Leather

Leather is a durable material produced by tanning animal hides or skins. Most leather is from cattle, but hides from sheep, goats, pigs, and other animals are used. The term genuine leather refers to leather products regardless of finishing; not all leather is of equal quality, and the most valued types are full-grain and top-grain.

Raw material and process: Production begins with cleaning and removing hair, fat, and protein. Hides are tanned to stabilize collagen and prevent decay. Tanning converts the collagen matrix into a stable, water-resistant material. Main tanning methods include vegetable tanning, which uses tannins from tree bark, and chrome tanning, which uses chromium salts. Finishing involves dyeing, fatliquoring, and applying surface coatings.

Types and finishes: Full-grain retains the natural grain; top-grain is sanded for uniformity; corrected-grain is sanded and embossed. Nubuck and suede are buffed for nap. Split leather is the layer beneath a top layer. Semi-aniline and aniline dyes indicate differing levels of pigment and finish.

Uses: Leather is used in clothing, footwear, belts, bags, furniture, car interiors, and industrial goods, valued for durability, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal.

Sustainability and ethics: Leather production involves chemical processing and considerable water use. Chrome tanning can generate chromium waste, while vegetable tanning is slower and often regarded as more environmentally friendly. Animal welfare concerns are discussed in relation to sourcing. Some consumers seek alternatives such as synthetic or plant-based leathers.

Care: Leather requires conditioning to maintain suppleness and protection from moisture. Cleaning should be done with products appropriate to the leather type to preserve color and texture.