All leather are not is created equal and each type has specific strengths and weaknesses. As a rule of thumb: the bigger the animal the thicker the leather. Let’s break down the various types of animal hides most commonly used in today’s types of leather for working gloves:
- Cowhide is heavy and the most commonly used leather. It is easy to care for, dirt and water resistant, a great value for the texture, durable and comfortable. Cowhide is resistant to dirt, water, heat and abrasion. Although it can be somewhat stiff at first, cowhide breaks in easily. Types Of Leather For Working Gloves
- Sheepskin is extremely soft and comfortable. It is a more lightweight and delicate leather and ideal for ultra-fine dexterity. It is incredibly versatile, and works for both cool and hotter climates. Sheepskin is also waterproofed for the most part, and it doesn’t even have an oily feel to it. Sheep skin leather drapes well.
- Goatskin is more softer than cowhide. It is economical, durable, thin yet strong and has a smooth, fine grain. It is also flexible and is water resistant and highly resistant to abrasion. It has a high natural oil content that makes goatskin very soft and pliable. Flexible and water-resistant, goatskin has excellent tear resistance even when very thin. Goat skin is warm, breathable and it’s very comfortable to wear.
- Deerskin is more soft and light leather as compare to other animal hides. Deerskin leather is naturally resistant to the cold and moisture. It is lightweight, water-friendly, stretchy and has a sponge like feel. Deerskin gloves are the best for comfort, but sacrifice durability, abrasion and puncture resistance. Deerskin is more expensive and used to manufacture gloves,
- Buffalo hide has superior abrasion resistance making it durable, rugged and strong.Buffalo Leather is thick, extremely durable, rugged and strong. It provides superior abrasion resistance. Buffalo leather is breathable-air passes through the pores to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In addition, the porousness of the leather allows it to conform to your body shape over time.
