CNFans Spreadsheet Deep Dive: Sizing, Leather Grades, and the Art of Patina

Hey there! If you’ve been scrolling through the CNFans Spreadsheet lately, you’ve probably felt that familiar mix of excitement and total confusion. There are thousands of rows, hundreds of sellers, and a million different versions of the same pair of sneakers or leather duffle bag. You click a link, see a tempting price tag, and then hit the wall: What size am I? And is this thing going to fall apart in a week?

You aren't alone. One of the biggest hurdles when buying from overseas marketplaces is the inconsistency in sizing and material quality. Today, I want to talk to you like a friend sitting at a coffee shop. We are going to look past the hype and focus on two things that determine whether your purchase is a win or a waste: Sizing discrepancies and Leather Quality (specifically aging and patina).

The Sizing Roulette: It’s Not Just You

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room. Sizing across different sellers on the CNFans spreadsheet is rarely consistent. You might be a Large in one shop and a Triple-XL in another. Why? Because different sellers source from different factories with different target demographics.

• Budget Sellers: Often use "Asian Sizing," which runs significantly smaller than US/EU sizing. If you buy a cheap leather jacket here, you often need to size up two or even three times.
• High-Tier Sellers: These sellers, often marked as "1:1" or "Best Batch" on spreadsheets, usually aim for "Retail Sizing." This means an Italian 42 fits like an Italian 42.

But here is the kicker that most people miss: The material dictates the fit. A stiff, high-grade leather requires a break-in period and might feel tight initially, whereas a cheap synthetic (PU) leather might feel flexible immediately but lacks structure. When comparing sizing, you have to look at what the item is made of.

Leather Grades: Decoding the Spreadsheet Jargon

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. You want that leather item—be it a pair of retro basketball sneakers, a belt, or a biker jacket—to look better with age, right? That’s where Patina comes in. But you won't get a nice patina from plastic.

When you are navigating the spreadsheet, look for specific keywords in the "Material" or "Notes" columns based on the seller tiers.

1. The "Budget" Tier (PU / Bonded Leather)

If the price seems too good to be true, it’s likely PU (Polyurethane) or Bonded Leather.
The Reality: These items will fit loosely or unnaturally uniform. They do not breathe.
Aging: Zero patina. Instead of golden-brown aging, you get peeling and cracking. Avoid these if you want longevity.

2. The "Mid-Tier" (Genuine Leather / Split Leather)

This is where most "decent" reps live. "Genuine Leather" sounds fancy, but in the industry, it's actually a lower grade—it's the layers of hide left over after the top is removed, often sanded down and painted.
The Reality: The sizing is usually more standard. The leather feels okay but might feel a bit plasticky due to the coating.
Aging: Limited. Because it’s heavily coated/painted, it won't absorb oils from your hands or the environment well. It stays looking "new" until the paint cracks.

3. The "God Tier" (Top Grain / Full Grain / Vachetta)

This is what you are hunting for on the CNFans spreadsheet. Sellers specializing in high-end streetwear or luxury goods often use imported hides.
The Reality: Sizing often runs "True to Size" (TTS) but feels stiff at first. This is a good sign! Thick, full-grain leather needs heat and movement to mold to your body or feet.
Aging & Patina: This is the holy grail. Over months, Vachetta leather turns from pale beige to a rich honey amber. Vegetable-tanned leathers will darken, soften, and develop a unique sheen (patina) that tells the story of how you wore it.

Comparing Sellers: A Patina Case Study

Let's simulate a scenario I see all the time. You are looking for a classic high-top sneaker on the spreadsheet.

Seller A (The Bargain Bin):
They offer the shoe for $30. The photos look bright and shiny. The sizing chart says "Order 1 size up."
The Outcome: You get the shoe. It fits okay, maybe a bit sweaty. Six months later, the toe box isn't creasing naturally; it’s developing jagged cracks. The white leather stays blindingly white, looking artificial.

Seller B (The Premium Batch):
They offer the shoe for $90. The notes say "Imported Cowhide." Sizing says "TTS."
The Outcome: You get the shoe. It’s tight. You almost regret it. But you wear it for a week. The leather warms up and molds to your foot shape relative to the sizing. Six months later? The white leather has softened into a creamy off-white vintage look. The creases are soft ripples, not sharp cracks. The shoe actually looks better than when you bought it.

How to Spot the Difference Before You Buy

Since you can't touch the items through the screen, use these tips when looking at the CNFans spreadsheet and the associated QC (Quality Control) photos:

• Check the Edges: On leather bags or belts, look at the cut edges. If it’s painted thick rubbery red or black, it’s likely hiding layers of cheap bonded material. If it looks raw or cleanly burnished, it’s likely higher quality.
• Look for Pores: Zoom in on high-def QC photos. Real, high-grade leather has irregular pores. If the texture looks like a repeating perfectly stamped pattern, it’s likely embossed low-grade leather.
• Read the Weight: Heavier usually means better leather density. Many spreadsheets list the weight of the item. Compare the weight of a Budget Batch vs. a Premium Batch. If the Premium one is 300g heavier, that’s usually extra leather thickness.

The Final Verdict

Comparison shopping on CNFans isn't just about finding the lowest number in the price column. It’s about value.

If you fit check a budget jacket, you’re just covering your body. But if you hunt down the sellers using Full Grain or Top Grain leather, you are investing in a piece that will develop a patina unique to you. The sizing might be trickier—remember, higher quality leather has less unnatural stretch and requires a breakdown period—but the payoff is a wardrobe staple that lasts years rather than weeks.

So next time you open that spreadsheet, scroll a little further right. Look at the material notes. Don't be afraid to pay a little extra for the batch that explicitly mentions "aging" or "vegetable tanned." Your future self (and your closet) will thank you.