There are different grades of leather:

TOP or FULL GRAIN refers to the top or hair side of the skin. It has a smooth grain, is soft, and easily absorbs dyes. Look for small pores.

CORRECTED Leather is top grain, but damaged and thus lower quality.

If you do find a belt you want to purchase that says Corrected, just check it over very carefully for any flaws that would detract from the beauty and wearability of the belt.

SPLIT Leather is the part under the top grain (everything but the top half of the leather). These are used for suede, embossed or coated belts to disguise the lack of grain.

BONDED Leather is the particleboard of belts. It is made from chopped leather bonded with glue for inexpensive belts or for liners. These belts are not durable.