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

Typical types of leather

This article will explain in detail the types of leather. Here are some information and features you should know when choosing leather products.

table of contents

1. Definition and basic knowledge of leather

Leather is a durable, natural material made by processing animal skin. This processing process involves various steps to cleanse, undergo a preservation process and ultimately turn the skin into a flexible, durable material. The quality, texture and durability of leather vary greatly depending on the type of animal that is used as a raw material, the part of the leather, and the processing method.

Throughout history, leather has been used in a wide range of applications, including clothing, shoes, gloves, bags, and furniture due to its practicality and beauty. Leather products have the characteristic of being able to use them and their unique texture increases as they age, and their appeal increases with age.

Cowhide is the most popular among commonly used animal leather, and is used in a wide range of products due to its robustness and durability. Pig leather is softer and has a distinctive characteristic of fine pores, making it suitable for clothing and small items. Sheepskin is extremely soft and lightweight, and is used in high-end clothing and small items. Horse leather is highly durable and has a unique luster, making it a favorite for bags and shoes. Fish leather is sometimes used in accessories and small items due to its unique patterns and textures.

When choosing a leather product, it is important to consider a variety of factors, such as the intended use, the style you prefer, durability and ease of care. With proper care and protection, leather products can remain beautiful and functional for many years.

2. About typical animal leather

2.1 Cowhide

Cowhide is one of the most widely used materials in leather products due to its excellent durability, flexibility, and the beauty of its unique aging that appears over time. This leather, which is collected 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 everyday life, including bags, wallets, shoes, belts, and jackets. In addition, various processing methods allow cowhide to achieve a variety of textures, from smooth surfaces to rough rough textures, matte finishes to shiny finishes. This variety in processing makes cowhide even more popular.

In particular, high-quality cowhide will blend in with the more you use it, allowing you to enjoy unique patterns and changes in color. This natural aging process allows leather products to develop a unique texture tailored to each individual user, increasing their value over time.

Additionally, cowhide is relatively easy to maintain, and with proper care, it can maintain its beauty and function for many years. Regular cleaning and moisturizing will last longer and further improve your cowhide products.

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

2.2 Pig leather

Pig leather is a material that is characterized by its unique fine pore pattern, and combines flexibility and light weight. Due to these properties, pig leather is one of the most popular leathers used in a variety of products, from clothing to small items.

Especially in clothing, pig leather provides a comfortable fit due to its softness and lightness. It is often used in leather jackets, pants, gloves, etc., and these items provide ease of movement and comfort, taking advantage of the flexibility of pig leather. Pig leather also has the advantage that it can be kept relatively warm due to its low thermal conductivity.

The surface of the pig leather has a unique fine texture, which gives the pig leather products a unique look. Furthermore, pig leather is easy to dye and can last a long time with vibrant colors, making it suitable for products with a variety of designs.

Advances in processing technology have made pig leather more durable and more suitable for everyday items. It is also often offered at a relatively affordable price, making it a popular option for a cost-effective price.

With proper care, pig leather products can remain beautiful for a long time. It is recommended to avoid dryness and excessive humidity and regularly clean it with a dedicated cleaner or conditioner.

Due to these characteristics, pig leather is highly popular for a variety of uses and has established itself as a unique leather product. Its unique texture, flexibility and wide range of colours make pig leather a special material.

2.3 Sheep leather

Sheepskin is a highly regarded material for its unique smooth texture, not only its flexibility and lightness. Sheepskin has a delicate texture and excellent durability, and is especially used in high-end clothing and accessories.

The biggest feature of sheep leather is its softness and lightness. This makes sheepskin the ideal material for wearable items such as jackets, gloves, bags, and accessories. Sheepskin also has excellent heat retention and is suitable for use in cold weather conditions. Its delicate texture is often used in products that come into contact with the skin, providing a comfortable fit.

Sheepskin is flexible, allowing for fine details and complex designs. This allows sheep leather products to be decorated and patterns that require high skill, creating products with unique beauty. Furthermore, sheepskin has a natural luster and gives an elegant impression.

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

These properties make sheep leather a very valuable item in the fashion industry. Its soft feel, light weight and elegant appearance make the sheepskin-based products special. Sheepskin products provide users with both luxury and comfort.

2.4 Horse leather

Horse leather is known for its unique durability and flexibility, and is extremely valuable as a material for high-end leather products. This leather, which is collected from horses, is particularly well known for its luxury cordovan, which is obtained from the horse's buttocks. Horse leather has a dense fiber structure and is highly abrasion resistant. This makes it suitable for products that require durability, such as shoes, bags, and wallets.

