Although similar in composition and style, the innate details of texture and feel of leather vary and when it comes to picking the right kind to adorn for the seats of your most prized automobile, you always want to be sure of the type of leather you use. Different varieties have different characteristic properties, quality and finish that greatly effect the overall experience and comfort. Also, it does help to be an informed consumer!
We have shortlisted the different types of leather hides that are manufactured across the world specific to seating and upholstery in cars for your benefit. Read through :

1) Split Leather or Embossed Grain leather

Split leather is the leather that has had the top-grain removed. This leather is not as strong as top-grain leather and therefore is typically used only for the sides and backs of furniture. It is created from the fibrous part of the hide left once the top-grain of the rawhide has been separated from the hide.

 

Split leather then has an artificial layer applied to the surface of the split and is embossed with a leather grain (bi-cast leather/PU leather).

2) Top grain Leather

Top-grain leather is most commonly used in high-end products and is considered the most durable of all kinds available for upholstery. Here, the second layer of split hide is separated leaving behind a thinner layer that is more pliable than normal leather. The hide is sanded with a smooth feel and a finishing coat is then added on top of this for standard resistance to staining and to impart some resistance.

 

Top-grain leather has a soft texture and is a quality choice for furniture upholstery.

3) Full-grain Leather

Full-grain leather refers to hides that have not been sanded, buffed, or snuffed to remove imperfections and/or natural marks on the surface of the hide. The grain remains to allow the fiber strength and durability and natural toughness. The grain also has breathability, resulting in less moisture from prolonged contact. A unique quality of this kind of leather is that rather than wearing out, it develops a patina during its lifetime. Also, since urethane is used in minimal quantities when finishing this type of leather, it is the least resistant to stains hence one has to be very careful while choosing this kind of leather. Full grain leather is also considered to be the highest quality of leather that there is.

4) Corrected Grain Leather

With corrected-grain leather, imperfections are corrected and sanded off, and an artificial grain is embossed onto the surface and dressed with stains or dyes. Like split leather, this leather is usually sold at the lowest price. This is because The hides used to create corrected leather do not meet the standards for use in creating vegetable-tanned or aniline leather.
We have also compiled the different types of leather, their properties and characteristics into this simplified picture to make it easier to understand!