Types of leather. Leather. Leather products

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Genuine leather is always valuable. This material is popular and in demand. For example, leather shoes will not lose their original appearance for 5 years, and even more with proper care. However, in many ways, the quality of the product depends on other factors, such as dressing and the type of leather used to sew a particular item.

Currently, the types of leather are so diverse that it is sometimes very difficult for an inexperienced consumer to make their choice. Studying the range of products, you can see a significant difference in pricing. What explains this? In order to answer this question, you will need to study all the characteristics of this material.

For example, few people know that certain types of leather are worn differently. Some are pleasant to the touch and soft, others wear out quickly, others need careful care, etc.

In our article we will try to talk about the most common types of leather. We describe the methods of dressing. We will also tell you what specific things this or that type is suitable for.

Pigskin

Let's start ourfamiliarization with the cheapest kind. It's pigskin. It is difficult to call it noble and luxurious. This material is used for the manufacture of budget clothing options, that is, the so-called consumer goods, for example, shoes, jackets, less often raincoats. Unfortunately, this acquisition will not please the owner very much, since this type of leather does not differ in durability, practicality, and, most unpleasantly, it gets wet quickly and completely. If we compare the quality, then only artificial leather is inferior to it.

Bakers

The skin of a noble wild animal, the peccary, is most often used to make gloves. Sometimes you can find shoes, they are very soft and comfortable. Its feature is that the longer you wear the product, the more pleasant the sensations. This material has undeniable advantages - impeccable quality, strength and durability. Thanks to the original appearance, things look chic, but they are unlikely to fit the classic style. However, not everyone can afford to buy such products, since their cost is quite high.

Capibari

As well as bakers, it is used for sewing gloves, but the products will cost a little less, which makes them more in demand and accessible to more customers. Leather is durable and practical, like many other types of leather. Its distinctive feature is a funny appearance. Capybari leather products are perfect for everyday use.

Cowskin

Inexpensive, but durable enough look - bovine leather. She's very fat and toughdoesn't get wet at all. It is very difficult to judge what these qualities refer to - advantages or disadvantages. Everything will depend on what kind of product is sewn from it. It is also worth noting that the rustic appearance somewhat spoils the overall picture. It is recommended to purchase belts, bags made of such material, but it will be inconvenient to wear jackets and shoes due to heavy weight and rigidity. Such leather is ideal for upholstery of furniture, car interiors, steering wheels and seats, as it has a high level of wear resistance.

Cowhide

The best value for money option is cow leather. It is widely used for making shoes. Such material is quite durable, but it can be a little harsh, especially if the skin of an older animal was used. When compared with the bullish species, the price is slightly higher. But this is fully paid off by the appearance, which, of course, is not suitable for branded products, but for the middle range it is quite worthy, even noble.

Calfskin

Calf - durable and soft leather, often used to make bags, jackets, shoes. It is very delicate and pleasant to the touch, it is widely used in the manufacture of branded products. Excellent quality fully affects the pricing policy, however, there is no one hundred percent certainty that top-class leather was used in the manufacture of expensive items. Often, embossing is practiced on this type of material, imitating the characteristic skin pattern of exotic reptiles, such as monitor lizard, snake, crocodile. Of course, such production can be called a fake, but things are of high quality.

Deerskin

Deerskin is quite popular and in demand. Very often this type is used for the manufacture of men's gloves, as it has the necessary qualities:

• strength;
• durability;
• excellent protection from piercing wind;
• keeps warm well.

This leather is also widely used for shoes. Such models are very expensive, but high-quality and comfortable. Deer suede is in great demand. Even dress shoes made of such leather will be worn like slippers.

Sheepskin

Due to the high cost, it is quite difficult to purchase a product made of sheep skin. And it's not just the price. Manufacturers rarely use such material, most often only for individual orders. It can be used for sewing jackets, belts, bags, gloves, but these products will be premium with a corresponding cost. It is very soft to the touch, but durable, the weight of the finished product is small. Items made of lamb skin are considered elite models.

Goatskin

Goat skin is a great option for making branded accessories. Due to the high density and strength, belts, purses, wallets meet the stated requirements. Goatskin gloves are also available. They are very soft, pleasant and comfortable with constant use. However, these features are completelyare reflected in the price of the goods.

Cordoba leather

Famous French, American, Italian and British shoe manufacturers often use horse leather. It is quite peculiar, has a special luster, because of which unknowing people believe that it is artificial leather. Cordovan does not require special care, however, due to its high rigidity, pronounced creases may appear. The advantages of this material are strength and wear resistance, it is also able to retain heat very well, which is an excellent quality for shoes. The cost of such products is quite high.

Crocodile skin

Reptile skins are highly valued. For example, such shoes can cost from $1,000. The characteristic of the material lies in a certain pattern, which gives the product originality. It is worth noting that the quality of crocodile skin is also at a high level - it is super strength, durability, which cannot be compared with other types.

This material can be divided into three categories:

1. Alligator skin is the most expensive option, used only in the manufacture of truly elite and exclusive products that have no analogues.
2. Crocodile skin can be attributed to the middle range. It is more common on sale than the first option, however, only a few will be able to afford to purchase products of this level.
3. Caiman leather is the cheapest in this group. It is distinguished by a certain rigidity, which is unusual for other types, and is also significantly inferior in quality and time.operation.

Basically, this pricing policy is explained by the complexity of dressing and the expensive keeping of crocodiles.

