Guide for different types of leather

Cow

Most preferred type of leather. Readily available, thick, durable and easy to maintain. Cost-effective, and relatively soft.

Goat

Smooth and soft fine grain, easily available, strong yet flexible and water resistant. Light weight and resilient leather.

Sheep

Thin and plush leather, extremely comfortable, soft and light-weight but delicate to use. Mostly used in garments and purses. Sheepskin shearlings can be used with wool inside and leather outside.


Deer

Highly resilient, abrasion resistant and naturally water friendly. It is stretchable and breathable. Very strong leather yet soft and supple.




Grain Vs Split Leather


Full Grain

Top layer of the leather with only the hair removed.
Mostly used for Aniline leather and semi aniline leather.


Split

It is the inner and least fibrous layer of the leather.
It is referred to as split leather, split velour or suede




Qualities of Leather

1. Aniline Leather
2. Semi-Aniline
3. Milled Leather
4. Nappa
5. Split Leather