How to choose leather jackets made of different materials？
How to Choose Leather Jackets by Material
Material determines texture, durability, style, and price when selecting a leather jacket. Below is a comparison of common leather types, along with buying guides to help you choose the best option for your needs:
Comparison of Main Leather Types
Cowhide (Full-Grain)
- Coarse texture, tightly woven fibers
- Stiff yet flexible, develops sheen over time
- Divided into full-grain (top layer) and split grain (second layer)
Sheepskin
- Soft, supple, with fine pores
- Lightweight and stretchy
- Subdivided into lamb (softer) and sheep (slightly textured)
Horsehide
- Unique texture (scale or wave patterns), coarse pores
- Softness between cow and sheep leather
- Natural wrinkles
Faux Leather (PU/PVC)
- Smooth, uniform texture
- Cheap, lightweight
- No animal-derived odors
Style Suitability
Style Suitability
Style Suitability
Style Suitability
American Retro, Biker, Business
Japanese-Inspired Commuting, Luxury, Feminine Designs
Western, Workwear, Vintage
- No animal-derived odors Streetwear, Budget-Friendly, Vegan
Durable, age gracefully
- Ideal for classic lovers
Comfortable, easy to pair
- Affordable
Breathable, sweat-resistant
- Develops character over time
Affordable, easy to clean
- No ethical concerns
Medium
Stiff initially, requires regular care
- Higher price
High
Less durable, prone to scratches
- Prone to sagging
Medium
Stiff at first, softens with prolonged use
- Moderate price
Low
Prone to cracking, poor breathability
- Low eco-friendliness
Material Selection Tips
Check Texture
Real Leather: Natural, irregular grain with visible pores (e.g., cowhide has large/deep pores; sheepskin is fine).
Faux Leather: Repeating mechanical patterns, glossy surface, no natural flaws.
Touch Feel
Real Leather: Initially stiff (e.g., horse or cowhide), springy under pressure with slow recovery.
Faux Leather: Smooth but rigid, quick rebound when pressed, fingerprint marks over time.
Smell
Real Leather: Mild leathery scent; cheaply tanned may have chemical odor.
Faux Leather: Strong plastic or glue smell.
Burn Test (Proceed with caution)
Real Leather: Smells like burnt hair, leaves powdery ash.
Faux Leather: Black smoke, plastic smell, hard residue.
Material Recommendations by Use Case
1. Daily Commuting
Recommended: Sheepskin, Waxed Cowhide
Why: Sheepskin offers comfort; waxed cowhide resists scratches and requires minimal upkeep.
2. Retro/Biker Style
Recommended: Horsehide, Waxed Leather
Why: Horsehide’s natural wrinkles complement vintage aesthetics; waxed leather resists abrasion.
3. High-End Collectibles
Recommended: Full-Grain Cowhide, Deerhide
Why: Full-grain cowhide retains natural grain; deerhide offers rarity and uniqueness.
4. Budget-Friendly
Recommended: Recycled Leather, Premium PU
Why: Recycled leather balances eco-friendliness and durability; PU suits short-term use.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Beware of "Split Grain"
Split grain is a lower layer laminated with PU; prone to cracking. Look for "full-grain" or "top-grain" labels.
Avoid Poor Tanning
A strong chemical smell (e.g., chromium) indicates harmful tanning processes.
Check Thickness
Thickness is measured in ounces (oz). 2.5–3.5 oz suits daily wear; over 4 oz feels stiff and is for styling.
Maintenance Tips
General Care:
Clean regularly with saddle soap + mink oil; avoid sun/moisture.
Material-Specific Care:
Sheepskin: Hang to air-dry; avoid compression.
Horsehide: Use a cotton swab with petroleum jelly to soften stiff areas.
Deerskin: Gently brush with a specialized mitt; never machine wash.
Summary
Choose leather based on style, budget, and lifestyle:
Classic Appeal → Cowhide
Comfort → Sheepskin
Vintage Vibes → Horsehide
Eco-Conscious → Recycled Leather
Budget → Premium PU
