Which type of leather is best for handbags?

09 Apr.,2024

 

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If you’re in the market for a new leather bag, it’s likely you’re wondering which leather is best. We know there’s a range of different options out there, which is why we’ve created this in-depth article to help you to make the right decision.


There are many different types of leather available, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. Below we’ll explain the different types of leather and explain why we believe cowhide is the best option for all leather bags.


How the grain of leather affects the quality


Firstly, we need to discuss how the grain of leather affects the quality of the bag. When talking about grain, we’re referring to the surface of the leather which can range from smooth to textured.


The quality of the grain will impact the durability, strength, and overall appearance of the leather. Usually, the higher the quality of the grain, the better the leather will be in all of these aspects.


What type of leather is perfect for bags?


When it comes to leather bags, cowhide leather is widely considered to be the best choice of material.


But why cowhide we hear you ask?


Cowhide leather is durable, strong, and has a natural texture that gives it a timeless look – something we pride ourselves on!


In addition, cowhide leather is more resistant to scratches and abrasions when compared to other types of leather.


Different types of animal leather:


While cowhide leather might be the most popular choice for leather bags, there are several different types of leather to consider as well. Let’s look at some of the most common types of animal leather which is used for bags:


Goatskin leather


Goatskin leather can be used for leather bags because it is lightweight and has a soft texture.


Additionally, goatskin leather is known for its durability and water-resistant properties. However, goatskin leather is not as strong as cowhide leather and can be prone to scuffs and scratches, meaning your bag might not last you as long as you would hope.


Pros of goatskin leather


• Lightweight
• Soft texture
• Durable
• Water-resistant


Cons of goatskin leather


• Not as strong as cowhide leather
• Prone to scuffs and scratches


Cowhide leather


As previously mentioned, cowhide leather, in our eyes, is the best choice of material when creating leather bags. Cowhide leather is strong, durable, and has a natural texture that gives it a classic look.


Cowhide leather is also more resistant to scratches and abrasions compared to the other types of leather available.


Pros of cowhide leather


• Strong and durable
• Natural texture
• Scratch and abrasion-resistant


Cons of cowhide leather


• Can be more expensive than other types of leather.
• Can be stiff at first and may require a break-in period.


Camel leather


Camel leather is a unique option for bags, mostly because it has a distinct texture and appearance.


Camel leather is also durable and strong, making it a good choice for leather bags that will be used very often. However, camel leather can be more expensive than other types of leather.


Pros of camel leather


• Unique texture and appearance
• Durable and strong


Cons of camel leather


• Can be more expensive than other types of leather


Buffalo hide/bison leather.


Buffalo hide or bison leather is another option you can consider when choosing a leather bag. This type of leather is known for its durability and strength, and it has a distinct texture that gives it a rugged look.


This type of leather can be heavier than other types of leather, and it can be prone to scuffs and scratches.


Pros of buffalo hide/bison leather


• Durable and strong
• Distinct texture and appearance


Cons of buffalo hide/bison leather


• Can be heavier than other types of leather
• Prone to scuffs and scratches


Which animal leather is best for making bags?


Now that you’re up to date with the different types of leather available, cowhide leather is still the best option for making leather bags. Its strength, durability, and resistance to scratches and abrasions makes it ideal for a bag that will be used often.


By choosing cowhide leather, it’s likely that the bag you’re purchasing is going to be more expensive. Here at The Cambridge Satchel Co., we see buying a leather bag as an investment in a product you can use repeatedly.


We create and design leather bags that will last you a lifetime, and thanks to our craftsmen and women’s years of experience, you can trust that a bag from us will last forever.


Obviously, we can’t guarantee that there won’t be any accidents along the way. If something does happen, our repair service allows you to send your bag back for some TLC and have it returned to you looking brand new.


Which grain is best for leather bags?


Okay, so now you have the different types of leather in your brain, let’s talk about which grain is best for leather bags. Below, we’ll discuss the different types of grain:


Top grain


Top grain leather is made by removing the top layer of the leather, which can contain imperfections, and then sanding and polishing the surface. This creates a smooth and consistent appearance, but it can also remove some of the natural texture and character of the leather.


Full grain


Full-grain leather is made by leaving the entire grain intact, including any imperfections. This creates a more natural and textured appearance, and it also preserves the strength and durability of the leather.


