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Information about the types of leather you’re interested in
Are you a fan of leather fashion products? Are you interested and want to learn more about leather? Do you want to understand how to properly care for and maintain leather products? This article will help you answer all your questions, providing comprehensive information about different types of leather that will be beneficial to you. Don’t miss out on this article!
What is tanned leather? Classifying different types of tanned leather
Information about tanned leather
Tanned leather is a material that offers both high durability and is a result of processing animal hides from animals such as cattle, buffalo, young sheep, crocodile, or ostrich. Among these, cowhide stands out with a diverse range of products. To create refined leather sheets, craftsmen employ various leather processing techniques, ranging from scale to technological procedures, which involve several crucial steps.
Tanned leather is classified into two main forms: top-grain leather and suede.
- Top-grain leather is located on the topmost layer of the hide, representing the finest and highest quality section, contributing significant value and widespread applications, enhancing the value of various products.
- Suede is found on the reverse side of the top-grain layer and is also widely utilized in the fashion industry. Although not as durable as top-grain leather, suede possesses a unique beauty with its soft and smooth layer of hair on the surface, providing a velvety sensation when touched.
Common types of tanned leather today
1. Cowhide Leather
Advantages of cowhide leather:
- Soft and comfortable: Cowhide leather has a soft and comfortable feel against the skin. This makes it suitable for products like shoes, bags, gloves, and jackets.
- High durability: Cowhide leather is resistant to abrasion, helping products maintain their shape and freshness over time. This durability makes it a preferred choice for items that require longevity and high protection.
- Good sweat absorption: Cowhide leather has better sweat absorption compared to other types of leather, helping to keep the wearer feeling dry and comfortable in hot and humid conditions.
- Beautiful and luxurious: With its smooth matte surface and natural beauty, cowhide leather often imparts a sense of luxury and sophistication to products. It’s well-suited for premium fashion items and accessories.
Disadvantages of cowhide leather:
- Despite having wind-resistant properties, cowhide jackets do not retain heat well, especially during the colder days in the northern regions. To ensure warmth, you’ll need to pair them with thermal clothing underneath.
- Some individuals dislike cowhide due to its somewhat rough texture. This is because cowhide tends to absorb water more than other types of leather. When cowhide gets wet and isn’t properly treated, it can become stiff and lose its natural moisture.
- Most cowhide jackets are relatively heavy. While there are now thinner and lighter cowhide jackets available, the majority of them still carry a significant weight, resulting in a distinct sensation when held.
Common applications of cowhide include: shoes, handbags and leather wallets, gloves, jackets and vests, suede accessories, belts, and more.
2. Goat Leather
Advantages of goat leather:
- Soft and lightweight: Goat leather has a soft and lightweight feel when in contact with the skin. This creates a comfortable sensation when using products made from goat leather, such as shoes, bags, and jackets.
- High aesthetic appeal: Goat leather often comes in beautiful and vibrant colors, making products made from this type of leather attractive and fashionable.
- Good flexibility: Goat leather has better flexibility compared to some other types of leather, making it suitable for products that require flexibility, such as gloves, hats, and shoes.
- Excellent sweat absorption: Similar to tanned leather, goat leather also has better sweat absorption compared to other types of leather, helping maintain comfort in hot and humid weather.
Disadvantages of goat leather:
- Low abrasion resistance: Goat leather has lower resistance to abrasion and weak force compared to some other types of leather. This can make products more susceptible to damage when exposed to harsh environments.
- Prone to cracking and scratching: Due to its soft and lightweight nature, goat leather is more prone to cracking and scratching if not properly cared for. This requires users to be cautious in both usage and maintenance of the products.
Common applications of goat leather: Jackets and vests, shoes and bags, gloves and hats, fashion products, etc.
3. Sheepskin leather
Advantages of sheepskin leather:
- Soft and gentle: Sheepskin leather has a soft and gentle feel when in contact with the skin. It provides comfort and ease when using products made from this type of leather.
- Aesthetic appeal and color variety: Sheepskin leather often has a smooth and beautiful surface, and it has good dye absorption capabilities, allowing for the creation of products with diverse and vibrant colors.
- Effective warmth retention: Sheepskin leather has the ability to effectively retain warmth, making products from sheepskin suitable for staying warm in cold weather.
- Natural stretchability: Sheepskin has a natural ability to stretch, making products from sheepskin adaptable to various shapes and intricate sewing patterns.
Disadvantages of sheepskin leather:
- Low durability: Sheepskin leather typically has lower durability compared to some other types of leather, making it susceptible to tearing and damage if not properly cared for.
- Limited water resistance: Sheepskin leather has limited water resistance, making it prone to damage when exposed to water or moisture.
- Susceptible to staining: Sheepskin leather is prone to attracting dirt and oils, and cleaning sheepskin can be challenging.
Common applications of sheepskin leather: Jackets and vests, rugs and interior furnishings, accessories like gloves, hats, and handbags, fashion products such as dresses, shirts, and trousers.
What makes suede tanned special?
