carlo product line are:

Pueblo - This is a full grain, vegetable-tanned leather distinguished by its unique hand-rubbed finish. Its surface is gently buffed to achieve a soft, matte texture reminiscent of suede, which deepens in character with wear. Through this artisanal process, the leather matures beautifully, developing a rich, glossy patina over time — a hallmark cherished by leather artisans and enthusiasts alike.

Wax - This is a full grain, vegetable-tanned leather is dyed through, polished or rolled with amber stone and includes wax or oils in its finish. It has pull-up effect (colour/light shifts when bent). Rustic, natural grain. 

Sustainability

Both Conceria Walpier and Badalassi are memeders of Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetale (The talian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium), which implies adherence to standards of quality, authenticity, and more environmentally aware tanning methods. 

Please visit https://www.pellealvegetale.it/en/ for more information on the sustainability practices. 

Two leather sunglasses cases, one blue and one burgundy, on a textured surface with 'Explorer Leather' branding.

Leather we use

Metropolitan Leather

Based in Northampton England and Established in 1919 Metropolitan Leather having providing high quality leather for many years. With a wealth of experience they know exactly what is required to produce amazing leather. 


The Leathers we currently use from the Metropolitan Leather product line are:

Rutland Softy Shoulder - The Rutland Softy Shoulder is a premium, vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather with a naturally soft, luxurious feel. Aniline-dyed to showcase its unique character, it develops a distinctive bubble grain through natural milling—never artificial printing. The lightly coloured, unfinished flesh side has a soft, fluffy texture that enhances its tactile appeal.

Lamport Shoulder - Each hide is vegetable-tanned and finished with a subtle aniline layer that accentuates the grain’s natural growth and character. With a semi firm feel the leather’s slight waxy finish adds both a premium feel and enhanced durability to your products.

For more infomation please visit Metropolitan Leather at https://www.metropolitanleather.com