Cross-grain


Cross-grain leather is made by cutting the leather against the grain, which creates a unique pattern and texture. One thing to consider is that this type of grain can be prone to stretching and may not be as durable as other types of leather.


Suede leather


Suede leather is made by sanding the underside of the leather, which creates a soft and velvety texture. While suede leather can be stylish and comfortable to the touch, it’s also more prone to scuffs and stains compared to other types of leather.


Genuine leather


Genuine leather is a term used to describe any type of leather made from animal hide. The quality and characteristics of genuine leather can vary widely depending on the type and processing.


Faux leather


Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, is made from materials like plastic or rubber and is designed to look and feel like real leather.


While this leather can be more affordable, faux leather generally isn’t as durable or long-lasting as real leather, meaning you’ll be buying multiple bags throughout the year to replace your previous faux leather bags.


In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best type of leather for leather bags, cowhide leather is the clear winner in our eyes. Its strength, durability and resistance to scratches and abrasions make it an ideal bag that will last you a lifetime.


Full-grain cowhide leather is the best choice for those who want a natural and textured appearance, while top-grain cowhide offers a smooth and consistent appearance. When choosing your next leather bag, it’s important to consider both the type of leather and the grain to ensure you get a leather bag that is stylish and functional.

When it comes to choosing the leather for making a bag, you can find endless options as almost any type of leather can be suitable for making a leather bag. In the vast majority of cases, a chrome-tanned calfskin is used for the production of bags, but vegetable-tanned calfskin or shoulders give also very good results. Surely the choice must fall on genuine leather, which ensures an optimal final result both in terms of quality and durability; the so called "eco-leathers", in fact, are less flexible and durable and can thus get ruined more easily.

Types of leathers for bags making

Purses are very personal items, and every woman picks the one most suited to her needs. The alternatives are numberless, and range from small clutch bags to large bowling bags, but what really matters is the choice of material with which the various models are manufactured. Purses and bags can be made with bovine leathers, lizard skin, sheep-goat mixes, baby calfskin, goat or mutton skins, each of these hides are then refined on the surface (i.e. suede, laminated, printed, hair-on, pigmented etc..) but the best quality is offered by the aniline finish.

There are many grades and types of leather used in handbags, here are the three basic types of leather used:

  • Full-grain leather is made from the finest natural hides with no imperfections. This natural grain is extremely durable. It simply does not wear out and over time develops a rich patina that increases natural beauty. Full-grained calfskin handbags are made from the skins of young cattle and are prized for their smooth texture and fine quality.
  • Corrected-grain leather is smooth, durable and uniform thanks to the covering finish (usually pigments) applied on the surface. In some cases the natural grain of the hide can be sanded off and an artificial grain is applied with a stamping process, this process aim to hide the imperfections of the leather or to create unique looks for leather, such as reptile embossed or printed leathers.
  • Suede or split leather, it is the interior of the hide, characterized by a velvet-like, soft and fuzzy look. Suede is a popular choice for leather handbags and backpacks. 

In addition to these three basic types of leather you can find also exotic leather handbags made from ostrich, python, crocodile, lizard, stingray and many skins.

Aniline leather: a premium choice

The best leather for bags making must be soft, breathable, uncovered and preferably smooth. This leads to a greater care for the accessory, since even a simple scratch could be very visible. It’s exactly this “genuine” nature, typical of aniline leather, that also renders it subject to small defects and natural irregularities. After all, a great quality handbag is one that has been manufactured using leather that still displays its natural look, and this is an added value for those looking for a top accessory.

Men bags: what leather to use?

Men bags are usually a bit more "rigid" than women bags, and this stiffness often derives from the type of material used: calf sides chrome or vegetable tanned with a thickness of 1,2-1,4mm or veg tan bellies, shoulders, fronts with a thickness of 1,5-2mm are a used. Vegetable leather are recommended especially for men bags because of their elasticity, durability and for their appearance definitively more masculine and lived compared to "perfect" chrome tanned leathers.

Where to buy leather for bags making?

Leather for making bags, pursues, backpacks and so on can be purchased on Buyleatheronline.com directly online in the dedicated section of leathers for bags.

Which type of leather is best for handbags?

Leather for Bags Making: How to Choose the Best?

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