The Scoop on Finished Leather: What You Should Know

The Scoop on Finished Leather: What You Should Know

All types of leather fall under one of two categories: finished or unfinished. Whether you’re shopping for a new leather jacket, vest or even a pair of leather shoes, you should familiarize yourself with these terms. Finished and unfinished leather both consist of tanned animal hide. They are made using animal hide, such as sheepskin or cowhide, that’s been processed and tanned. Finished leather, however, undergoes a finishing process that distinguishes it from unfinished leather. What Is Finished Leather? Finished leather is characterized by the presence of one or more extra layers. Depending on the particular type of finished leather, these layers may be used to protect against the underlying leather from damage, or they may be used to change the color of the underlying leather. Regardless, finished leather features one or more extra layers. The term “finishing” refers to the creation of these extra layers. Manufacturers may perform a finishing process when producing leather. Finishing processes occur in the stages of production. After preparing a piece of leather, manufacturers may add one or more extra layers to it — a process known as finishing. What Is Unfinished Leather? Unfinished leather, as you may have guessed, lacks these extra layers. There are different types of unfinished leather, some of which are higher quality than others. But none of them have extra layers. Unfinished leather is plain leather consisting of animal hide that’s been processed and tanned. You can find countless products made of unfinished leather. Some of them are made of full-grain leather, whereas others are made of corrected-grain leather of nubuck or suede leather. Unfinished leather simply features...
9 Common Myths About Suede Leather Debunked

9 Common Myths About Suede Leather Debunked

You shouldn’t believe everything you hear about suede leather. There are many myths surrounding suede leather that can lead you down the wrong path. Also known simply as suede, suede leather consists of processed and tanned animal hide with a napped surface texture. You can identify it by running your hands across the surface. With its napped surface texture, suede leather feels fuzzy. Other types of leather feature a smooth surface. Here are nine common myths about suede leather you shouldn’t believe. #1) Only Available in Cowhide Most suede leather is, in fact, made of cowhide, but you can still find it in other types of animal hide. In addition to cowhide, there’s lambskin, goatskin and deerskin suede leather. Each type of animal hide has its own characteristics. Cowhide, for instance, is prized for its strength and versatility, whereas lambskin features a softer texture. Regardless, suede leather is available in many different types of animal hides. #2) Not Real Leather Some people assume that suede leather isn’t real leather. After all, it doesn’t feature the same smooth texture as other types of real leather. Instead, suede leather features a napped or fuzzy texture. But suede leather isn’t faux or fake leather. It’s one of several types of real leather. Like all other types of real leather, it consists of processed and tanned animal hide. Faux leather isn’t made of animal hide. There are different types of faux leather, but they are made of a synthetic material. They typically feature a base layer that’s coated in a synthetic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Suede leather doesn’t contain any PVC...
The Complete Guide to Ostrich Leather Jackets

The Complete Guide to Ostrich Leather Jackets

Have you heard of ostrich leather jackets? Like all leather jackets, they are made of a tanned animal hide. Leather jackets are characterized by their leather construction, which is essentially what distinguishes them from other types of jackets. Ostrich leather jackets are no exception. They are still made of tanned animal hide, resulting in a leather construction, but they feature a unique style that’s not found elsewhere. For a better understanding of ostrich leather jackets, keep reading. What Is an Ostrich Leather Jacket? An ostrich leather jacket is a type of jacket that’s designed with ostrich leather or traditional leather that “looks” like ostrich leather. When most people think of leather, they envision cowhide or sheepskin leather. Many jackets — as well as other leather products — are made of either cowhide or sheepskin leather. Leather, however, isn’t limited to these animals. It can come from other types of animals, including ostriches. Leather that’s made from tanned ostrich hide is ostrich leather. Ostrich leather jackets are jackets made of ostrich leather, or jackets that mimic the appearance as those made of ostrich leather. How to Spot an Ostrich Leather Jacket You can spot an ostrich leather jacket by looking for quill follicles. Only ostrich leather jackets feature quill follicles. Other types of leather jackets have a smooth surface. They are still porous, but the surface is smooth to the touch. When inspecting an ostrich leather jacket, you may notice it has a distinct pattern consisting of many small bumps. These bumps are quill follicles. They are small, shallow holes where the ostrich’s quill feathers previously grew. Ostrich leather jackets...
Women’s Leather Jackets: 9 Popular Styles to Consider

Women’s Leather Jackets: 9 Popular Styles to Consider

Leather jackets aren’t designed exclusively for men. There are plenty of women’s leather jackets from which you can choose. They are available in the same real, high-quality leather materials. Women’s leather jackets are simply designed for women. Below are some of the most popular styles of women’s leather jackets. #1) Stretch Leather Blazer Stretch leather blazers are a popular choice among many women. Blazers, of course, are formal jackets. There are three primary types of formal jackets: suit jackets, blazers and sport coats. Suit jackets are the most formal, whereas sport coats are the least formal. Blazers fall in the middle. You can find blazers in a variety of materials, including leather. Stretch leather blazers are made of a semi-elastic leather material. With their elastic properties, they will stretch and contour to the shape of your body when worn. #2) Moto Leather Jacket Moto leather jackets have become increasingly popular among fashion-conscious women. The term “moto leather jacket” refers to a special type of motorcycle jacket. Moto jackets are typically smaller and more fitted than traditional motorcycle or biker leather jackets. You may discover that moto jackets have more fasteners than other types of motorcycle and biker leather jackets as well. All leather jackets have fasteners. Fasteners consist of hardware like zippers or buttons that are used to close certain parts of a jacket. Moto leather jackets, however, typically have more fasteners than other motorcycle and biker leather jackets. #3) Leather Trench Coat We can’t talk about popular styles of women’s leather jackets without mentioning the leather trench coat. Trench coats are long-length coats that are designed to protect...