| Most traditional leather comes from the hide of a cow, | | | | other leathers. Because the Italian leather is very |
| but Italian leather is often made from the hide of | | | | popular, Italian leather shoes and handbags are |
| ostriches instead. Italian leather is generally "full grain" | | | | considered to be the world's best. |
| leather, which is made from the very best raw hides, | | | | Italian leather goods are appreciated all over the world, |
| so that they do not need to be sanded to get rid of | | | | from fashion icons like Gucci and Prada and used for |
| imperfections. Full-grain leather is tougher and more | | | | high-quality less expensive items, including briefs, totes, |
| durable than other types of leather, and as it ages, it | | | | garment bags, handbags, shoes, boots, clothing, even |
| gains a beautiful sheen. Natural leather is made from | | | | furniture. Of course there are varying degrees of |
| the top grain of the hide, which is the uppermost | | | | quality in Italian leather, from "first cut" through "second |
| section when the hide is split into layers. Because most | | | | cut to "third cut," and some pieces are assembled |
| Italian leather is of such high quality, and can stay in | | | | from cuttings (left-overs) resulting in a patchwork |
| beautiful condition much longer than other types of | | | | effect. One downside to Italian leather luggage is the |
| leather; it can command a premium price. It is | | | | fact it is so supple and soft that it tends to scratch |
| considered to be the best kind of leather in the world. | | | | easily. |
| The highest quality hides are those with the fewest | | | | Italian leather is an example of natural leather that is |
| markings. However, markings in leather are natural, and | | | | used often in high quality sofas. Some of the world's |
| in no way affect the strength or wear ability of the | | | | best furniture makers create high-quality couches and |
| leather. Italian leather is both very soft and durable. | | | | chairs using Italian leather. It is important to consider that |
| Leather can take on different grades when going | | | | the term "Italian leather" does not rely on any particular |
| through the dying process or simply from where it | | | | standard, and so the phrase itself cannot guarantee |
| originated. Ostrich leather is thicker and more durable | | | | that the leather will be of the highest quality. Italian |
| than traditional leather, and is prized by designers. With | | | | leather is known to be the one of the softest and best |
| Italian leather, the original hides go through a selection | | | | quality leathers existing today. |
| process to ensure that they are of the finest quality | | | | Italian leather is synonymous with quality. Lots of |
| before they are used. This results in Italian leather being | | | | master craftspeople are in Italy, and Italian leather is the |
| more consistent both in color and in texture. | | | | best leather in the world. An Italian leather purse, made |
| Italian leather is the premier choice for suitcases, | | | | from ostrich hide, can easily cost upwards of $700 US |
| handbags, backpacks and wallets. Genuine Italian | | | | dollars (USD) to several Thousand Dollars. Leather can |
| leather is the most coveted leather in the world | | | | stand up to the rigors of daily life in the home or office |
| because of its quality and softness. Italian leather is | | | | with minimal care. |
| also more consistent both in color and in texture than | | | | |