Everything you need to know about the types of leather materials

The types of leather materials include natural leather (top, second layer & synthetic leather), artificial leather (PVC, PU leather), and recycled leather.

Leather is non-perishable animal skin. It has a special grain layer on its surface. Therefore, the leather has a natural grain and luster and is comfortable to the touch. Let’s take a look together.

Comparison of pros and cons of different leathers

Types of leather materials
ProsCons
Genuine leather
Soft and elasticExpensive
Faux leatherWide variety of designs and colors, lifelike appearance, easy to take care ofThe leather surface is astringent, rigid, and poor in softness
Regenerated leatherRelatively neat leather edge, high utilization rate, cheap priceThicker and weaker skin

What is natural leather?

Genuine leather refers to natural leather processed from animal skins. According to its type, there are mainly pig leather, cow leather, sheep leather, horse leather, donkey leather, and kangaroo leather. But, there is also a small amount of fish leather, reptile leather, amphibian leather, and ostrich leather. Among them, cow leather is divided into yellow cow leather, buffalo leather, yak leather, and yak leather. Sheep leather includes sheep leather and goat leather.

Top layer leather

What is the top layer of leather?

-The top layer of the cowhide is the upper skin of the cow’s body. Its surface has raw skin features.

Pros and cons:

The leather surface of the first layer of cowhide has clear pores and texture. It has good natural properties. And the appearance is flat and soft. The texture is firm and elastic to the touch. But, It is easier to damage.

Top layer leather
Image from: acctrims

Distinguish:

To identify the quality of the top layer of cowhide, it is necessary to observe whether the cross-section of the leather is intact. If it is a high-quality top layer of cowhide, you can clearly see the compact cross-sectional structure. But, if it is inferior top layer cowhide, its cross section looks very rough.

Cleaning and maintenance

  1. Clean up frequently. Keep the pores on the surface of the cowhide from being blocked by dust. Moreover, keep indoor ventilation frequently.
  2. When cleaning at ordinary times, be sure to use pure cotton cloth or silk to moisten it and wipe it gently to keep it clean.
  3. If there is a pen mark, it can be removed by gently wiping it with an eraser for a short time.
  4. Do not expose to the sun, fire, wash, or hit with sharp objects or contact with chemical solvents.
  5. Keep dry and store in a cool and ventilated place.

Second layer leather

What is the second layer of leather?

-The second layer of the cowhide is added with PVC and PU materials to rebond the leather. Therefore, it is suitable for making leather products. Moreover, it looks very classy. Also, the appearance is indistinguishable from the first layer of skin.

Second layer leather

Pros and cons:

The texture is relatively loose and has certain elasticity and plasticity. The price is cheaper than the first layer of cowhide. However, the durability and strength are not as good as the first layer of cowhide.

Distinguish:

The smell of the second layer of cowhide will be less pleasant. Then, the top layer of yellow cowhide has only a faint smell.

Cleaning and maintenance

Try to use a semi-wet cloth to clean off the dirt on the leather surface. If you encounter oils that are not easy to wash, you can add some usual detergent to a semi-wet cloth. Then, wipe with a clean cloth.

Synthetic leather

Synthetic leather is also called PU leather. It is made by coating PU resin (a polymer material) on cloth.

Pros and cons:

It is light and easy to process. Moreover, it is wear-resistant and inexpensive. However, it has poor air permeability and is prone to cracking.

Distinguish:

Synthetic leather has a uniform thickness and a smooth surface. But no natural defects. The pores and patterns are also very uniform. In general, there is no pile in the leather.

Cleaning and maintenance

When wiping, use dry wiping and water wiping. In addition, do not place related products in a space with high humidity. Excessive humidity will cause damage to the surface film and shorten the service life.

Artificial leather

Artificial leather is an extremely popular leather material. We can use it to make various leather products. And it can also replace part of the leather material.

In addition, its surface technology almost achieves the effect of genuine leather. Therefore, its price is also comparable to that of domestic top-layer leather.

PVC artificial leather

Its advantages are high product strength, easy processing, and low cost.

The disadvantage is poor oil resistance and high-temperature resistance. And it’s not that soft to the touch. So the feel is poor.

We can use them for all kinds of bags, seat covers, linings, sundries, etc.

