Best leather to make leather jackets: A complete guide

Leather is an amazing material when it comes to making garments especially tough garments like leather jackets. It is not only durable but it is also comfortable to wear. In this article, we will try to answer all your questions related to choosing leather for jackets such as which is the strongest leather? Is top grain leather good for jackets? Or should I go for full grain? By the end of this article, you will get a good understanding of various leather types of leather jackets.

What makes leather best for making jackets?

There are multiple reasons why leather is the best material to make jackets. Leather has some very unique properties that are impossible to find in some other materials. Real leather is breathable, which makes it very comfortable to wear. Leather is also durable and can last for multiple decades. Additionally, leather is flexible and it takes the shape of the wearer’s body type in such a way that it feels like a perfect fit. These are just some of the main reasons why you should always consider real leather jackets over cheap faux leather.

Factors to keep in mind while choosing leather

There are various factors to keep in mind when choosing leather for jackets and these can vary with personal preferences and usage of the jacket

Thickness of leather

Thickness is the first thing to keep in mind when choosing leather to make garments. Usually, leather thickness can vary from 0.9mm to 2mm for the purpose of making leather jackets. The thickness of leather also depends on the type of leather, if it is full grain leather then the thickness can be higher like 2mm or more. However, in the case of top grain leather, the leather thickness can be 0.9mm to 1.5mm. One can also choose even lower or higher depending on the usage and comfort.

Softness of leather

The softness of the leather is another significant factor when it comes to choosing leather for leather jackets. Softness can also drive the price of leather as softer leather tends to command higher prices in the market. Leathers like calfskin, lamb skin, napa leather, etc. are some of the good examples. The softer the leather more comfortable it will be

Toughness of leather

Leather is a high-strength material and its toughness varies among different types of leather. Full grain leather is considered to be the toughest leather but it can feel quite stiff and uncomfortable to some people

Which leather is best for leather jackets?

Every leather type has its advantages and disadvantages, as is the case with everything. Full-grain leather, for instance, is known for its strength and unique texture, but it can feel uncomfortable due to its thickness and stiffness. Softer leather types, such as napa leather, offer superior comfort but lack the strength and toughness of full-grain leather, making them ideal for luxury garments.

But fear not, there’s a leather type that offers the best of both worlds: top grain leather. It’s no surprise then, that top grain leather is a popular choice for leather jackets. It strikes a good balance between being tough and comparatively softer than full-grain leather. Additionally, top grain leather’s uniform texture allows for embossing to create a desirable finish, making it even more versatile for leather clothing.

Which animal leather is best for leather jackets?

Different animal hides offer different properties which are suitable for particular types of leather goods. Some of the widely used leather types are given below:

Cowhide leather

Cow leather or cowhide is known for its toughness and water resistance qualities, and is one of the widely used leathers to make any kind of leather goods. Cowhide is an ideal material for making tough leather jackets that can provide protection to the wearer and last for decades to come. In addition, cowhide has a good thickness and stability and it is available in large sizes which makes it a perfect choice for making tough leather jackets.

Buffalo leather

Buffalo leather is the best choice when more comfort is the priority as buffalo leather is softer and more flexible than cow leather. Buffalo leather is good for making winter jackets as it provides great isolation from cold. Buffalo leather has almost the same strength as cowhide.

Goat leather

Goat leather is the underdog of the leather world as it is even stronger than cow leather and provides exceptional water resistance, without sacrificing its softness, unlike cowhide. Goat leather is at least 10 times stronger and durable than cow leather. It can be used to make durable and comfortable leather jackets.

Deer leather

Deer leather is known for its flexibility and lightweight which makes it a good material for some kinds of leather jackets. In addition, deer skin is highly breathable so it can be a nice choice for making lighter leather jackets for slightly warmer seasons.

Lambskin and calfskin

Lamb skin and calfskin are known for their softness. These kinds of leathers are used to make high-end luxury jackets and they are one of the first choices for many high-end brands. They are quite tender in nature and need high maintenance as compared to any other type of leather.

What type of leather suits which type of jacket?

The ideal leather for your jacket depends on its intended purpose. Different jackets have different functions, leading to variations in design, and the material should complement that function:

Best leather for Bomber jacket

Bomber jackets are designed for outdoor and adventure activities which are supposed to protect the wearer from the elements and resist harsh conditions. Cowhide and goat hide are considered to be the best materials for making bomber jackets due to their strength and resistance to elements

Best leather for a motorcycle jacket

Motorcycle leather jackets are designed to protect the rider in case of an accident and to also provide protection from wind blasts and elements. Cowhide has been traditionally used for this purpose and it is still considered to be the ideal leather for making bikers jackets due to its thickness and exceptional strength. You can also consider goat leather for making leather jackets

Best leather for racer jacket

Racer jackets designed for racing also known as motorad jackets are used by racers as well as people who are fashion-conscious. They are specifically designed to serve at high speeds and protect from elements. Cowhide is traditionally used for these jackets but the latest trends have shown increased use of some other leather types due to their unique benefits for instance deer skin and kangaroo skin are lightweight which has the advantage to use in racing

Best leather for duster jacket

Duster jackets or duster coats are long outwear, The defining feature of a duster jacket is its length. It typically falls below the knee, sometimes reaching the ankles, and can even be full-length in some styles. Due to this added length, they are supposed to be soft and lightweight so lamb skin and calf skin make the perfect material for making duster jackets. They are quite supple and comfortable to wear.

Conclusion

I hope our article answers your question about what is the best leather for making jackets. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask in the comment section

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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