Aniline leather is a type of leather in which high quality hides have been treated with aniline as a dye. This produces a delicate, soft, supple leather.

Typically, leather is colored both for aesthetic reasons and to conceal blemishes. However, aniline leather is not colored. It is a transparent chemical. This allows the leather to breathe better, making the leather more comfortable in both hot and cold weather.

A very common misunderstanding with aniline dyes occurs with the description between a full aniline dye and a semi aniline dye. The common explanation is that with a full aniline dye, the coloring of the dye goes completely through the leather and therefore is less likely to show the effects of scratches to the leather from use and or abuse. The misplaced logic of this comes from the use of the words "full" and "semi".

In reality, aniline is a clear and transparent chemical that allows the grain structure of the leather to be seen. It has nothing to do with protecting leather from damage or hiding it.

A full aniline dye is one method of tanning to achieve a desired, natural looking hide or leather. Semi-aniline utilizes aniline and other chemicals to get different looking finishes. A very appropriate analogy is the difference between a semi-gloss and satin paint finish. Neither is better or higher quality than the other. Different chemicals are used to achieve different finishes.

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[edit] References

1. ^ "Leather types", Leather Care Master
2. ^ "A Guide to Leather Upholstery", Monique Stern, The Furniture Collection

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This dyeing process has become popular with high-fashion designers, including Balenciaga.