What is Nappa Leather? Know All About Nappa Leather!
Apr 12 , 2022


What is Nappa Leather? Know All About Nappa Leather!


Nappa Leather

"Nappa"-the word sounds quite different and unfamiliar because there is no typical meaning of"Nappa" in the Dictionary. Nappa leather, also known as Napa leather is basically a broad and rather ambiguous term that refers to smooth, soft, and sometimes full-grain leather. It is a premium quality leather that people often use as a superior option for car interiors that changes the whole game of interior design of the car.

These differences made the Nappa leather unique and helped this fabric take the industry of car interior design by storm. It is also used in some other varieties of leather goods. But it mostly got famous for its uses in-vehicle, furniture, and fashion accessories.

Genuine Nappa leather even comes in different colors that help this premium leather to mark its footprint in the industry. As smooth finishes and a variety of colors make it more desirable. So, let's now have a look at the basic details of Nappa leather that you need to know before deciding to buy a product made of Napa leather.

What is "Nappa Leather"?

Auto Leather

Nappa leather is a fine and high-quality leather, usually made from full-grain leather. It represents a higher grade than full-grained leather. Full-grain leather is the best among all the leathers available in the market at this point.

Usually, full-grain leather has an outer layer intact. This outer layer generally contains tightly packed fine leather fibers. This can help to keep the leathers strong and long-lasting. It would be a reason that Nappa leather reserves its original texture.

This leather feels remarkably soft and looks gorgeous. Various finishing on this leather added features such as water and abrasion resistance. From automakers to BMW, the necessity of Nappa leather is around everywhere.

The Reason Behind The Naming-"Nappa" Or "Napa Leather"

car upholstery leather

Nappa leather is famous both for its texture and quality. "Nappa"-the word does not have any strict meaning itself. The double "pp" in"Nappa" has become a popular way of spelling it over time. The correct way to spell it is "Napa"

However, when you spell it as "napa" or "Nappa" people will understand you are talking about the described leather.

History of Nappa Leather: Full Grain Leather

eco nappa leather

In search of the name"Nappa" lets' explore its history. The history starts with the American tribes who roamed and lived around much of North America before the settlers moved in from Europe. In those days there were two tribes-Wappo Tribes and Wapin Tribes.

When the non-natives came and met the natives they tried to pronounce in the local language. Most probably, "Nappa" is an English pronunciation of a local American word.

At such time the local word inspired by the name of the city such as the city of Nepa was founded in 1847 by Nathan Coombs. After California's statehood, it became Nepa, California after 1849. After California's statehood, its spelling is "Nepa".

It is said that the Nappa leather was invented by Emanuel Manasse. He was working as a leather tanner in New Jersey. He moved to Nepa in 1871.

When he worked for Sawyer Tanning Company in 1875, he developed a soft and flexible leather with breathable fabric. The leather is invented in Nepa, California. For that people started calling it Napa leather.

The Making Process Of Nappa Leather

faux leather vinyl fabric

Nappa leather is one of the finest leather, made from the top grain of the Cowhide. But often the hides also may come from calves, lambs, and kid goats. For collecting the soft and fine-textured hides, manufacturers keep the animals in a comfortable condition.

At first, for the top-grain, the natural grain is sanded to remove any imperfection. The most important step is tanning. In this step, manufacturers use chromium or aluminum sulfate to tan the leather. These chemicals soften the leather.

For finishing the napa leather is dyed in water-soluble colorants. So, the finished product retains its vibrant colors. In this way, Nappa leather does not only feel buttery soft, but it also comes beautifully with different colors.

It is said that the process of making Nappa leather is quite different in the leather world. Not only for fine leather products, but Nappa leather is also highly recommended for car interiors.

Nappa Leather: Real Leather or Not?

synthetic car leather

Nappa leather is real leather. This leather become a familiar term in the leather world. Nappa leather comes from animal skin. Animals such as cows, calves, lambs, and kid goats usually have incredibly soft and flexible hide, translating into a finished leather that maintains some of those qualities.

This high-quality leather is smooth and great for fine leather goods. Nappa leather is also a finished material. But the Nappa leather is not genuine.

Genuine leather comes from any layer of animal hide. Whether Nappa leather comes from full-grain leather. Being full-grain leather it is buttery soft and well finished. This is higher quality than genuine leather.

Quality And Appearances

Nappa leather contains strong fibers. Because of that, it is non-split and full-gained leather. Full-grain is the highest quality leather because it comes from the hide's top layer. The main resource of the leather is tanned cowhide or the skin of calves, kid goats, and lambs.

The skins of these animals are soft. After removing the wools the skin will be modified. In this way, the leather gets an authentic look.

Finished Nappa leather goods are very nice when experienced during everyday use. Some natural characteristics of leathers like blemishes or pigmentations are often visible as they have not been obscured by paints and coatings.

Nappa leathers are easy to sew and cut smoothly. So that, it can also take shape well in smaller applications such as in shoe accents or in small wallets.

Pros and Cons

Nappa leather is used in furniture upholstery, automotive seats, clothing like jackets and napa gloves, wallets, briefcases, handbags or purses, shoes, and heavy-duty leather items. It is also very popular for its style and elegance.

Because of that luxury vehicles offers it. It is said that Nappa leather is as durable as most high-quality premium leather. Those who have respiratory problems can easily carry these leather goods because it is hypoallergic.

But there are some disadvantages. Though it comes from full-grained leather, it can be expensive. It is also sensitive to sunlight and dirt. Without proper maintenance, the leather may suffer discolorations and permanent stains. In this case, it will be hard to repair.

BOTTOM LINE:

Nappa leather is a stylish, quality premium, and sensitive material. That's why it should be maintained with care.

It is important to clean properly the leather. Clean the leather with a slightly dampened lint-free cloth. Conditioning the leather is important. You can apply a small portion of conditioners on the surface and let the leather absorb. After that apply the wax protectant across the surface.

Then you may rub up the surface. This will give a smooth and pleasant shine to your leather and provide a barrier from water.

Store your Nappa leathers in an average humidity environment as the airflows allow you to breathe the natural fibers properly. These will be appropriate for keeping your Nappa leather in good condition.

FAQ:

pu microfiber leather

Q. Is Nappa leather real leather?

A. Yes, it is real leather. It comes from full-grain leather that contains natural fibers.

Q. Is Nappa leather good quality?

A. Nappa leather comes from full-grain leather. Full-grain is the highest quality leather because it comes from the hide's top layer


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