Leather products that create a sophisticated style: Typical materials and how to use them

Typical types of leather

In this article, we will explain the types of leather in detail. We will introduce the information and characteristics you need to know when choosing leather products.

Table of contents

1. Definition and basic knowledge of leather

Leather is a durable natural material made from animal skin. The processing process involves various steps to clean, preserve and ultimately transform the skin into a flexible and durable material. The quality, texture, and durability of leather vary greatly depending on the type of animal used as raw material, the part of the hide, and the processing method used.

Throughout history, leather has been used in a wide variety of applications, including clothing, shoes, gloves, bags, and furniture due to its practicality and beauty. Leather products develop a unique texture the more they are used, and their appeal increases as they age.

Cowhide is the most commonly used animal skin and is used in a wide range of products due to its robustness and durability. Pig leather is softer and has fine pores, making it suitable for clothing and accessories. Sheepskin is extremely soft and lightweight, and is used for high-end clothing and accessories. Horseskin is highly durable and has a unique luster, making it popular for bags and shoes. Fish leather has a unique pattern and texture and is often used for accessories and small items.

When choosing a leather product, it is important to consider a variety of factors, including the intended use, preferred style, durability, and ease of care. With proper care and protection, leather products can maintain their beauty and functionality for many years.

2. About typical animal leathers

2.1 Cowhide

Cowhide leather is one of the most widely used materials for leather products due to its excellent durability, flexibility, and unique aging beauty that appears over time. This leather obtained from cows is thick and strong, yet easy to process, so it is used in a wide variety of products.

Cowhide products are widely used in daily life, such as bags, wallets, shoes, belts, and jackets. In addition, cowhide leather can be processed in a variety of ways to create a variety of textures, from smooth to rough, and from matte to glossy. This versatility in processing makes cowhide even more popular.

In particular, high-quality cowhide leather will become more comfortable in your hand the more you use it, allowing you to enjoy its unique patterns and changes in color. This natural aging process allows leather products to develop a unique texture that is tailored to each user and increases in value over time.

Cowhide leather is also relatively easy to maintain, and with proper care can maintain its beauty and functionality for many years. Regular cleaning and moisturizing will make your cowhide products last longer and make them even more durable.

Due to these characteristics, cowhide is extremely valuable as a material for leather products and is used for a wide range of purposes. Its robustness, ease of processing, and beautiful aging process make cowhide a particularly popular choice among leather goods.

2.2 Pigskin

Pigskin is a material with a unique fine pore pattern that is both flexible and lightweight. These properties make pigskin one of the most popular leathers used in a variety of products, from clothing to accessories.

Especially in clothing, pigskin leather provides comfort due to its softness and lightness. Often used for leather jackets, pants, gloves, etc., these items take advantage of the flexibility of pigskin to provide ease of movement and comfort. Pig leather also has the advantage of being able to stay relatively warm due to its low thermal conductivity.

The surface of pigskin leather has a unique fine texture, and this texture gives pigskin products a unique look. In addition, pigskin leather is easy to dye and retains its vibrant colors for a long time, making it suitable for products with a wide variety of designs.

Advances in processing technology have made it possible to improve the durability of pigskin leather, making it suitable for everyday use items. It is also attracting attention as a cost-effective option as it is often offered at a relatively affordable price.

With proper care, pigskin products can maintain their beauty for a long time. It is recommended to avoid dryness and excessive humidity, and to regularly care for it with a special cleaner or conditioner.

Due to these characteristics, pigskin is highly popular for its versatile use and has established a unique position among leather products. Its unique texture, flexibility and wide range of colors make pigskin a special material.

2.3 Sheep leather

Sheep leather is a material that is highly valued for its flexibility and lightness, as well as its unique smooth feel. Sheep leather has a delicate texture and excellent durability, and is especially used for high-end clothing and accessories.

The biggest feature of sheepskin leather is its softness and lightness. This makes sheepskin an ideal material for wearable items such as jackets, gloves, bags, and accessories. Sheepskin also retains heat and is suitable for use in cold climate conditions. Its delicate texture is often used in products that come into direct contact with the skin, providing comfort.

Sheepskin's flexibility allows it to be worked into fine details and intricate designs. This allows sheepskin products to be decorated with highly skilled decorations and patterns, creating products with a unique beauty. In addition, sheepskin leather has a natural luster, giving it an elegant look.

Care must be taken when caring for sheepskin products. Due to its softness and delicate nature, it is susceptible to excessive moisture and friction, so regular cleaning and moisturizing is recommended. With proper care, sheepskin leather can maintain its beauty and softness for many years.

These properties make sheepskin highly valued in the fashion industry. Its soft feel, light weight and elegant appearance make products made from sheepskin special. Sheep leather products provide users with a sense of luxury and comfort at the same time.

