Aniline leather is among the highest-quality and most sought-after leather, appreciated for its luxurious appearance, natural feel, and durability. It is recognised for its unique and authentic characteristics and is popular in premium leather goods, furniture, and fashion.
What is Aniline Leather?
Aniline is leather dyed exclusively with soluble aniline dyes, which allows the natural grain and markings of the leather to remain visible. Unlike other leathers, it has no protective topcoat or pigment applied to its surface, making it one of the most natural-looking leathers.
This leather is usually made from full-grain hides, showcasing the highest-quality portions of the hide with minimal processing.
How is it made?
Creating aniline leather involves selecting high-quality hides with minimal blemishes to ensure a smooth, natural appearance. The selection process is important as the leather's natural characteristics will be visible without additional finishing.
The hides are tanned, using vegetable or chromium tanning methods, to preserve and soften the leather. An Aniline dye is then applied, penetrating the leather and giving it a rich colour without obscuring the natural grain. Due to variations in the hides, the dye is absorbed unevenly creating a depth and variation in the colour.
No topcoat or protective finish is applied, but a light wax or oil may sometimes be added for additional softness and to enhance the natural look.
Natural and authentic appearance
Aniline leather looks natural and shows the hide’s unique scars, wrinkles, and grain patterns. There are subtle variations across the surface making each hide unique. The leather often develops a patina over time, enhancing its beauty and producing that age attractive appearance.
Because it lacks a topcoat, aniline leather has a soft, warm feel and tends to be more supple than other types of leather. The leather is more porous and therefore breathable making it a more comfortable choice in warm and humid conditions. However, this does make it more vulnerable to stains, water damage, and fading.
Leather for luxury goods
Aniline leather is highly regarded in luxury markets and used in products where comfort and aesthetics are a priority, such as furniture (high-end sofas, chairs and recliners), luxury car interiors; premium handbags, jackets and shoes and luxury home accessories such as ottomans.
The leather’s natural beauty appeals to discerning consumers who customers who appreciate the aesthetic appeal of a natural, untreated surface that ages beautifully over time.
Caring for Aniline Leather
Because of its untreated surface, aniline leather requires more care and maintenance than other types of leather. Here are some tips to ensure it stays in optimal condition:
- Avoid direct sunlight: Aniline leather is prone to fading, so keep it out of prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Clean with a soft cloth: Use a soft, dry cloth to dust and gently clean the surface. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals, which can stain or damage the leather.
- Use leather conditioner: Apply a quality conditioner periodically to keep the leather supple and prevent drying or cracking. Look for conditioners which are specifically formulated for aniline leather, such as our own Leather Cream.
- Handle stains promptly: Wipe spills immediately to prevent them from penetrating the leather. For tougher stains, consider consulting a professional leather cleaner.
- Avoid excessive moisture: Since aniline leather is porous, excessive moisture can damage it. Be cautious with liquids and avoid placing aniline leather items in humid areas.
If you would like to speak to one of our specialists regarding aniline leather, please contact us or call 01273 514441
