Different types of leather have different characteristics and uses. Common types in our daily life include cowhide leather, sheepskin leather, pigskin leather, and horsehide leather. So, how should we distinguish between them? What are their differences?
First, let's look at the differences in their appearance.
Cowhide leather: Both yellow cowhide and buffalo hide are called cowhide leather, but there are certain differences between them. The pores on the surface of yellow cowhide are round, extending straight into the leather, dense, uniform, and arranged irregularly, like stars in the sky; the pores on the surface of buffalo hide are larger than those of yellow cowhide, fewer in number, and the leather is looser, not as fine and plump as yellow cowhide.
Sheepskin leather: The pores on the grain surface of the leather are oblate, clear, with several grouped together, arranged in a fish-scale pattern.
Pigskin leather: The pores on the surface of the leather are round and large, extending obliquely into the leather, arranged in groups of three, and the leather surface shows many small triangular patterns.
Horsehide leather: The pores on the surface of the leather are also oval, slightly larger than those of yellow cowhide, and arranged more regularly.
Then, what are the differences in their uses?
Cowhide leather has a fine surface and high strength, suitable for making leather shoes and leather goods;
Sheepskin leather is light, thin, and soft, making it an ideal fabric for leather clothing;
Pigskin leather has good air and moisture permeability, with strength similar to cowhide leather, but its texture is rough and not as beautiful as cowhide leather, suitable for making leather shoes, insoles, etc.
The front part of horsehide can be processed into upper leather and clothing leather; the back part can be processed into waterproof upper leather, boot uppers, or sole leather; the rump leather is mostly used for boot uppers.