PU artificial leather

PU artificial leather also has good breathability and warmth. Especially, it is more comfortable to wear when we make it into clothes.

Pu artificial leather has a smell of plastic. The severity of this taste is related to the quality of PU artificial leather. And it is suitable for the decoration of bags, clothing, shoes, vehicles, and furniture.

PU synthetic leather

PU synthetic leather is cheap and rich in color and pattern. But, it tends to harden and become brittle.

Therefore, it is suitable for the decoration of bags, clothing, shoes, vehicles, and furniture.

Recycled leather

Regenerated leather is moisture-wicking and breathable. Well-made regenerated leather also has the softness of real leather. Plus, they’re stretchy and lightweight. Moreover, it has strong resistance to extreme high and low temperatures. And it is wear-resistant. However, they are weaker than dermis of equal thickness. Of course, it is worse than PU.

types of leather materials: recycled leather

Therefore, it is only suitable for making stereotyped craft products. Such as cheap briefcases, trolley bags, club covers, and cheap belts.

In conclusion

Real leather, faux leather, and synthetic leather are common types of leather materials. They each have their own strengths. Therefore, customers can choose the leather material that suits them. Acctrims supplies leather products for various clothing, shoes & hats, and bag brand companies. Such as leather labels, leather tags, leather patches, leather bags, leather hang tags, and belts. You can customize your brand logo on it. Any color, size, or type is ok. If you have questions, please contact us. We will serve you wholeheartedly. We are the garment trims and accessories manufacturer and supplier.

7 types of leather watch straps you need to know for watches

There are many types of leather watch straps, each with its own characteristics. How much do you know about the types of leather straps?

The weather is getting colder. When wearing a watch, many friends will be excited by the cool watch. Especially watches with metal straps. So many people will choose to be equipped with leather straps in winter.

As we all know, leather straps are soft and light. Moreover, it is comfortable and warm to wear and is not easy to hurt the skin or clothing. Therefore, it is more popular with everyone.

1. Cowhide leather watch straps

There are many varieties of cowhide. It includes calfskin, yellow cowhide, buffalo leather, and so on. Among them, calfskin belongs to the top class of cowhide. It is made of tanned leather from calves less than 6 months old. Moreover, it has a fine texture and a soft and smooth texture.

The calfskin has no pattern, simple and capable. It is a more practical and cheaper type of leather strap. Choosing a calfskin formal watch as entry-level equipment does not lose its atmosphere. Cowhide leather watch straps are basically ordinary cowhide belts and imported calfskin belts. Ordinary cowhide belts are harder in texture, thicker in texture, and slightly less glossy.

ypes of leather watch straps: cowhide leather watch straps

But the price is cheap. The price difference is mainly reflected in the buttons and lining leather. Ordinary cowhide belts are available on both smooth surfaces and embossed surfaces. Embossing is crocodile and lizard embossed. Imported calfskin is softer and more comfortable with a fine texture.

2. Alligator leather watch straps

Alligator leather straps are a common type of strap for top-end watches. The unique texture of crocodile leather can make the whole watch a higher level. The texture of the crocodile belt is clear and delicate. The gloss of the leather is particularly good.

The domineering and publicity of the unique crocodile skin as a whole bring people a shocking noble temperament and a kingly demeanor in their bones. Because the amount of crocodile skin is relatively small, crocodile belts are very precious.

The alligator strap is soft and comfortable to wear. And its texture is super strong, moist, delicate, and thick. Therefore, they are particularly classy and can show noble taste. In addition, crocodile leather gets brighter with use. And the toughness is very good, not easy to crack.

Alligator leather watch straps

3. Lambskin leather watch straps

Lambskin is known for its fineness and elasticity. It’s perfect for a watch strap and feels soft and comfortable on the wrist. If we observe carefully, we will find that the lambskin has clear lines and a strong sense of leather.

Compared with other leathers, lambskin is lighter and softer. So its application is relatively rich. It can change shape according to design. Therefore, we often use it to make women’s watches.

Lambskin leather watch straps

A special leather strap watch is definitely one of the must-haves for autumn and winter accessories. The most important thing is that no matter what kind of leather, each leather strap has its unique texture. This is like a unique fashion label, irreplaceable.

