Pull-up leather is a type of leather that is characterized by its distinctive aging and patina development. It is a finishing technique, not strictly speaking a type of leather, and any kind of leather can be pull-up. Pull-up leather is aniline dyed in the drum to create deep, vibrant colors, and it is finished with a combination of transparent waxes and oils, which gives the leather a very soft hand or feel. When this leather is stretched or pulled, the color migrates and becomes lighter in the pulled areas, hence the name “pull-up” refers to this change in color. Drastic variations in light and dark areas increase as the leather is handled and stretched against the grain. The “pull-up” becomes more evident as the leather is stretched tightly around furniture frames and other materials.

Pull-up leather is very popular, especially for residential, hospitality, and corporate settings. It is typically made from full-grain hides, which are known for their strength and longevity, and is resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for items that require durability, such as furniture and accessories. The natural marks, scars, and wrinkles on pull-up leather add to its charm and character, giving it a rustic and authentic appeal, distinguishing it from corrected-grain leathers that have a more uniform appearance.

The pull-up effect is achieved through the application of special oils, waxes, or greases during the tanning process. The intricate finish allows for lines to form in the leather when pulled or stretched, creating the desirable “two-tone effect” . The more pull-up leather is handled, the more it resembles distressed leather.

In summary, pull-up leather is a type of leather that is characterized by its distinctive aging and patina development. It is a finishing technique that infuses hot oil and/or wax into the hide, and any kind of leather can be pull-up. Pull-up leather is very popular, especially for residential, hospitality, and corporate settings, and is typically made from full-grain hides, which are known for their strength and longevity. The natural marks, scars, and wrinkles on pull-up leather add to its charm and character, giving it a rustic and authentic appeal, distinguishing it from corrected-grain leathers that have a more uniform appearance.