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

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