Which type of leather is best for bags? All you need to know.

Leather bags are one of the treasured possessions of women and men alike, but when it comes to choosing the best leather for your bag, purse, or handbag it can leave you baffled, as leather has its characteristics and personality. Which depends on the animal hide, the grain, the texture, and the tanning process. Well, these are some details that are not known to all, most of us believe that if it’s leather it will be durable, sturdy, and have that patina finish but this is not the case. Each type of leather has its different properties, so choosing your next bag accordingly will make sure you make the best use of your handbag.

Various types of animal leather used for bags are –

• Cow Skin – One of the most preferred leathers for those high-end bags is cow skin, for it is durable and can last for decades to come. It bears an excellent natural texture that gives it a classic look that is admired by all. Cow leather is scratch-resistant and the oils make it dust resistant too making it a great choice for handbags. But remember it is comparatively expensive to get a long-lasting bag. It is hypoallergenic which is good for those who are more prone to allergies.
• Goat Skin – Goat skin is lightweight, gentle, and easy to work on, which makes it a great choice for leather craftsmen. It is soft, breathable, flexible, and water resistant which is nice if you love enjoying the rain or sunny days at the beach. It looks attractive and comes at a better price than cow leather. Goatskin leather is thin, and can stretch a little over time. Goatskin is prone to wear and tear and can last for a good 3-6 years depending on your care.
• Camel Leather – Sturdy and light camel leather is a great option for making bags, especially those in which you ought to carry all your belongings in one go. It has unique lines that give it a distinct texture and make it look rugged. Camel leather is durable and strong but can be costly due to its limited availability.
• Buffalo & Bison Hides – Buffalo leather is sturdy, strong, and most durable of all the leader hides discussed so far. It has a greater life expectancy and is a good option if you are looking for a strong bag to carry heavy weights. This hide is not flexible in nature making it difficult for the craftsmen to shape it into those perfect handbags.
• Exotic Leather – There are a few people who want something unique for them there is exotic leather made available from crocodiles, pythons, ostrich, lizards, stingrays, and other animals. Well, these animals are rare and the process of tanning requires specialized professionals. Each leather hide has its own properties, texture and finish depending on the animal.

This was all about the different types of animal hides, now let’s dive deep into the grain which is the layer of the animal hide used for making your favourite handbag. The grain affects the durability and the overall look of the handbags.

Here we will discuss the various leather grain type and their usage –

• Full Grain – This is the outermost layer of the animal hide kept in its natural form, which comes with its unique texture and appearance. It is highly durable and can withstand the test of time for over two decades if cared for well. As it ages full-grain leather develops a patina which makes it even more attractive.
• Top Grain – Top grain leather is buffed and sanded to remove its imperfections if any, and worked on to bring that perfect appearance to your handbag. It is more flexible and used in high-end designer bags. Top-grain leather lacks the natural texture of leather, it is comparatively less durable and requires more care than full-grain leather.
• Suede Leather – Suede or split leather is velvet in touch, soft, and comes from the lower region of the hide. It does look good but can easily catch dirt and stains. A suede leather bag may not be as durable as the above-mentioned grain types, but it is an economical option if you want to get that feel of a leather handbag.
• Genuine Leather – The leftover leather is called genuine leather, which is used in creating products for the masses. It is susceptible to wear and tear and is often the most cost-effective leather option. If you are looking for premium bags, genuine leather is not your type.