The frequency of appearance of lambskin is much lower than that of cowhide and crocodile skin. If you want freshness, please choose a delicate lambskin strap!

4. Cordovan leather watch straps

As the name suggests, Cordovan refers to the leather on a horse’s buttocks. It is the most wear-resistant and densest leather among horse hides. However, only two round pieces of skin with a diameter of 0.5 meters can be removed from the buttocks of each horse, which is relatively rare.

Cordovan leather does not appear many times in the top ten top watch brands. Many watch fans will choose to replace the strap by themselves to show their individuality. Therefore, the rough cordovan leather strap has also won the favor of some fans.

Cordovan leather watch straps

5. Lizard leather watch straps

The surface texture of lizard skin is granular and flexible. It’s soft to the touch and fits perfectly on the wrist. Lizard leather straps are relatively niche. So we often apply it to mid-to-high-end ladies’ watches. A lizard strap is the skin of an iguana or monitor lizard. The abdomen is small and square.

The back is rounded. The lizard leash has a lot of character. Moreover, its texture is three-dimensional and beautiful. The leather’s brightness is good. Also, the price is moderate.

Lizard leather watch straps

Individual mid-range watches will use lizard skin circular patterns. The circular pattern is more three-dimensional. The square pattern is more regular. Which one you choose depends on your preference.

6. Ostrich leather watch straps

This animal leather is soft and breathable. Its pulling force is 3 to 5 times that of cowhide. Contains a natural oil in the cortex. It won’t harden or crack like some leather when used in cold weather under its protection. On the contrary, it will become brighter with the growth of use time.

Some ostrich leather belts have pores. Some are glossy without touching the pores. The advantage is that it is soft and comfortable. The disadvantage is that it has no shape and the grade is not high.

Regardless of high, medium, and low-brand watches, there is no one that uses ostrich leather for the original packaging. Ostrich leather belts are available in many colors. Therefore, it is good to match some women’s watches with various colors on the dial. And the price is moderate.

In general, the processing procedure of ostrich skin is more complicated. Therefore, watchmakers generally do not use ostrich leather in large quantities to make watch straps. But its unique personality style also attracts some high-end watches to use it to design straps.

In general, the processing procedure of ostrich skin is more complicated. Therefore, watchmakers generally do not use ostrich leather in large quantities to make watch straps. But its unique personality style also attracts some high-end watches to use it to design straps.

Ostrich leather watch straps

7. Pearl fish leather watch straps

The pearlfish belt is also called the devil fish belt. Its leather texture is very unique. It is shaped like pearls. Therefore, pearl fish tape has high aesthetic value, and we can use it to make various leather goods. Also, it is very durable. The pearl fish skin is whitened so that each bead on it becomes as bright as a gemstone.

Pearl fish leather watch straps

This belt is very different. They’re sort of like lizard circles, but with more raised points. So, it fits those stylish watches. At the same time, it is also suitable for some glamorous fashion watches. In addition, the pearlfish leather strap is not expensive. Therefore, it is very suitable for some start-up brands.

The above 7 types of leather watch straps are common straps we often see. Hope it can help you well. Which types of leather straps do you like best?

What are the types of cowhide? Cowhide product maintenance strategy

Cowhide is the leather of cows. According to the layer, we can divide it into the first layer of cowhide, second and third layer of rawhide. In general, the breathability and comfort of the first layer of rawhide are better. Unlike sheepskin, cowhide is firmer to the touch. Therefore, it is also more suitable for making leather shoes, leather bags, belts, and other products. Sheepskin is more suitable for making leather clothing.

Of course, the top layer of cowhide with softer leather can also be used to make leather clothes. As a kind of genuine leather good, we should pay attention to its cleaning and maintenance when using cowhide products. This keeps it from being damaged. Let’s take a look together!

cowhide 01

What is cowhide?

Cowhide refers to the hide of a cow, which is cut from the cow and then undergoes a series of processing. Then, we make the cowhide from wet hide to dry hide. And then make various styles of products from dry hide embryos. It is widely used in various industries.

The features of cowhide are that the pores on the leather surface are small and round. And it is distributed evenly and tightly. The leather surface is bright and smooth, with a plump and fine texture. Meanwhile, its appearance is flat and soft. The texture is firm and elastic when touched by hand. If you squeeze the leather surface hard, small wrinkles will appear.