Snakeskin

Similar to crocodile skin, snake skin is premium, but a little cheaper. In production, it is used for the manufacture of exclusive models that are distinguished by design originality and an informal approach. Such products are not suitable for everyday life, they are purchased for significant events where influential people of society gather. It is worth noting that, wearing snakeskin products, you will produce a stunning effect.

It is soft and pleasant to the touch. For the production of things, the skin of a python or cobra is most often used.

Ostrich skin

The elasticity of ostrich leather allows it to be used for sewing comfortable shoes, outerwear, accessories. All products belong to the "luxury" class. This material is distinguished by the presence of volume and a certain texture, which from afar resembles the skin of a chicken. Ostriches are grown on specially equipped farms. Due to the fact that they have soft skin, the products are very comfortable and comfortable to wear.

Processing methods

Viewing the products, you can see the difference in the appearance of the material. Sometimes it is barely noticeable, but sometimes it is very pronounced. Why do fabrics of the same type of leather differ from each other? This may depend on the quality of the raw material. But, as a rule, dressing of the skin affects this factor. There are a lot of processing methods, it is thanks to them that the canvas acquires a characteristic texture. It's easy to list them all.unrealistic, and this knowledge is not needed by an ordinary buyer. Let's dwell on the most basic nuances.

Smooth skin

This is the most common dressing option, represented by a huge range of different products. These are shoes, jackets, raincoats, accessories. In care, it is quite simple, does not require special knowledge. Differs in a practicality and wear resistance. Such a canvas is soft, with bodily contact it gives a pleasant sensation, but not very thin, which indicates strength. There is such a thing as skin classes. It is this indicator that characterizes the quality of the product, for example, calf means that the material is of good workmanship.

Polished leather

Animal skins undergoing chemical treatment acquire a beautiful sheen. Their surface is perfectly smooth, without a pronounced structure. Such genuine leather, compared to other types of finishes, is of less quality and harsh, which makes it not very popular. Also, people who prefer such products are suspicious of shiny surfaces.

Corrected skin

The name itself suggests that during the dressing the skin was manipulated to hide defects. As a rule, for this they are treated with various chemicals, and then coated with paint. It is impossible to attribute this option to quality products. The manufacturer's label should indicate corrected/corrected-grain leather, which gives a clear description of the material. You can purchase such products only if the price is fullymatch the quality.

Grained leather

Specific leather dressing allows you to give the canvas an original, informal look. The quality of such a product will depend on the consciousness of the processing company. It is used for sewing shoes, but grainy leather requires proper care. Products can be worn in rainy weather, since, subject to all the rules, the material is quite durable and can last a long time.

Vegetable tanned

This type completely excludes chemical treatment. The skin has a noble appearance and is pleasant to the touch. Very soft, which can lead to scuffing. As a rule, such defects are accompanied by a change in color. The cost of products made from such leather is quite high, but this does not mean impeccable quality. Vegetable tanned leather requires careful care and respect.

Vachetta leather

This type of skin is very moody and delicate. It is processed with minimal impact, in which chemicals are not used at all. Products made from such material are not intended for everyday use. They must not be wetted and polluted, otherwise they will deteriorate. The material is mainly used for the manufacture of exclusive accessories, bags, less often belts.

Brushed leather

As a rule, low quality hides can be polished. To do this, remove the top layer. During grinding, all possible defects are eliminated, and the canvas takes on a quite decent look. This arrangement allows the use oftwo layers of skin are useful: high-quality products are sewn from the top, and budget shoes are sewn from the middle. Compared to other processing methods, buffed leather is the cheapest.

Velor

A kind of polished leather - velor. It is distinguished by the presence of a small pile. Can not "boast" high performance. Afraid of interaction with water and dirt. The service life can be estimated as short-lived.

Patent leather

Patent leather is very smooth, with a pronounced sheen. This effect is obtained through the use of a certain technology. A special agent (plastic) is applied to the top layer of the skin, which forms such a peculiar surface. As a rule, patent leather is used for the manufacture of shoes and bags, less often belts. It requires careful handling and special care. You can use such products, observing some restrictions, for example, temperature conditions (from -10 to +25 degrees), you can not wear it in the rain. Also, the disadvantage of such shoes is the low ability to "breathe".

Patinated leather

Special type of processing - patinated leather. After dressing, it takes on an aged look. With the right design, it looks quite noble and majestic. The quality of such material directly depends on the materials used. It is rarely used in wide production, as it has a high cost and a specific appearance that real gourmets can appreciate.

Nappa

Nappa leather - a special way of processingskins of cattle. Thanks to this dressing, the skin acquires good elasticity, softness and smoothness of the surface. The fabric is easy to paint. Such leather is suitable for jackets and gloves, and both women's and men's models are sewn. It has a special brilliance, so when purchasing a product, you need to be guided by personal preferences. Otherwise, this is quite high-quality material.

Nubuk

This kind of skin looks like suede. It is pleasant to the touch, velvety and delicate, of sufficient quality. Its advantage is good breathability. However, before buying a product, you should pay attention to whether a protective layer is applied to the surface of the skin. As a rule, manufacturers indicate this data on the label. Of course, it will be somewhat problematic to take care of such material, but if you wear shoes in dry weather, they will last a very long time. And accessories made of such material generally look just gorgeous.

Suede leather

A common type of leather is suede. It is widely used in the production of bags, gloves, shoes, outerwear and other products. It should be noted right away that it is necessary to take care of it carefully, it cannot be washed, but only cleaned with a special brush. However, such material has much more advantages: excellent air conductivity, softness, elasticity, etc. The velvety surface brings pleasure when touched. When buying suede products, you need to be extremely careful, as there are currently many fakes of various products on the market.quality.