2.4 Horseskin

Horseskin is known for its unique durability and flexibility, making it highly valued as a material for high-end leather products. This leather obtained from horses is famous as a luxury item, especially cordovan obtained from the horse's rump. Horseskin has a dense fiber structure and has excellent wear resistance. This makes it suitable for products that require durability, such as shoes, bags, and wallets.

Another feature of horse leather is its unique luster. With proper processing and care, horsehide has a beautiful luster, and the more it is used, the more it gains depth and flavor. Cordovan in particular is highly valued by leather goods enthusiasts for its luster and smooth texture.

Due to their high durability, horsehide products can be used for long periods of time, and as they age, their individuality increases, making them a great joy to own. In addition, due to its rarity, horse leather can become an item that symbolizes status just by owning it.

When it comes to care, horsehide, like any other high-quality leather product, requires proper maintenance. By regularly removing dirt with a cleaner and moisturizing with a conditioner, you can maintain the flexibility of the leather and prolong its luster.

Horseskin is a material that continues to be loved by many people due to its beauty, durability, and appeal that increases with use. You will feel the high quality of shoes, bags, wallets, etc. in various everyday situations.

2.5 Fish leather

Fish leather is a type of leather made from processed fish skin, and is attracting attention due to its unique patterns and environmentally friendly production process. Fish leather is made from the skin of various fish such as salmon, carp, and sea bream, and is characterized by its lightweight yet surprisingly high durability.

The biggest appeal of fish leather is its unique pattern and texture. The fine scale patterns vary depending on the species of fish, making each fish as beautiful as a work of art. This unique look is very suitable for high-end fashion items such as accessories, wallets, bags, and even clothing.

In addition, fish leather is easy to dye and retains its vibrant colors for a long time. That's why designers use fish leather to create colorful and eye-catching products. Also, fish leather is light and soft, which ensures comfort when wearing it.

Caring for fish leather products requires the same care as any other leather product. You can maintain its beauty for a long time by avoiding direct sunlight, high temperature and humidity, and regularly cleaning it with a special cleaner and moisturizer. With proper care, fish leather maintains its unique texture and color vibrancy over a long period of time.

With its eco-friendly production process and unique aesthetic appeal, fish leather is also becoming a popular sustainable fashion choice. Fish leather products can be an ideal choice for people who want to be environmentally conscious while still looking for style.

3. Types of synthetic leather

Synthetic leather is a man-made material developed as a substitute for natural leather. Chemical substances such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU) are mainly used in their production. Synthetic leather is often compared to natural leather in various aspects such as durability, cost, and environmental impact, and is used in a wide range of fields such as fashion items, automobile interiors, and furniture.

3.1 PVC leather

PVC leather (polyvinyl chloride leather) is widely recognized for its water resistance, durability, and low cost to manufacture. This synthetic leather is mainly made of polyvinyl chloride, and the plastic compound is combined with softeners and other additives to create a leather-like texture.

PVC leather is used in a wide variety of products, including bags, shoes, outdoor goods, car interiors, and clothing. Its waterproof properties are especially valuable in rainy areas or when looking for a product suitable for outdoor activities. PVC leather is also stain-resistant and easy to clean, making it suitable for everyday items.

However, it has been pointed out that PVC leather has a high environmental impact during its manufacturing process and disposal. There is a possibility that vinyl chloride monomers may be released during the manufacturing process, and there are concerns that this may have a harmful effect on the human body. Additionally, PVC has very low biodegradability and tends to remain in the environment as waste, so recycling and appropriate disposal methods are required.

In recent years, technological developments have been underway to reduce the environmental impact of PVC leather. Progress is being made in the production of sustainable products, including the use of more environmentally friendly fabric softeners, technology to suppress the release of harmful substances during the manufacturing process, and the development of PVC leather that is easier to recycle.

When choosing PVC leather, it is important to take into account not only the intended use and functionality of the product, but also environmental considerations such as the manufacturer's environmental policy and the recyclability of the product. With proper selection and care, PVC leather products can be used for a long time while minimizing their environmental impact.

3.2 PU leather

PU leather (polyurethane leather) is a synthetic leather based on polyurethane, and is characterized by a texture and flexibility similar to genuine leather. Due to its relatively environmentally friendly manufacturing process and excellent physical properties, this material is used in a wide range of products including clothing, furniture, bags, and shoes.

The biggest appeal of PU leather is that it looks and feels very similar to genuine leather, giving it a luxurious feel. In addition, PU is resistant to moisture and dirt, making it durable enough for everyday use. Additionally, it is particularly suitable for clothing as it is breathable and provides a soft and comfortable feel.

