What is semi-aniline leather?

Semi-analine leather is leather that has gone through the same dying process as a pure analine leather, but, the difference is that semi-analine leather has a thin finishing layer on the surface. It has the benefits of a protective surface finish with the increased wearability of pure analine leather.

Analine leather is dyed with soluble dyes so that the product will still show some of the hide's natural characteristics. These are the most expensive leathers, however, due to the hide's porosity, so staining can be a concern. A benefit of analine leather is that it is cooler to sit on because of increased breathability.