Tanned leather possesses distinctive natural attributes: breathability, insulation, elasticity, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance. It serves as a barrier that impedes moisture evaporation. In the case of footwear, it lends stability, enhances functionality, and imparts a unique peripheral allure. Only meticulously chosen and high-quality varieties of leather are employed.
- Durability and resilience: Tanned leather stands as an exceptionally sturdy material, capable of enduring over time when subjected to proper maintenance.
- Air permeability and insulation: Tanned leather facilitates moisture release and breathability while retaining warmth during colder periods.
- Softness and flexibility: Tanned jackets often grow softer through use and exhibit a supple nature that enhances comfort.
- Varied designs: Leather can be skillfully cut and tailored into diverse styles, ranging from daring biker jackets to refined blazers.
- Distinctive beauty: Each piece of leather possesses its own distinct beauty, with folds, material textures, and inherent hues.
- Integration with fashion: Tanned leather jackets harmonize with a plethora of fashion styles, from audacious to sophisticated, from casual to refined.
- Recyclability and eco-friendliness: Leather variations such as genuine leather and recycled leather contribute to reducing the impact on natural resources.
Some Notes When Purchasing Leather Products
When buying leather products, there are several important considerations you should take into account to ensure you choose high-quality items that meet your needs. Below are some key points to keep in mind:
Recognize quality leather products: Firstly, you should learn how to differentiate between full-grain leather, suede, and other types of leather. Genuine leather often boasts a soft, gentle surface and a natural beauty. If you’re unsure about how to distinguish them, consider researching or seeking advice from reputable stores.
Assess durability and suppleness: When touching a leather product, you can gauge its suppleness and durability. Authentic tanned leather is typically smooth and supple, but not overly thin or excessively pliable. If the product feels too soft or thin, it might indicate artificial suede or lower-quality leather.
Inspect stitching and finishing details: Carefully inspect the stitching and finishing details of the product. The stitching should be secure and precise, without any signs of tearing or poor finishing. Details like buttons, zippers, and edges should be meticulously executed and free of defects.
Check the brand and origin: Purchasing products from reputable and established leather brands is crucial. Trusted brands usually ensure product quality and customer satisfaction. Additionally, verifying the country of origin is important, as different countries have varying standards and leather processing procedures.
Proper Care for Leather Products
Taking care of tanned leather properly is crucial to preserving and maintaining the freshness and beauty of the product. Here is a breakdown of how to care for tanned leather correctly:
- Avoid Water and Direct Sunlight: Genuine tanned leather is susceptible to damage and deformation when exposed to water or direct sunlight. Water exposure can cause the suede to stiffen, contract, and lose its initial softness. Sunlight can fade the color of suede and compromise its aesthetic appeal. Therefore, avoid exposing tanned leather products to water and direct sunlight. When not in use, store them in a dry place and keep them away from direct sunlight.
- Use Suede Care Products: Suede care products help maintain the softness, durability, and color of suede. Choose quality suede care products that are suitable for your specific type of suede. These products may include conditioning creams, softening oils, and cleaning agents. Before using any product, conduct a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of the suede to ensure it won’t cause harm or alter the color.
- Proper Storage: When not using your tanned leather jacket or other products, store them in a box or fabric bag to protect them from dust, water, and sunlight. Ensure that the items are stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment and aren’t compressed. Avoid placing them too close to heat sources or direct sunlight.
- Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: Regularly maintaining and cleaning tanned leather is essential to preserve its beauty and durability. Use a soft brush or a slightly damp cloth to remove dirt and debris from the suede’s surface. If the suede becomes damp or dirty, promptly blot and air dry it naturally, avoiding the use of heat sources like hair dryers.
- Refer to Product Care Instructions: Different types of tanned leather, such as suede from cows or goats, may have varying care requirements. Consult the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer or the store where you purchased the product to ensure proper care.
Properly caring for tanned leather involves avoiding water and direct sunlight, using quality care products, and storing the items correctly. By following these measures, you can protect and maintain the beauty and durability of your tanned leather products.
VietNam Custom Leather (VCL) – The Ultimate Shopping Paradise for Men’s Leather Goods Enthusiasts
VietNam Custom Leather Store (VCL) – Where Men’s Leather Fashion Converges and Quality Shopping Awaits. With a deep passion and love for genuine leather, we proudly stand as the destination where you can discover unique and premium products.
At VCL, we offer not only a diverse range of leather items but also create an exciting space for male fashion enthusiasts. From leather jackets that exude strength, stylish leather boots, masculine gloves, distinctive hats, to truly sophisticated leather wallets – all reflect the essence of modern masculinity.
Quality and intricate detailing are our core values. We focus on utilizing authentic leather materials combined with skilled craftsmanship to deliver exquisite, durable, and iconic products. The design team at VCL constantly keeps up with the latest trends, providing freshness and diverse choices for you.
Let’s together shape your distinctive style through premium fashion products at VietNam Custom Leather (VCL). We are honored to accompany you, helping you express your unique and confident personal style.
Contact Information for VCL Store
- Website: vcl.com.vn
- Address: No. 4, Alley 164, Le Trong Tan Street, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi
- Hotline: 032 933 63 32
- Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM from Monday to Sunday
