While top grain is the top layer of the hide and the first choice for furniture upholstery, not all top grains are created equal. There are many variables to consider, like how much sanding the skin needed, how much pigment was added to cover up any imperfections, and how much restamping of grain was done to repair the sanding corrections. The finest top-grain hides, those with the least imperfections, are designated full grain or full top grain. They are the least processed, and consequently, the softest leathers. They are also the most expensive hides because they are in such limited supply.
Full grain is the natural leather.
The grain pattern is not altered in any way. You will see uneven grain and neck wrinkles on the leather, along with any characteristics of the animal's life, like insect bites and range scars. These skins are referred to as corrected grain leathers. If the grain pattern is very even and consistent, you can be sure it is embossed. Some skins are lightly buffed to produce a soft suede-like nap.