which type of leather is best for bags
Full grain and vegetable tanned leather is best for making bags as it is the strongest and most durable.
If you are looking for a nice durable bag that makes you look like a class apart then a real leather handbag is the way to go. In this article, we will discuss some best types of leather to use in bags. By the end of this article, you will have much-needed knowledge, so that you can make better decisions when it comes to choosing a real leather bag.
Before diving into the types of leather let’s explore the various grades of leather that are usually used for making leather bags, there are grades below them but we strongly recommend staying from them if you are choosing quality leather bags.
Table of Contents
Full grain
Full grain leather is the topmost layer of the hide that is just underneath the hair and it is not modified by any treatment.
Full grain leather tends to develop a nice patina over time with usage as it does not have any protective coating. Full grain leather is usually finished with soluble aniline dye which retains its grain structure.
Full grain is the strongest types of leather in all leather category. Its natural grain texture and defects show the life of animals like branding marks, scratches, and insect bites.
Full grain leather as it does not go through the sanding and buffing process is the thickest and strongest leather and is considered superior by leather experts.
Top grain
Full grain leather is modified by eating in such a way as to create a uniform surface. The method of modification involves sanding and buffing the surface removing all imperfections before dying and embossing the surface to get the desired textured leather which is even throughout the skin. Top grain is less durable as compared to full grain leather.
By sanding and buffing the leather it becomes less rigid and it gets easier to work with and handle so that more flexibility can be achieved to make garments, upholstery, etc.
Top grain leather is also robust and durable but not as strong as full-grain. Top grain is the most widely used leather worldwide.
Top grain leather is usually finished with semi-aniline dye which provides a protective and stain-resistant coating to leather. Although coating is supposed to protect it it can also limit the breathability of skin and can prevent natural patina.
Split grain
The leftover part of the hide after the full grain and top grain are separated is known as split grain, it is called drop split. Split grain leather is not even nearly as strong and durable as full grain and top grain leather.
In thicker hides like cowhide and camel skin, this drop split can further split into middle split and flesh split.
Split-grain leather is usually finished with an artificial uniform-grain texture and pigmented dye which gives it a smooth surface that is highly protective of stains and moisture. Split grain is also called genuine leather. Split leather is sometimes covered with a thin polymer sheet to get a smooth texture and added protection to elements.
Types of leather used to make bags and their animal sources
Cowhide leather
Cowhide is one of the best and most widely used kinds of leather. cow leather may seem stiff in the beginning but is easy to break in as one starts using it, additionally, it has great tolerance for sunlight and heat. Cow leather can be sourced easily, it is durable, robust, and one of the heaviest leathers with high strength. Cow leather can very well resist moisture and dirt, it needs less maintenance and is less prone to shrinking.
pros-
High strength
Dirt and water-resistant
Less prone to abrasion damage
cons-
Little heavier
Requires frequent maintenance
Goatskin or goat leather
Goat leather is one of the hidden gems when comes to the types of leather. As Goat skin is one of the best leathers due to its unique texture and durability. It is very flexible and stretchable, thanks to the high lanolin content in the skin. Goat leather is even softer and tougher than cowhide. Goat skin is also lightweight, and more resilient to moisture.
Pros
Even stronger than cowskin
Water-resistant
Lightweight and soft
Cons
Tends to stretch with age
Exotic leather
These reptile leathers like crocodile and snakes are not ordinary types of leather, they are extremely expensive and can be really difficult to obtain. They are used by some high end brands for instance, Alligator skin is used in the Hermes Kelly bag which has a unique pattern. Some other examples of these kinds of leather are Crocodile leather, snake leather, Stingray leather, Ostrich leather, Eel leather, Kangaroo leather, Camel leather, etc.
Pros
Distinct look
Provides a luxurious feel
Cons
High price
Banned in some countries
Limited availability
Lining material
Usually, polyester lining is used in most leather bags which not only provides protection but also helps reduce friction inside the leather bag which can cause obstruction for some goods to put in the bag. Some high-quality leather bag makers also use sheepskin lining inside the bag as sheepskin is very soft and smooth naturally. Sheepskin is mostly used for lining purposes as it is not that strong but it is very smooth.
Tanning methods
There are various methods to tan an animal’s skin but there are two primary methods of tanning i.e. Vegetable tanning and Chrome tanning, each of these methods has pros and cons of its own. Both these methods are briefly discussed below.
Vegetable tanned
Vegetable tanned or veg tanned leather is a kind of leather that is tanned by using organic tanning agents sourced from the bark and leaves of trees. Veg tan leather is fully natural leather, it is eco and does not contain any harmful chemicals. Also, this type of leather tends to develop a beautiful patina over time. Vegetable tanned leather is very strong and durable also.
Despite having so many pros it has some cons also like veg tanned leather can be very expensive as it is difficult to create and cannot made anywhere. The color of veg tanned leather also tends to fade away with time, though it gives a nice aged patina look but some people don’t like it that way.
Chrome tanned
Chrome tanning is the widely used tanning method. In chrome tanning chemicals like chrome sulfate for tanning. This method of tanning is very cost-effective and takes less effort than the first one. Leather made by chrome tanning is soft and supple. The color of chrome tanned leather doesn’t fade away with time.
The cons of chrome tanning are chemicals that are harmful to the environment and workers are used.
Conclusion
In the above-discussed types of leather for bags, only top grain leather is the most preferred ones for bags. However, it’s totally up to you and the project you are working on.
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