What are the types of cowhide?

cowhide

1, According to the type of cattle

Yellow cowhide: The leather surface is plump and bright. The leather board is soft, fine-grained, strong, and elastic.

Buffalo leather: The pores are thicker and rarer than that of yellow cowhide. The leather is looser. It is generally used as the sole of leather shoes.

2, According to the gender and growth time of cattle

Bull leather: Adult bull leather with a firm surface and good grain. It is suitable for making high-end leather shoes.

Cowhide: Cowhide that has grown up or has given birth to a calf is suitable for dry clothing and glove leather.

Calfskin: This usually refers to cowhide that is less than a year old. The cortex is delicate and soft, but the yield is less. So it is good to make smaller leather goods.

3, According to the layer of cowhide

Top layer cowhide: It refers to the raw leather of cows that is processed through tanning, dyeing, coating, and other processes. Moreover, its texture is soft and elastic. In addition, it also has good strength, elasticity, and process plasticity.

Two-layer cowhide: It refers to the two-layer leather with looser fibrous tissue. Then, it is processed by chemical material spraying or covered with PVC and PU film. Generally, we use it to make leather products, which have a certain elasticity.

Three-layer cowhide: the third layer of a cowhide after a piece of cowhide is mechanically split. This layer of skin is called “three layers of cowhide”. This kind of leather is generally street goods.

Which is better, cowhide or sheepskin?

  1. Comparison of feel

Cowhide feels tough and not very extensible. The surface has a strong sense of concave and convex. And the touch is obvious.
Sheepskin feels softer. And the leather board is thinner, soft, smooth, and delicate.

  1. Appearance comparison

The pores of the cow leather surface are small and round. In addition, its distribution is even and tight. Its leather surface is bright and smooth. The texture is plump and delicate, and its appearance is flat and soft.

The pores of sheepskin are also very typical, in the shape of “fish scales”, flat and small. In general, several pores are used as a group. The pores on the surface are finer than that of cowhide.

Cowhide 02
Cowhide
sheepskin
sheepskin
  1. Texture comparison

Cowhide leather is thicker, strong, and more durable. After being made into leather clothes, it looks very crisp.

Sheep leather is soft and has good stretchability. It is softer and more comfortable to wear after we make it into leather clothing.

As long as it’s genuine leather, there’s nothing good or bad about it. Cowhide is more suitable for making shoes, bags, belts, and other products. However, leather garments made from sheepskin are more comfortable to wear.

How to see the authenticity of cowhide?

  1. Look at the texture

The genuine cowhide has the original skin characteristics of animal skin. Moreover, its surface has clear epidermal lines and textures. In addition, the fibers of the coat are intertwined but not messy. Its color is even and consistent, and the pores are clear, small, and tight.

  1. Pinch the cortex

The genuine cowhide has good elasticity. Gently pinch to see irregular natural wrinkles. The elasticity of fake leather is average.

  1. Smell

Real cowhide smells like heavy fur. Even after being processed at the factory, the taste is very obvious. The fake cowhide mostly smells like plastic, without the smell of fur.

What are cowhide products?

The texture of cowhide is relatively hard and thick. So we can use it to make leather shoes, leather bags, etc. In addition, we can also make it into cowhide mats. The cowhide mat is more transparent gas.

Moreover, it dissipates heat quickly, absorbs sweat, and resists moisture. Therefore, it is very suitable for summer use. We can also make cowhide ropes from the top layer of the cowhide. And then use them as leather labels, leather necklaces, bracelets, and other accessories.

How to maintain cowhide products?

How to maintain the cowhide bag?

Wipe off dirt with a clean sponge and mild soap solution, then wipe off with clean water. Then let the cowhide bag dry naturally. If the stain is stubborn, a detergent solution may be necessary. But it must be wiped carefully to avoid damaging the surface of the cowhide bag.

Try not to let the leather bag come into contact with the sun or close to any heater. Otherwise, the cowhide bag will become drier and drier. And the elasticity and softness of the cowhide bag will gradually disappear.

Please do not overload the cowhide bag. Avoid friction with rough and sharp objects to cause damage. Avoid roasting or squeezing. Keep away from flammable materials. Keep away from moisture. Then, keep away from acidic items.

