What type of leather is best for leather bags?

If you’re in the market for a new leather bag, it’s likely you’re wondering which leather is best. We know there’s a range of different options out there, which is why we’ve created this in-depth article to help you to make the right decision.

There are many different types of leather available, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. Below we’ll explain the different types of leather and explain why we believe cowhide is the best option for all leather bags.

How the grain of leather affects the quality

Firstly, we need to discuss how the grain of leather affects the quality of the bag. When talking about grain, we’re referring to the surface of the leather which can range from smooth to textured.

The quality of the grain will impact the durability, strength, and overall appearance of the leather. Usually, the higher the quality of the grain, the better the leather will be in all of these aspects.

What type of leather is perfect for bags?

When it comes to leather bags, cowhide leather is widely considered to be the best choice of material.

But why cowhide we hear you ask?

Cowhide leather is durable, strong, and has a natural texture that gives it a timeless look – something we pride ourselves on!

In addition, cowhide leather is more resistant to scratches and abrasions when compared to other types of leather.

Different types of animal leather:

While cowhide leather might be the most popular choice for leather bags, there are several different types of leather to consider as well. Let’s look at some of the most common types of animal leather which is used for bags:

Goatskin leather

Goatskin leather can be used for leather bags because it is lightweight and has a soft texture.

Additionally, goatskin leather is known for its durability and water-resistant properties. However, goatskin leather is not as strong as cowhide leather and can be prone to scuffs and scratches, meaning your bag might not last you as long as you would hope.

Pros of goatskin leather

• Lightweight
• Soft texture
• Durable
• Water-resistant

Cons of goatskin leather

• Not as strong as cowhide leather
• Prone to scuffs and scratches

Cowhide leather

As previously mentioned, cowhide leather, in our eyes, is the best choice of material when creating leather bags. Cowhide leather is strong, durable, and has a natural texture that gives it a classic look.

Cowhide leather is also more resistant to scratches and abrasions compared to the other types of leather available.

Pros of cowhide leather

• Strong and durable
• Natural texture
• Scratch and abrasion-resistant

Cons of cowhide leather

• Can be more expensive than other types of leather.
• Can be stiff at first and may require a break-in period.

Camel leather

Camel leather is a unique option for bags, mostly because it has a distinct texture and appearance.

Camel leather is also durable and strong, making it a good choice for leather bags that will be used very often. However, camel leather can be more expensive than other types of leather.

Pros of camel leather

• Unique texture and appearance
• Durable and strong

Cons of camel leather

• Can be more expensive than other types of leather

Buffalo hide/bison leather.

Buffalo hide or bison leather is another option you can consider when choosing a leather bag. This type of leather is known for its durability and strength, and it has a distinct texture that gives it a rugged look.

This type of leather can be heavier than other types of leather, and it can be prone to scuffs and scratches.

Pros of buffalo hide/bison leather

• Durable and strong
• Distinct texture and appearance

Cons of buffalo hide/bison leather

• Can be heavier than other types of leather
• Prone to scuffs and scratches

Which animal leather is best for making bags?

Now that you’re up to date with the different types of leather available, cowhide leather is still the best option for making leather bags. Its strength, durability, and resistance to scratches and abrasions makes it ideal for a bag that will be used often.

By choosing cowhide leather, it’s likely that the bag you’re purchasing is going to be more expensive. Here at The Cambridge Satchel Co., we see buying a leather bag as an investment in a product you can use repeatedly.

We create and design leather bags that will last you a lifetime, and thanks to our craftsmen and women’s years of experience, you can trust that a bag from us will last forever.

Obviously, we can’t guarantee that there won’t be any accidents along the way. If something does happen, our repair service allows you to send your bag back for some TLC and have it returned to you looking brand new.

Which grain is best for leather bags?

Okay, so now you have the different types of leather in your brain, let’s talk about which grain is best for leather bags. Below, we’ll discuss the different types of grain:

Top grain

Top grain leather is made by removing the top layer of the leather, which can contain imperfections, and then sanding and polishing the surface. This creates a smooth and consistent appearance, but it can also remove some of the natural texture and character of the leather.

Full grain

Full-grain leather is made by leaving the entire grain intact, including any imperfections. This creates a more natural and textured appearance, and it also preserves the strength and durability of the leather.

Cross-grain

Cross-grain leather is made by cutting the leather against the grain, which creates a unique pattern and texture. One thing to consider is that this type of grain can be prone to stretching and may not be as durable as other types of leather.

Suede leather

Suede leather is made by sanding the underside of the leather, which creates a soft and velvety texture. While suede leather can be stylish and comfortable to the touch, it’s also more prone to scuffs and stains compared to other types of leather.

Genuine leather

Genuine leather is a term used to describe any type of leather made from animal hide. The quality and characteristics of genuine leather can vary widely depending on the type and processing.

Faux leather

Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, is made from materials like plastic or rubber and is designed to look and feel like real leather.

While this leather can be more affordable, faux leather generally isn’t as durable or long-lasting as real leather, meaning you’ll be buying multiple bags throughout the year to replace your previous faux leather bags.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best type of leather for leather bags, cowhide leather is the clear winner in our eyes. Its strength, durability and resistance to scratches and abrasions make it an ideal bag that will last you a lifetime.

Full-grain cowhide leather is the best choice for those who want a natural and textured appearance, while top-grain cowhide offers a smooth and consistent appearance. When choosing your next leather bag, it’s important to consider both the type of leather and the grain to ensure you get a leather bag that is stylish and functional.