Another feature of horse leather is its unique luster. By applying proper processing and care, the horse leather will give off a beautiful luster, and the more you use it, the deeper and more flavorful it becomes. Cordovan in particular has been highly praised by leather product enthusiasts for its luster and smooth texture.

Horse leather products can be used for a long period of time due to their high durability, and as their individuality increases due to aging, they are said to have a great joy in owning them. Also, due to its rarity, horse leather can become an item that symbolizes status simply by owning it.

As for care, horse leather, like other high-end leather products, requires proper maintenance. By regularly removing dirt with a cleaner and moisturizing with a conditioner, you can maintain the leather's flexibility and keep its sheen for a longer period of time.

Due to its beauty, durability, and charm that increases with use, horse leather is a material that continues to be loved by many people. It will give you a sense of high quality in a variety of everyday situations, such as shoes, bags, and wallets.

2.5 Fish leather

Fish leather is made by processing fish skins, and is attracting attention for its unique patterns and environmentally friendly production process. Fish leather, made from various fish skins such as salmon, carp, and thai, is characterized by its lightweight yet surprisingly durable.

The biggest appeal of fish leather is its unique pattern and texture. Each of the fine scale patterns differs from fish species to each one, and each one has a beautiful, similar to a work of art. This unique look is very suitable for luxury fashion items such as accessories, wallets, bags, and even clothing.

Additionally, fish leather is easy to dye and can last a long time with vibrant colors. Therefore, designers use fish leather to create colorful and eye-catching products. Additionally, fish leather is light and soft, ensuring comfort when worn.

Just like with other leather products, care is required when caring for fish leather products. By avoiding direct sunlight, high temperatures and humidity, and regularly cleaning it with a dedicated cleaner and moisturizer, you can maintain its beauty for a long time. With proper care, the fish leather maintains its unique texture and color vividness over a long period of time.

Due to its environmentally friendly production process and unique beauty, fish leather is also gaining popularity as a sustainable fashion choice. Fish leather products can be an ideal choice for those who want to pursue style while still being environmentally conscious.

3. Types of synthetic leather

Synthetic leather is an artificial material developed as an alternative to natural leather. Chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU) are mainly used in the production. Synthetic leather is often compared to natural leather in various aspects, including durability, cost and environmental impact, and is used in a wide range of fields, including fashion items, car interiors, and furniture.

3.1 PVC leather

PVC leather (PVC leather) is widely recognized for its water resistance, durability, and low cost manufacturing. This synthetic leather is made mainly of PVC and uses plastic compounds to reproduce a leather-like texture by adding softeners and other additives.

PVC leather is used in a wide range of products, including bags, shoes, outdoor equipment, car interiors, and clothing. Its waterproof performance is especially useful when looking for products suitable for rainy areas or outdoor activities. PVC leather is also suitable for everyday use as it is less likely to get dirty and is easy to clean.

However, it has been pointed out that the manufacturing process and disposal of PVC leather has a high environmental impact. There is a possibility that vinyl chloride monomers may be released during the manufacturing process, which is also a concern that this may have a harmful effect on the human body. Furthermore, PVC is extremely low in biodegradability and is likely to remain in the environment as waste, so recycling and appropriate disposal methods are required.

In recent years, technology development has been underway to reduce the environmental impact of PVC leather. We are developing sustainable products, including the use of more environmentally friendly fabric softeners, technology to suppress the emission of harmful substances during the manufacturing process, and the development of easy-to-recycle PVC leather.

When choosing PVC leather, it is important to take into consideration not only the product's purpose and functionality, but also environmental considerations, such as the manufacturer's environmental policy and product recyclability. Proper selection and care allow for long-term use of PVC leather products, while also minimizing environmental impact.

3.2 PU leather

PU leather (polyurethane leather) is synthetic leather made from polyurethane as the base material, and is characterized by its texture and flexibility similar to that of genuine leather. This material is used in a wide range of products including clothing, furniture, bags and shoes due to its relatively low environmental impact and excellent physical properties.

The biggest appeal of PU leather is that its appearance and feel is very similar to genuine leather, creating a luxurious feel. The PU is also resistant to moisture and dirt, and is durable enough to be suitable for everyday use. Additionally, it is especially suitable for clothing as it is breathable, soft and comfortable to wear.

Environmental consideration is one of the major benefits of PU leather. Compared to PVC, the PU manufacturing process has less environmental impact and does not contain harmful chlorine compounds, making it less problematic when disposing of the PU manufacturing process. Recently, more environmentally friendly production methods and bio-based PU leather using plant-derived ingredients have been developed, making it more likely to be a sustainable material.