Environmental friendliness is also one of the major advantages of PU leather. The PU manufacturing process has less impact on the environment than PVC, and because it does not contain harmful chlorine compounds, there are fewer problems when disposing of it. In addition, more environmentally friendly production methods and bio-based PU leather using plant-derived raw materials have recently been developed, increasing its potential as a sustainable material.

However, PU leather is not as durable as genuine leather, and has the disadvantage that it easily deteriorates when used for long periods of time or under harsh conditions. Proper care can extend its lifespan, but care must be taken when using the product. For example, it is recommended that you regularly use special cleaners and moisturizers, and that you store your products in a way that avoids direct sunlight and high temperatures.

PU leather plays an important role in modern fashion and interior design due to its versatility, environmental friendliness, and texture close to real leather. The key to maximizing the value of these synthetic leathers is to choose them wisely and use them appropriately while considering the balance with the environment.

4. How to care for leather

Proper care is necessary to keep leather products beautiful for a long time. Below we will introduce how to care for your leather.

4.1 How to remove dirt

Dirt on leather products not only affects the appearance, but also accelerates the deterioration of the material itself, so it is important to deal with it appropriately. The optimal method will vary depending on the type of leather and the degree of dirt, but the basic steps for removing dirt are as follows.

1. Wipe with a dry cloth:First, use a dry, soft cloth to gently wipe away any dust or light dirt from the leather surface.

2. Use a neutral detergent:For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of diluted neutral detergent with water to a cloth and gently wipe the leather surface. At this time, it is important to be careful not to let the detergent come into direct contact with the leather product, and to wipe it gently with a cloth.

3. Wipe dry immediately:After using detergent, gently wipe the leather surface with another soft, dry cloth to remove any moisture.

4. Dry naturally:It is best to dry leather products naturally, avoiding forced drying near direct sunlight or heating equipment.

Points to note:Not all leather products can withstand water and mild detergents. Especially in the case of delicate leather or specially treated leather products, we recommend that you test it on an inconspicuous area before attempting to remove stains. Also, check if the detergent you use is suitable for leather and consider using a professional leather cleaner if necessary.

4.2 Drying measures

It is very important to store leather products in an environment with proper humidity. If the leather is too dry, it will become hard and cause cracks and deformation. Below, we will introduce drying measures to properly protect your leather products and keep them in beautiful condition.

1. Avoid direct sunlight:Leaving leather products under direct sunlight for long periods of time can cause the leather to dry out and fade. When storing, choose a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

2. Maintain proper humidity:The ideal storage environment for leather products is between 40% and 60% humidity. If indoor humidity is low, consider using a humidifier or other methods to maintain moderate humidity.

3. Store in a well-ventilated place:Breathability is important for leather products. Store it in a place with good air circulation, not in a closed place. For example, placing it in a breathable cloth bag is effective.

4. Shape regularly:To prevent deformation due to dryness, it is important to gently reshape leather products by hand on a regular basis. In particular, for items that tend to lose their shape, such as shoes or bags, it's a good idea to put cushioning inside them to help them retain their shape when not in use.

Points to note:Avoid forcing leather products to dry. Drying methods that use heat, such as heaters or hair dryers, can damage the leather. It is important to keep the leather supple by drying it naturally and using a professional leather moisturizing cream if necessary.

4.3 Wound repair

Leather products may suffer unavoidable scratches during daily use. However, with proper treatment, these scars can be made less noticeable. Below are some basic methods for repairing scratches on leather products.

1. Cleaning the surface:Clean the surface of your leather product before repairing scratches. Gently wipe away dust and dirt with a dry cloth.

2. Scratch evaluation:We will check the depth and size of the wound and determine if it can be repaired. Minor scratches can be treated at home, but deeper scratches or tears may require the use of a professional leather repair service.

3. Use of repair cream:Use a leather repair cream or conditioner to reduce the appearance of scratches. Follow the product instructions and apply the cream directly to the wound and gently blend with a cloth. This process evens out the color of the leather and makes scratches less noticeable.

4. Color repair:If there are areas where the color has faded, use a leather dye to repair the color. Be careful when choosing your color, so choose a dye that is as close to the original color as possible, and try it on a small area before applying it all over.

5. Protective finish:After repairing the scratch, apply a thin layer of a suitable protective agent to protect the leather product. This keeps the leather soft and makes it more resistant to future scratches.

Points to note:Restoring leather products requires care. In particular, when performing color repair, the result may differ from the original color, so we recommend testing on an inconspicuous area. Additionally, for deep scratches or complex damage, it is best to consult a professional.

 

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Author information


Author name: Yama (Cowmono Owner)

Occupation: Slowth lab representative

Self-introduction: Engaged in sales and marketing for more than a quarter at domestic and overseas apparel companies. He has a deep knowledge of fashion, sports, outdoor activities, and subculture.