Why We Only Use Top Grain and Full Grain Leather in Miravane Wallets
When it comes to wallets, not all leather is created equal. At Miravane, every wallet we make starts with one guiding principle: create something smart, sleek, and built to last. That means making intentional choices—like using only top grain and full grain leather—materials strong enough to endure daily life, beautiful enough to age with character, and crafted with care from the start. You might be wondering: what is full grain leather? Are there multiple types of leather? I thought genuine leather is the best? Let's talk about it and learn together.
Here’s why these leathers are the best choice for your everyday carry—and what sets them apart from the cheaper, synthetic options flooding the market.
Full Grain Leather: The Finest Layer
Full grain leather is the highest quality leather available, and for good reason. It’s made from the top layer of the hide, which retains all the natural grain patterns—the markings, pores, and imperfections that make each piece unique.
Why we love it for wallets:
- Durability: Full grain leather is tough. It develops a beautiful patina over time, meaning your wallet will look even better as it ages.
- Authenticity: You can see the natural markings, giving each wallet character and a story.
- Strength: Because it’s unaltered, it’s resistant to wear and tear, meaning your wallet holds up to daily life without compromising structure.
Top Grain Leather: Sleek, Smooth, and Refined
Top grain leather is slightly altered to remove imperfections, then sanded and finished for a more uniform look. While it doesn’t have the exact natural texture of full grain, it still retains strength and durability, making it perfect for wallets that need to feel sleek and modern.
Why we use it:
- Clean aesthetic: Top grain leather looks refined and professional, perfect for a wallet you carry every day.
- Flexibility: Softer and easier to shape than full grain, allowing for smart designs that fit your life seamlessly.
- Longevity: Like full grain, it ages beautifully if cared for properly.
What Cheaper Wallets Are Made From
Not all wallets are created to last. Many mass-produced or budget wallets are made from:
- Bonded leather: Leather scraps glued together, coated with a finish. It looks like leather but wears quickly and peels over time.
- Genuine leather: Often labeled to sound premium, but it’s usually low-grade hides sanded and treated heavily. It doesn’t age well and lacks durability.
- Synthetic or vegan leather (PU or PVC): Plastic-based “leathers” that don’t breathe, don’t develop patina, and wear out fast.
The difference is more than just feel—it’s a matter of how long the wallet lasts, how it looks over time, and the experience of carrying something made to last.
Why This Matters for Your Wallet
A wallet isn’t just a container for your cards and cash. It’s something you touch multiple times a day, that holds your essentials and travels with you everywhere. Using full grain or top grain leather ensures that:
- It feels luxurious yet practical.
- It ages gracefully, gaining character over the years.
- You’re investing in quality, not replacing a cheap wallet every year.
When you choose a Miravane wallet, you’re not just buying leather—you’re carrying a piece of craftsmanship, made to last and designed with thoughtfulness and care.
Thoughts from the Founder
Sam here. I created Miravane wallets because I wanted something smart, sleek, and built to last—not another wallet that’s replaced every few months. Every piece starts with intentional choices and produced in small, exclusive batches. That first run? It won’t be made again. The next will be different, thoughtfully sourced, and built with the same care and purpose. Owning a Miravane wallet means carrying something rare, functional, and timeless—a small piece of craftsmanship designed to grow with you.