However, PU leather is not as durable as genuine leather and has the drawback that it can easily deteriorate under long-term use or under harsh conditions. Although proper care can extend its lifespan, it is necessary to use it according to the product when using it. For example, it is recommended to use a dedicated cleaner or moisturizer regularly to avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures.

PU leather plays an important role in modern fashion and interior design, with its diversity, environmental consideration, and its texture similar to genuine leather. Choosing wisely and using it properly while balancing your environment is key to maximize the value of these synthetic leathers.

4. How to care for leather

Proper care is required to keep leather products beautiful for a long time. Below are some tips on how to care for your leather.

4.1 How to remove dirt

Stains that adhere to leather products not only make them look more visible, but also cause the material to deteriorate faster, so it is important to deal with them properly. 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 off dust and light dirt from the leather surface.

2. Use neutral detergent:For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of neutral detergent diluted with water to a cloth and lightly wipe the leather surface. When doing this, it is important to be careful not to let the detergent touch the leather product directly and gently wipe it with a cloth.

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

4. Naturally dry:It is desirable to dry leather products in a natural state, avoiding forced drying in direct sunlight or near heaters.

Note:Not all leather products can withstand water or neutral detergents. In particular, for delicate leather or leather products with special treatment, we recommend that you try it out on an inconspicuous area before removing dirt before starting it in earnest. You should also check whether the detergent you are using is suitable for your leather and consider using a specialized leather cleaner if necessary.

4.2 Dryness prevention

It is very important that leather products be stored in an environment with appropriate humidity. If the leather dries too much, it can harden and cause cracks and deformation. Below we will introduce drying measures to properly protect your leather products and maintain their beautiful condition.

1. Avoid direct sunlight:If you place leather products in direct sunlight for a long time, the leather may dry out and fade. When storing, choose a place away from direct sunlight.

2. Maintain moderate humidity:The ideal storage environment for leather products is in the range of humidity from 40% to 60%. If the humidity is low in the room, use a humidifier or consider other methods to keep the humidity moderate.

3. Store in a breathable place:Breathability is important for leather products. Store in a place where air circulation is required, not in a sealed area. For example, it is effective to put it in a breathable cloth bag.

4. Regularly shape:To prevent deformation due to dryness, it is important to gently shape leather products by hand regularly. In particular, for items that are prone to losing shape, such as shoes and bags, it is a good idea to put cushioning material inside to keep the shape when not in use.

Note:Avoid forcing leather products to dry out. Drying methods that use heat such as heaters and hair dryers can damage the leather. It is important to keep your leather flexible by using a specialized leather moisturizing cream if necessary.

4.3 Repairing wounds

Leather products can be inevitable during daily use. However, proper treatment can make these wounds less noticeable. Below we will introduce the basic methods for repairing scratches on leather products.

1. Surface cleaning:Clean the surface of the leather product before repairing scratches. Gently wipe off dust and dirt with a dry cloth.

2. Scratch rating:Check the depth and size of the scratches and determine whether repair is possible. Shallow scratches can be dealt with at home, but if there are deep scratches or tears, we recommend using a professional leather product repair service.

3. Use of repair cream:Use leather repair creams and conditioners to reduce scratches. Follow the product instructions, apply cream directly to the wound and gently apply it with a cloth. This process will make the leather even and scratches will become less noticeable.

4. Color repair:If there are any areas that have faded, use dyes for leather products to repair the color. Care must be taken when choosing a color, so choose a dye that is as close to the original color as possible, try a small area before applying it to the whole thing.

5. Protective finish:After scratches repair, apply a thin layer of appropriate protective agent to protect the leather product. This will keep the leather soft and improve the resistance to damage in the future.

Note:Carefulness is required when restoring leather products. In particular, when performing color repairs, it is recommended to try on inconspicuous areas as the results may differ from the original color. Also, consulting a professional is the best way to deal with deep wounds and complicated damage.

 

You can see COWMONO leather products, which offer high quality at low prices, below.

Crazy Horse Leather Products available here

Genuine leather products can be found here

We also sell high-quality PU leather products that allow you to enjoy the texture of leather at a low price.

 

 

Author information


Author: Yama (Cowmono Owner)

Occupation: Slowth lab Representative

Self-introduction: Worked in sales and marketing for domestic and international apparel companies over quarterly. He has a deep knowledge of fashion, sports, outdoor activities, and subculture.