Cowhide: The most common type of leather, known for its durability, versatility, and affordability. It comes in various grades, from full-grain (top layer, strongest) to split leather (lower layers).
Sheepskin: Known for its softness, suppleness, and luxurious feel. Often used for garments, upholstery, and accessories.
Pigskin: Durable and abrasion-resistant, making it suitable for gloves, shoes, and other items that require high wear.
Goat Skin: Strong and lightweight, often used for gloves, jackets, and handbags.
Buffalo Hide: Very thick and durable, used for heavy-duty applications like furniture, belts, and luggage.
Horsehide: Exceptionally strong and resilient, often used for motorcycle jackets, boots, and saddles.
Kangaroo Skin: Known for its incredible strength and elasticity, used for athletic shoes and high-performance clothing.
Deer Skin: Soft and supple, used for gloves, moccasins, and other handcrafted items.
Elk Skin: Similar to deer skin in softness but thicker and more durable, used for boots and jackets.
Other: There are many other types of skin used for leather, including:
* Crocodile: High-end, luxurious leather, known for its distinct scales and texture.
* Lizard: Similar to crocodile, with a more delicate texture.
* Snake: Sleek and distinctive, used for handbags, shoes, and accessories.
* Ostrich: Unique texture, known for its "feather" patterns.
* Fish Skin: Often used for decorative items, wallets, and accessories.
The type of skin used will influence the leather's:
* Thickness: Cowhide is typically thicker than sheepskin.
* Texture: Different animals have different skin structures, resulting in unique textures.
* Strength: Some hides are stronger than others.
* Durability: Certain leathers, like buffalo hide, are known for their longevity.
* Cost: Exotic leathers like crocodile or ostrich are generally more expensive than cowhide.
When choosing leather, consider its intended use, desired look and feel, and budget.