Leather is one of the most desirable and fashionable fabrics in the marketplace today. From furniture to clothing and accessories, leather goods make up a large percent of items purchase by consumers. Leather is available in various colors, styles, and of course prices. So how do you make sure you are getting the highest quality leather for your money. One of the first indicators of leather quality is the price. Remember, the old saying, "you get what you pay for." Therefore, as a consumer or leather hobbyist, there are ways to get past the price and evaluate what you are actually buying, just take your time and thoroughly inspect the leather to determine the differences in the leather quality, consider these steps:

• The animal, bird, fish, or reptile from which the leather is from makes the biggest difference in quality. Exotic leather's are the most desirable right now in the market. Exotic leather is know for it's durability, and richness. However, keep in mind that even within this category of leather quality will vary. For example, not all ostrich is equal. The tanning process is another factor that determines leather quality. As soon as the hide is taken, it begins to deteriorate. This makes perfect sense because hide, like skin starts as living tissue. How the hide is cared for immediately after removal and what is used to preserve it is very important to how high the quality will be. Try to find out a little bit about the source if possible. Keep in mind the finest leather quality is clear, supple, and clean, which is called full-grain, lower leather quality will feel stiff, mostly from the excessive coating needed to hide imperfections.
• You want to find leather that shows the variations in the grain, look and feel for fat wrinkles that naturally covered fatty areas of the animal. Don't forget to smell the leather. I know this may sound weird but it is an important step. If it has a rotten smell or chemical smell, then it is not good quality. Poor quality leather will omit an odor from the processing chemicals and in some rare cases, the leather will smell decayed or even retain the smell of manure. Simply look for something that looks, smells and feels natural.
• Next you want to consider where the leather came from, keep in mind that without a doubt, European leather is the finest you will find anywhere, but also the most expensive. So if price is a factor for you that Northern American leather may be a better choice. Their leather is very good quality and usually more affordable. Other locations will be the most affordable, but also of lesser quality. Trust your instincts, and use your senses, (sight, smell, and touch that is)and you will be able to purchase high quality leather products to accent your home, and your wardrobe.