Types of natural leather. Leather for footwear. Is it genuine leather or not

There are many classifications of leather, which differ in the type and age of the animals from which they are obtained, as well as in the way they are processed and dyed. Here are some examples:

Aniline leather- leather dyed with organic dyes with minimal technological processing.

Aniline leather is the highest quality of all skins. It is characterized by traces caused by nature, for example, scars and various color shades. It is this type of leather that is more sensitive and prone to patination (acquisition of an antique look) during operation.

buffalo leather - according to its main characteristics, it is very close to bovine, but the skins still have big size and interesting "reaved" texture. Unfortunately, this type of skin is not common in Russia.

Bychyna- its thickness, in contrast to calfskin, is 2.5-5 mm, and the size of the skins can exceed 2.5 m2. Traditionally, it is called "saddle-saddle". Initially, it was used for the production of saddles, harnesses and other elements of harness. Currently, bovine is used, as a rule, for the manufacture of jeans belts, bags in ethnic style, trunks and backpacks. This type of leather is best suited for manual and mechanical embossing. Due to the thickness and strength of leather, products made from it can last almost forever.

Velours(fr. velours - velvet, from lat. villosus - hairy, shaggy) - leather made from pig, less often sheep skins, chrome-tanned with a front surface treated by grinding. This skin is tucked under suede from the wrong side. This material can equally be soft and thin, as well as hard and thick, it all depends on the processing technology. It is used for the manufacture of shoe uppers, clothing and leather goods.

Vorotok(shoulder, neck) - a section of the skin located between the head part and the saddle.

outgrowth- the skin of a calf that has switched to vegetable food, changing the primary hairline in the process of molting. The quality of the skin is worse than that of the calf, the interlacing of the fibers is weaker. finished skin smooth, thick, with a beautiful measure, but not as full as the calf. The uppers of shoes and leather goods are made from it.

Smooth skin- made from the highest quality raw materials, not polished. Only hair is removed. The pores of the skin remain in a natural state: the skin "breathes" and, at the same time, the service life of the product is increased. Products made from this type of leather are more durable. In the process of wearing, a natural “patina” appears on the surface of the product and it becomes more beautiful every year. The highest quality furniture and shoes are made from smooth leather.

Suede(chamois leather) - fat-tanned leather (i.e. raw skins subjected to preliminary preparation. When tanned, they are impregnated with fats). Serves for the manufacture of shoes, gloves, haberdashery, outerwear, jackets, skirts, as well as a filtering and polishing material. High-quality shoe suede is obtained from the skins of deer calf, outgrowth and Russian short-tailed sheep, technical - from sheepskins of Russian long-tailed sheep, wiping - from the skins of adult deer, Russian sheepskin. Suede has a high ductility and porosity, which makes it highly breathable. Suede is distinguished by its special softness, which it retains not only after soaking in water, but also after washing in soapy water, which is why Suede is also called “washable leather”. This material is less wear resistant than smooth skin and requires careful maintenance.

Laika- Soft, elastic leather made from the skins of lambs and kids with chrome or chrome-fat tanning. The surface is smooth, without wrinkles. Laika is used almost exclusively for the manufacture of gloves.

Mereya (grain)- drawing on the front surface of dressed leather. There are natural (by belonging to a particular type of animal) and artificial measures (applied by embossing).

Nappa- Thin semi-aniline leather made from cattle skins.

Nappa leather is an extremely soft and supple material commonly used to make high quality wallets, toiletries kits, and other leather goods.

Napplac- Lacquered leather. Most often it is lacquered nappa.

Natural suede- Leather, developed by fat tanning from the skins of deer, elk, wild goats. It is a soft, loose, but very durable velvety skin with a thick, low pile on the front surface.

Nubuck(nubuck) - fine-haired chrome-tanned leather with a front surface polished with fine-grained abrasive materials (for example, sand).

It is used for the manufacture of haberdashery, shoe uppers and upholstery of upholstered furniture.

More often than not, suede is even less protected from pollution and greasing. Nubuck requires careful attention, especially in the first month of wearing. Nubuck, like a sponge, absorbs any moisture and it will be good if you are especially careful during this period. It passes later. Remember that light-colored nubuck things darken over time, and dark ones lighten. Nubuck is durable and wear-resistant, with proper care.

Distinguish: natural nubuck, artificial nubuck, nubuck-oil.

Natural nubuck is made from genuine leather. It has a weak pile on the front surface, which gives the skin a good appearance- it becomes velvety. Genuine leather nubuck has good breathability. The disadvantages of this skin include low wear resistance and the need to care for products. Natural nubuck products must be cleaned with special products.

Artificial or synthetic nubuck is much cheaper than genuine leather nubuck. This is a multi-layer polymer material that has a velvety texture and is similar in appearance to natural nubuck. Synthetic nubuck, unlike natural nubuck, does not absorb water and has a higher wear resistance.

Nubuck-oil is nubuck, which during the production process was protected from moisture by treating it with fat impregnation. Nubuck is soft and velvety to the touch, while oil nubuck is moist and heavier than regular nubuck. It is more durable and unpretentious than regular nubuck.

