Nappa leather is a type of full-grain leather. It was first made by Emanuel Manasse in the year 1875. Manasse worked for a tanning company in Napa, California. That is how the leather gets its name. It is very soft and pliable, but it is also tough and durable in spite of being soft. The leather has an intact top-grain. Hence, it is more "breathable" and does not retain moisture. The leather often develops a patina over the years that adds to its aesthetics.