What Leather To Use For Wallets
Leather is one of the best materials to make wallets and handbags due to its durability and surface properties. But there are so many types of leather out there to choose and knowing which one to use for your project is moreover an art. In this article, we will discuss what leather to use for wallets. In addition, we will discuss various factors to consider while selecting leather for wallets. Let’s get started with some broad categories of leather.
Table of Contents
Types of leather
Full grain
Full grain leather is made from the outermost layer of the animal skin and it is a high-quality type of leather. This is the strongest and most durable type of leather, known for its longevity and beautiful natural grain texture which is not uniform throughout the surface. It may show some imperfections, but these add to its character and develop a rich patina over time.
Top grain
This is a good balance between durability and affordability. It is nothing but the full grain leather that has been buffed and sanded to get the uniform surface texture. It is also very strong leather type It has a buffed surface for a smoother look and offers good resistance to scratches and wear.
Suede
kind of split leather with a napped surface finish just like velvet. It is also quite durable when compared to synthetic materials. It is used when flexibility and weight are a concern as it is a lightweight leather and is more supple
Nubuck
Nubuch leather is the top grain leather that has undergone buffing and sanding to get a napped surface like that of suede. However, it is much more stronger and durable than suede
Thickness of leather
Choose a thickness that suits your needs. Thicker leather offers more protection for your cards and cash but can make the wallet bulkier. Usually, leather of thickness 3/64″ 1.2mm to/16″ 1.6mm is considered suitable for making wallets, and lining material of thickness 1/32″ 8mm approximately is used if required. When using thicker leather then there is usually no need to apply lining and the napped side of animal skin takes the inner side of the wallet
Temper
Another property of leather that you should consider while choosing leather for wallets is the temper. It is nothing but the softness of leather. Leather can be soft or firm depending on the tanning process. Softer leather is more comfortable to carry but might show wear faster. Firmer leather offers better structure and holds its shape well.
Finish
Leather comes in various finishes, from natural to polished or even dyed. Choose a finish that suits your style and desired look. In addition, there are wide categories of leather finishes such as aniline, semi aniline, and pigmented. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want leather that has natural texture and surface properties then you should consider aniline leather and if you want something that is durable and can withstand harsh conditions without much wear and tear then you should consider pigmented leather which is pigment coated for added protection. Semi aniline leather is a sweet spot between the two and it is the balanced kind of leather.
Some popular kinds of leather for making wallets
1.| Vegetable-tanned leather
Eco-friendly option with a natural look that develops a patina. Veg tanned leather is usually available in an aniline finish. If you are a type of person who cares a lot about the environment then this is the leather you should go for as it is not only durable but also close to nature as natural tanning agents that are derived from plants are used in tanning
2.| Waxy leather
As the name suggests, waxy leather is the type of leather that is treated with wax which offers a unique, slightly water-resistant finish. It is highly durable kind of leather
3.| Pull-up leather
Pull up leather is the kind of high-quality leather that is usually prepared by full grain leather by treating it with oils and wax. It is called pull up as it tends to change color when folded. Develops a rich, two-toned color with use. It is also highly durable and water-resistant
4.| Chromexcel Leather
Chromeexcel leather is the kind of leather brand name that is used for the leather that has undergone combination tanning. That is chrome tanning and vegetable tanning. The process of combining tanning treatments creates a supple leather that is just perfect for making wallets. It is a kind of sweet spot between chrome tanned and veg tanned leather
5.| Horween Leather
Horween leather is a type of high-quality leather that was created by Horween Leather company in Chicago, Illinois. It is available in a wide variety of other leather types such as shell cordovan, chromexcel, and many more which makes it perfect for making leather wallets
6.| Shell Cordovan Leather
Shell cordovan, or simply cordovan leather, is a kind of luxury leather. It comes from a specific part of the horse called the shell, located on the hindquarter part of the horse’s butt, and is a membrane between two layers of the epidermis. This area begins approximately 24 inches from the tail and extends 24 to 28 inches on either side of the horse. It is highly durable and smooth, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a luxury material for wallet-making.
7.| Exotic leather
Exotic leather is leather derived from unusual sources, and various kinds of exotic leathers can also be used to make wallets, such as crocodile leather, alligator leather, snake leather, stingray leather, and many more. They are more expensive as they offer some very unique surface properties
8.| Reclaimed Leather
Reclaimed leather is the best kind of leather for making small leather goods such as wallets and other accessories. It is nothing but leftover scrap leather pieces found in leather workshops. Using reclaimed leather for making small leather goods is not only pocket-friendly but also good for the environment, as the leather pieces you use in your leather wallet would have otherwise gone to a landfill. So, keeping the environment in mind, it is best to use reclaimed leather. Some leather goods makers even advertise that they have used reclaimed leather in their products to appeal to those who are concerned about the environment
Conclusion
In conclusion, If you ask me if real leather has any alternative, I would say that real leather holds a special charm that cannot be replicated by any artificial material. Leather’s natural essence and the uniqueness of each skin give it an irreplaceable character. While some cheaper options like bonded leather and faux leather are available, can they replace real leather? In my view, nothing can replace the authenticity of natural leather.
If you have any doubts, feel free to ask in the comment section, and for more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.
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