Top-Grain Leather

Top-grain leather takes the outer hide layer and sands or buffs the very surface to remove imperfections, then often applies a finish. The result is more uniform and a touch thinner and more supple than full-grain, at some cost to long-term durability and patina since the strongest surface fibers are abraded away. It sits above corrected-grain and "genuine leather" but below full-grain. It is a reasonable grade for dressier shoes and bags where a smooth, consistent surface is wanted. The value question is simple: top-grain should not be priced like full-grain, because it will not wear like it.