Bad Boyz Biker Blog

Because leather is the skin of an animal, if left untreated it will decompose and rot. Tanning makes the leather rot proof and consists of several stages, the more stages implemented, the thinner the leather. Stages include removing the hair, the outer layer of skin, and the fatty part of the flesh. Afterwards, the hides are treated either with animal oils, vegetable, alum, or chrome salt in order to stabilize the skin.

The term grain is used to describe the epidermis or outer layer of skin, and should be understood to determine the choices of leather available. The grain of the hide has the best fiber strength and a natural breathability, and depending on how much of the grain is removed in the tanning process determines the durability, thickness and comfort of the leather motorcycle jacket.

Finished Split Leather, or “Splits”

Split leather is the middle or lower section of the hide that has been split into various thicknesses. A polymer coating is then applied to imitate the epidermis, or grain. The polymer can be left off, and this type of leather is what is known as suede. Split leather is lightweight, thin, has no grain and is thus less durable. While perfectly acceptable for non stressful applications, such as a vest, the biker concerned with protection would be well advised to avoid the split leather motorcycle jacket.

Top Grain

Top grain leather has the grain scraped or sanded off to remove the imperfections in the hide. It is then sprayed or pasted to give it uniformity and to give it that leather look. Top grain cowhide is 1 to 1.2 mm thick and considered to be riding grade. Although it sounds like the best, it is not. A top grain motorcycle jacket will indeed afford protection because of its thickness, and is popular for its mid range affordability. New motorcycle jackets have a stiff characteristic and require a breaking in period to become soft and supple.

Full Grain “Naked” Leather

Full grain leather is the top of the line and is termed nakedfor its lack of embellishment. Hides are hand picked for their uniformity and nothing is added except the dye. Only the hair is scraped off and the epidermis remains in tact, making it the strongest, most durable type of leather. At up to 1.3 mm of thickness for cowhide, naked leather offers the best protection available, and is known for its softness and breathability from the get go, requiring no breaking in period as with top grain leather.

Whereas split leather, whether finished or not, certainly has its place for style and lightweightness, splits should not be used for protective garments. Top grain cow or buffalo hides are thick enough and affordable, making them an appropriate choice for protective riding grade motorcycle clothing. For the biker who wants the best in protection and style, a full grain naked leather motorcycle jacket will last a lifetime and even get better with age. Well worth the extra dollars spent.

Resources:
How Leather Coats Are Made
Green Leather Is In This Season