How to maintain the cowhide belts?

When cleaning the cowhide belt, it is best to wipe it with a fine velvet cloth. If we stain it with rainwater or other stains, never wipe it directly with water and gasoline. So as not to appear on the leather surface wrinkled. Instead, wipe dry immediately with a soft cloth. After wiping, put it in a well-ventilated place and let it dry naturally.

DSC9341

If the leather belt is discolored, we can wipe it with leather polish. Avoid wiping with leather shoe polish. When polishing the leather, use a soft dry cloth with a little polish on the belt and gently wipe it once or twice.

Avoid cowhide leather from dampness, mildew, and moths. During normal use, do not contact oil stains or acidic and alkaline substances.

How to maintain cowhide shoes?

We can’t wipe the stains on the leather upper with a damp cloth. Do not let it soak alone in the water. Otherwise, it will damage the color paste on the surface of the shoe. And it can make leather shoes hard and deformed.

In order to prevent the leather shoes from deforming, it is best to support the shoe tree. Then, put it in the shoe box. Besides, we should place shoeboxes in a cool place away from heat and lights. Do not squeeze, this is to prevent deformation of the shoe.

Before storing, be sure to let the leather shoes dry naturally. Remember to put some moisture-proof agent in the shoe box.

How many types of leather belts are there?

There are many types of leather belts for men and women, they are decorations for trousers that are often used in daily life. And they can also play a role in fixing trousers or skirts. Therefore, when purchasing, you must find the belt that suits you. It is also more comfortable to use. So how many types of leather belts are there? How many kinds of belt buckles are there? What should we pay attention to when buying leather belts every day? Here are some suggestions for you to refer to.

Types of leather belts

Leather belt for men

According to gender, there are male belts and female belts. Generally, male belts will be thicker. Because boys’ pants will be wider.

Leather belt for men

Therefore, male belts will be larger. Many bosses or businessmen are used to wearing trousers. Therefore, they need to wear a pair of suitable trousers. Only in this way can they look more energetic and have a taller figure.

Leather belt for women

Women’s belts will appear more delicate. Moreover, there are relatively more colors and types of leather belts. Because women are more beautiful. Therefore, the corresponding belt also has many styles. Women’s belts will be smaller. Because many women wear belts not to fix pants, but simply to look good and beautiful. Therefore, many women’s belts are just decorations.

types of leather belts: Leather belt for women

Top-layer leather belts

This kind of types of leather belts is made of top-layer leather processed from animal leather. The quality of their doors is very good. Water resistance is also very good. The top layer refers to the layer of animal skin with long hair.

Top-layer leather belts

The quality is very good. Among all leather products, the quality and feel of belts made of first-grain leather are the best. Because it is generally made of animal leather such as pigskin, cowhide, fish skin, etc. It feels very good to use.

Second-layer leather belts

Compared with the first layer of leather, the quality of the belt made of the second layer of leather is relatively poor. Therefore, a comparison should be made during the purchase process.

If you want to buy a belt that is used for a long time, you can choose the first layer types of leather belts. If you just want to use it for a period of time, it will be relatively cheaper to buy a two-layer leather belt. However, its feel and quality are relatively poor.

Second-layer leather belts DSC9341

PU leather belts

PU leather belts are made of artificial leather. In general, the second layer of animal skin is added. Then add some chemical raw materials and make it. It’s very easy to get. Therefore, PU belts are very cheap compared to other belts. The overall appearance of the artificial belt is also very good. But the quality is not necessarily good. It is very important that individuals can choose according to their own economic conditions.

How to choose a right belt according to the types of leather belts?

1, Choose a high-quality leather belt

Choose a high-quality leather belt

Although some people think that they only buy a belt for occasional wear, not for a long time. But it is still recommended to buy a top-grain leather belt. Its quality is better and it can be used for a longer period of time. If you buy split leather or artificial leather, it is easy to have cracks on the surface. It doesn’t look good over time.

2, Choose a versatile belt

When choosing a belt, women should choose a belt that suits their clothes.

Especially if it is used for decoration, it is very important. Choose a belt that is more versatile, so that you can wear any clothes or pants They all fit very well. Try to choose a dark or black belt, which will be easier to match.

