Animal skins and hides were the first natural material modified by man. In a process called “tanning”, mechanical and chemical treatments preserve the skins and convert them to leather.
There are different types of animal hides used to make leather. Cattle, sheep, goats and pigs are most commonly used. The most popular is cattle, since they are notable for thicker and durable hides. About 65 percent of leather items are produced with cattle hides. Sheep on the other hand, only account for about 17 percent of all leather items. Their hides are much more delicate and are used mostly for linings and bookbinding. Goats and pigs are not used that much (about 8 to 9 percent), but can be found in shoes, clothing, and linings in certain regions of the world.
There are different types of animal hides used to make leather. Cattle, sheep, goats and pigs are most commonly used. The most popular is cattle, since they are notable for thicker and durable hides. About 65 percent of leather items are produced with cattle hides. Sheep on the other hand, only account for about 17 percent of all leather items. Their hides are much more delicate and are used mostly for linings and bookbinding. Goats and pigs are not used that much (about 8 to 9 percent), but can be found in shoes, clothing, and linings in certain regions of the world.
Determining Leather Quality
Quality leather has the following features: good elasticity, thermal insulation, water resistance/permeability, and shape retention. You can always tell if an item is made from real leather since the material breathes and adjusts to the temperature of its environment. It also becomes richer and suppler over time. Leather is known for being long lasting, some with a longevity of a lifetime. Here are some tips to help you determine quality of leather:
1) Top grain steer hides make strongest, most durable types of leather. This leather is perfect for all types of items: furniture, clothing, shoes etc.
2) Lower priced leather will usually have a higher percentage of healed scars or other markings in the material.
3) The type of finishing/dyeing determines quality. Fully aniline dyed leathers are better and more expensive than semi-aniline dyed leathers.
4) Hand crafted leather items are more valuable and expensive than machine crafted items.
5) Most leather items are imported from Europe and are well known for their superior craftsmanship. For this quality, expect to pay much more than your local counterparts.
6) If leather is produced in large quantities with a popular color (say black), you will tend to pay lower prices than a custom color (like red)
1) Top grain steer hides make strongest, most durable types of leather. This leather is perfect for all types of items: furniture, clothing, shoes etc.
2) Lower priced leather will usually have a higher percentage of healed scars or other markings in the material.
3) The type of finishing/dyeing determines quality. Fully aniline dyed leathers are better and more expensive than semi-aniline dyed leathers.
4) Hand crafted leather items are more valuable and expensive than machine crafted items.
5) Most leather items are imported from Europe and are well known for their superior craftsmanship. For this quality, expect to pay much more than your local counterparts.
6) If leather is produced in large quantities with a popular color (say black), you will tend to pay lower prices than a custom color (like red)
