All You Need to Know About What Cowhide Leather Is…

Animal hide or leather has been used for centuries to make clothing goods. So much so that you may now find it in almost every part of your life, from men’s to women’s leather jackets, accessories, upholstery, and leather shoes for men and women both. Although we call them all leather, they come from different sources. One of the sources is a cow. Now, this informative guide is all about what cowhide leather is. 

Before going further, let’s get one thing clear: cowhide is the skin of a cow with the hair removed, and it could be in different colors depending on the animal. This is widely used for its toughness, comfort, and longevity. 

Now, let’s move forward and learn more about it and see if cowhide leather is good. Starting with…

What is Cow Leather?

As the name suggests, cow leather is sourced from the bovine animals, mainly cows. The skin goes through a series of processes, including cleaning, tanning, and drying. After that, it gets its final form, which is strong enough to be used for many things. Men’s leather wallets, car seats, shoes, sofas, and leather bags for men and women are just a few examples.

Let’s see…

Types of Cowhide Leather Available for You

When you look for cowhide leather, you’ll realize they’re all different because of the treatment process and the cuts. From luxurious full-grain to economical bonded leather, it’s all out there waiting to be grabbed. Besides, knowing such differences not only answers “Is cowhide leather good?” but also lets you make the right choice as per your needs.

So let’s explore these amazing types so you can easily spot them while shopping. 

Full-Grain Leather

This is the best and most natural type of cowhide leather. It keeps the full surface of the hide with its natural grain, and only the hair and flesh are removed. This means you can see marks like scars, tiny holes, and natural patterns. Moreover, it’s breathable, which makes it pretty comfy, and over time, it develops a richer look and stays strong for decades. 

Top-Grain Leather

Top-grain leather also comes from the upper hide but is lightly sanded and smoothed to remove marks. This makes the surface glossy, which many people like for fancy products. It is softer and easier to shape, but may not last as long as full-grain. Often, it is treated to resist stains, but this can make it less breathable and slower to form a patina.

Genuine Leather 

Even though it sounds like the best option, genuine leather is actually a lower grade. It is made from the leftover layers after the top grain is taken away. These layers are sanded down and given an artificial pattern or color to look nicer. Although it is still real leather, it is not as strong and is usually found in cheaper items.

Split-Grain Leather

Such type of leather is taken from the lower part of the hide, underneath the top grain. That’s why it doesn’t have the same natural feel as the top layer, so it is often given colors or embossed patterns to improve its look. If you’re looking for something affordable, this is it.

Bonded Leather

This is the lowest grade of leather. Bonded leather is made from tiny bits and fibers of leather mixed with glue or plastic. The mix is pressed into flat pieces and made to look like leather. It is cheap but not very durable and lacks the natural look, feel, and smell of real leather.

Moving onto the next section, which is…

Benefits of Cowhide Leather

Cowhide leather is a long-lasting and sturdy fabric. So with proper care, it doesn’t get damaged easily, even if you wear it daily. Apart from that, here’s what makes cowhide leather so good:

Comfort and Fit

This is by far one of the best reasons why cowhide leather is so popular, as it molds to your body, so you can move easily. Not only that, it also keeps you exceptionally warm in winters, and draws away moisture from your skin. 

Natural Beauty

Each piece of cowhide is different from the others based on its natural imperfections that tell a unique story. As it ages, it gets a patina that adds character and elegance.

Tough and Reliable

Cowhide leather is tough because of its dense fibers and natural oils, and can handle decades of use. Because it can tolerate sun and heat, you’ll find it mostly in structured women’s leather coats, sturdy boots, and men’s leather belts.

Common Uses of Cowhide Leather

Ever wondered what cow hides are used for? The simple answer is “Almost everything.” That’s why you’ll find it in many products, such as:

Clothing 

Cool jackets, skirts, and pants are made from cowhide because of its durability. 

Accessories

Cowhide leather is stylish and can handle daily use, which makes it great for these items.

Footwear 

Comfortable, casual, and formal shoes and sneakers are sourced from cowhide.

Furniture 

Cowhide in furniture is used for chairs and sofas, and this is why they last long.

The Might Comparison: Cowhide vs. Lambskin vs. Sheepskin

After learning what cowhide leather is, it’s also important for you to know how it differs from other available leathers, namely lambskin and sheepskin. So, below is a face-to-face comparison of cowhide vs lambskin vs sheepskin:

Feature	Cowhide Leather	Lambskin Leather	Sheepskin Leather
Softness	Firm and strong, not as soft	Very soft and smooth	Soft and velvety, often with fleece
Weight	Heavier because it’s thicker	Very lightweight	Light and thin compared to cowhide
Durability	Very strong and long-lasting	Softer, so it needs careful handling	Less strong than cowhide, but lasts with care
Look	Rugged, natural grain	Sleek and polished	Cozy, textured look
Warmth	Great for keeping you warm	Less warm meant more for style	Very warm, especially with fleece
What are cow hides used for, including lambskin and sheepskin	Mainly jackets, belts, and bags	Luxury and fine clothing	Boots, coats, and winter wear

Cleaning and Caring for Your Cowhide Leather

Although TLC’s collection of leather jackets for men and women made from cowhide leather lasts for a long time, they still require care and proper attention. The good news is it’s easy to maintain. Follow these tips to keep it in great shape.

• Clean away the dust using a leather brush or soft cloth after each wear.
• For stains, use a leather cleaner specially made for your leather goods and avoid strong cleaners.
• You can also use water and a mild soap solution, which you can prepare at home.
• Water is not ideal for leather. If it gets wet, say in the rain, blot out excessive moisture using a thick cloth and let it air out.
• If ironing, always use a damp cloth as a barrier.
• Use wide, sturdy hangers for jackets; adjustable clip hangers for leather skirts, and paper balls for leather shoes to maintain their shape.
• Wrap in a breathable bag and store away from heat and sunlight.
• Don’t forget to condition every few months to keep it supple and pliable.
• When it’s time for a deep clean, always seek professional help.

Now, The Drawbacks

Like every other item you own, cowhide leather also comes with a few things that can’t be ignored. They are:

• Less breathable than other types of leather.
• Prone to damage if not properly cared for.
• Costly, depending on how cowhide is made.
• Available in natural colors unless dyed, but that can take away the beauty.

If you have come this far, you pretty much know all about what cowhide leather is by now. 

Viola!

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