Choose a versatile belt

3, Choose the belt that suits you

The type of leather belts that everyone needs are different. Therefore, you need to buy a belt that suits you during the purchase process. This will make it more comfortable to use. If you are accustomed to using an automatic buckle belt, choose an automatic buckle belt. This will make it more comfortable for you to use.

Types of belt buckles

Automatic buckle belts

Automatic buckle belts

An automatic buckle belt is a belt that can be buckled automatically. It is easy to adjust when using. Therefore, many people like to use automatic buckle belts. This is also very convenient when you want to go to the toilet. Just pull it out a little to untie it, and snap it in to snap it in place. Such a handy leash really fits all men.

Pin buckle belts

There are some holes at the end of the belt of pin buckle belt. At this time, put the pin on the belt buckle into the hole. This will fasten the belt.

Also, it looks good on the outside too. However, the pin buckle belt is more troublesome, and it needs to be tightened after buckling. So not too many people use it. Moreover, some holes on the belt also affect the appearance of the belt. Therefore, individuals should choose according to their own needs when purchasing.

Pin buckle belts

Plate buckle belts

The use process of the plate buckle belt is similar to that of the automatic buckle.

Plate buckle belts

It uses a more beautiful plate to fix the belt. Therefore, pay more attention to the application of the belt during use. However, it is actually very convenient to use. If you want to fasten it, just buckle it in slightly. If you want to open it, just break the board out with your hands. This will allow you to easily untie your belt.

In conclusion

The above are the common types of leather belts. Hope it can help you. Our company makes and supply custom leather belts, leather labels, leather belt buckles, and metal slider buckles for belts. If you need customization, please contact us.

PU artificial leather for brands

PU artificial leather is polyurethane with soft and wear-resistant features, it and PU synthetic leather both belong to artificial leather for fashion brands. In China, people are accustomed to using PU resin as raw materials to produce artificial leather called PU artificial leather(PU leather for short). It is almost equal to the natural leather on the market. It is usually used to make shoes, clothes, bags, decorations, and so on.

In daily life, PU artificial leather and noble seem to have the same meaning. A pair of high-end PU leather not only depends on its brand, style, and craftsmanship. But more importantly, the beauty of natural PU leather products. In terms of leather sales target, PU artificial leather is far more than others. Similarly, it is ideal for the application of leather labels for clothing. And because it is a natural product with limited sources, so it is more expensive. It is used to a certain extent. It can satisfy people’s pursuit of natural leather.

Advantages of PU artificial leather

First, we all know that natural leather is no different from animal fur. Therefore, some rare animal leather resources are in short supply according to the law. And people who like this kind of clothing can choose PU material. Thus, PU artificial leather can reduce damage and save money. Meanwhile, designing personalized PU custom leather tags is a good decoration for your brands.

At present, the technology of artificial leather has reached a relatively mature development stage. It can replace natural leather; the shape can be almost the same. PU artificial leather is softer and more wear-resistant than natural leather. Meanwhile, it is easier to take care of. It is breathable and warm. Especially when it is made into clothes, it is more comfortable to wear. And compared with real leather, its cost is cheaper.

Images of PU artificial leather

How to clean PU artificial leather?

  • Wash with water and detergent, avoid gasoline scrubbing;
  • It cannot be dry-cleaned;
  • We can only wash it. The washing temperature cannot exceed 40 degrees;
  • We need to wash it with water and detergent, avoid gasoline scrubbing;

Based on the above points, I think everyone has their own judgment. At present, people’s demand for artificial leather is large. To a certain extent, PU artificial leather is better than natural leather.

What is PVC artificial leather?

PVC artificial leather(Polyvinyl chloride artificial leather) is made by coating PVC resin, plasticizer, stabilizer, and other additives on the fabric. Or it is laminated with a layer of PVC film, and then processed through a certain process.

Continue reading “What is PVC artificial leather?”

What is leather label?

Leather labels are mainly sewn on the fabric or jeans’ waist for clothing, whose materials include genuine(real) leather, faux leather, Suede leather, etc. We supply high-quality custom leather labels&leather patches by printing, embossing, or gold/silver hot stamping. It can replace the traditional cloth label. Your logo, text, picture, patterns can put on the leather material by various processes.

Continue reading “What is leather label?”