“How do I differentiate bovine from other leather types?” That was my friend asking. It’s funny how many people are conversant with the term bovine. Still, it is worth explaining what makes it unique or different from other leather types.
And since there are rising environmental concerns, now is the best time to explain bovine leather better so you keep your leather fashion sense yet support the motion for a greener world.
Bovine leather is made from cattle hide and sewn into bags, jackets, belts, etc. It’s sustainable and environment-friendly. Plus, the leather is pretty solid and durable. After five years, my leather bag is still in great shape.
If you are curious or want to update your knowledge, stay with me as I dive deeper into what bovine leather is and what makes it unique from other leather types.
Bovine leather Overview
If you’ve owned a leather jacket or a pair of leather shoes, chances are you’ve heard the term “bovine leather.” But what is bovine leather made of? In simple terms, bovine leather is leather that comes from the skin of cows and bulls. Although in scientific classification, bovine means cows, it also includes other animals like buffaloes, bulls, and calves.
Bovines are famous for their milk and meat because of their value. Their skin is a byproduct that can be removed, tanned for treatment, and converted into jackets, shoes, belts, bags, etc.
One thing to know is that all bovine leather isn’t created equal. The quality differs on the cow’s age, the breed, and the tanning process. That said, here are some categories to familiarize yourself with:
- Full-grain leather: Top-notch quality and durable; it is usually untreated and has a natural texture, giving it a beautiful look.
- Top-grain leather: Next in quality is the top grain made from the upper part of the hide but has been sanded to remove any imperfections. Compared to full-grain, top-grain leather is thinner and more flexible.
- Split leather: When the hide is split into layers, the bottom layer is used to make split leather, which accounts for its low quality and affordability.
- Corrected-grain leather: Although not as durable as full-grain or top-grain leather, corrected-grain leather is more durable and sanded to remove imperfections.
- Embossed leather: This leather type is stamped with a design to give it a texture and patterns such as alligator or ostrich.
What is bovine leather made of?
Bovine leather comes from cattle skin or cowhide. The skins are gotten from the slaughterhouse and sold to tanneries as rawhides. It goes through cleaning, soaking, de-haring, fleshing, tanning, dyeing, and finishing.
The tanneries then remove the hair by mechanically scraping it off. Once the cowhide is in shape to be tanned, treating it and using chemicals to prevent it from rotting can take several days or even weeks. The leather is then dyed and treated to withstand harsh conditions before production.
Commonly Used Product of Bovine Leather
Bovine leather can be made into footwear, bags, and other accessories. Most times, the products are in the natural leather form, and you can also dye them in fashionable colors.
Leather clothes are also a popular bovine leather product. It