NAPA LEATHER. NAPA LEATHER

What is nappa leather?

Nappa leather, or "nappa" leather, is a fine, smooth, soft, and flexible leather that is chrome-tanned. The term nappa leather is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century when a tanning process was created in Napa (California) where the skin, usually from lambs and sheep, was tanned without cutting. Using chrome salts and also aluminum sulfate.

Today, this term, nappa leather, refers to any type of smooth, soft, and flexible leather from any animal, not just lamb and sheep.

Is leather better than nappa?

The comparison between leather and nappa depends on its application. Both are materials of excellent quality, but nappa stands out for its softness and flexibility, making it preferred in fashion and luxury accessories. Meanwhile, thicker or stiffer leather may be better for items that require greater durability, such as furniture or work equipment. If you are looking for a soft and elegant material for high-end products, nappa is the best choice.

Finishes of nappa leather

Nappa leather can be found in four finishes: natural or aniline, slightly pigmented, pigmented, and polished nappa leather.

- The Natural or Aniline is a top-quality leather. It can only be dyed with anilines or natural dyes/finishes. The skin is free of any imperfections, marks, scratches… It is a vapor-permeable leather, breathable, and will always present its pores open.

- Slightly pigmented nappa leather is dyed with soluble dyes mixed with pigments. It also has a uniform appearance. It is a type of leather that is permeable to vapor and breathable.

- Pigmented nappa is leather that has been dyed by fixing the color to the surface of the leather, making this type of leather less breathable but easier to clean.

- Polished leather is leather that has had the grain side polished, giving it a smooth surface. On this smooth base, we dye the leather. Over time, polishing the grain will cause the leather to lose its natural properties.

What to use nappa leather for?

As we have read, nappa leather has some special characteristics: it is breathable, soft, flexible, vapor-permeable... these characteristics make it ideal for making clothing and shoes. These are usually high-quality garments or shoes.

Today, we can also see that major brands opt for this type of leather to make bags, wallets, purses, and billfolds due to its great flexibility and softness.

Buy nappa for crafting

Nappa for crafting is ideal for designers and artisans who wish to create elegant and durable products. This type of leather is used in the creation of nappa leather shoes, nappa bags, nappa wallets, and other accessories that demand a soft and high-quality finish. If you are looking for nappa for your crafting projects, at Curtidos Cabezas we offer a wide selection of colors and finishes of nappa leather tailored to your needs.

Visit our online store to see all available options and purchase high-quality nappa for crafting.

In short, nappa leather or "nappa" leather is an extraordinary leather due to its beauty, soft touch, flexibility, and great natural properties.

Don't forget to use it in your best projects!