Buckskin- Leather, in the process of dressing which uses fat extracted from the brain of animals, or other types of fats. The end result is a stretchy, suede-like material, usually heavily smoked to prevent cell decomposition. This type of leather is commonly used to make briefcases and wallets.

opoek- Soft, supple leather obtained from the skins of suckling calves.

opoek- the skin of a young suckling calf still living on its mother's milk. The most valuable skin. The fibers are thin, elastic, dense weave. The hairline of a calf is thicker, thinner and more beautiful than that of an adult animal. The skin of the calf is soft, full, with a beautiful measure.

Parchment- leather, which got its name from the name of the Greek city of Pergamum. This is untanned leather made from the skins of lambs, goats, and calves. Used to make musical instruments such as drums, certain machine parts, book bindings, and women's jewelry. In the old days served as the main material for writing.

Belt leather- smooth leather, which was originally used for the production of pulley driving belts. This type of leather is often used to make briefcases and wallets. It is quite thick, hard and smooth to the touch. Belt leather is the only type of leather used for luxury products that can hold its shape without the need for a frame. This material is heavier than smooth leather.

fish skin- The dressing of fish skin began in ancient times, before it was one of the main materials for sewing clothes and shoes. Fish skin is a material with excellent consumer properties, beautiful and varied texture. Leather is made from fish processing waste and has excellent development prospects. Every skin is good in its own way. Salmon is cellular, carp is shaggy, sturgeon is with spikes and stars. Now fish skin has begun to be used in industrial production, it is used to make: clothes, shoes, various accessories and decor items.

Morocco- (goatskin, maroquin leather, saffian leather) - thin, soft skin different colors, made by vegetable tanning, usually from goat skins, less often - the skins of sheep, calves and foals. Mainly used for top national shoes. The secret of its production has been known in Russia since the 12th century. Currently not produced.

Sklizok- Stillborn Calf Skin

split(split-velour) - A layer of leather obtained as a result of lamination (scraping) of chromium and chromium-fat cattle and pig skins. Shoe and upholstery leathers are made from thick and dense split cattle by applying an artificial measure and split velor for the production of clothing. Split velor is made from split pigskin for shoe production

split-(split leather, split) - part of the skin (skin) obtained after doubling. Distinguish front and bahtarmy split. Shoe and upholstery leathers are made from thick and dense split leather of cattle by applying artificial measures and split velor for the production of clothing. Split velor is made from split pigskin for shoe production.

Shagreen- (shagreen leather, shagreen, fr. chagrin) - a rough and porous rough type of untanned leather, made from the dorsal part of the skins of horses or kulans and usually dyed green color. "Shagreen" today is usually made from goat, sheep skins, as well as from the skin of sharks and rays.

Kid- Gloves made of chevro

Soft, dense, durable leather made by chrome tanning from goat skins. On the surface (more) it has a peculiar pattern in the form of small wrinkles.

chevret- Dense, elastic leather made from sheepskins with chrome tanning. According to the drawing of the measure, it looks like a chevro.

Cheprak- (butt) - heavy, dense, thick skin, developed by fat tanning from cattle skins taken from the back of an animal. This type products are usually used for leather for belts, both for men and women, since this is the most dense part of the skin.

Shora- Dense, thick skin, developed by fat tanning from cattle skins, is more plastic than saddlecloth.

Yuft- Thick leather made by fat tanning from cattle skins taken from the belly of an animal. Much softer and more ductile than saddlecloth or shor.

Yuft(yuhta, Russian skin) - is made from barren or cow raw materials and the skins of one-year-old bulls, with the exception of calf raw materials. After washing and skinning, the raw material is subjected to ashing, washing, trampling and kneading in crushes and drums, cutting, shavings, pushing the face, squeezing in jelly, filling in weak tanning juice and then juice and transfer tanning. Yu is white, red and black. For the white yu are selected best skins.... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

chevret(sheep skin, sheep leather) - dense, elastic leather made from sheep skins by chrome tanning. Used for shoe uppers and haberdashery. According to the drawing of the measure, it looks like a chevro.

Kid(glazed kid leather, chevreaux, goat leather) - soft, dense, durable leather, up to 60 dm2 in area, made by chrome tanning from goat skins. On the surface (more) it has a peculiar pattern in the form of small wrinkles. Used for shoe uppers.

Sanded leather and embossed leather- The fact is that the skins often have many natural defects. On the skins there are also scratches from bushes, branches, insects can bite through them through. A hole is formed, which is no longer tightened. These defects are removed during the production process by grinding, then some kind of coating is applied - so that the surface is even. Sanded leather in without fail must be dyed. Thanks to grinding, the well-known velor is obtained.

If there are still defects after grinding, embossing is applied. Large plates are used to press the heated skin. By pressing, you can get a smooth surface and with a pattern (for example, dusty - very small, or large, in a box - depending on the purpose of the skin).

Shora- dense, thick skin, developed by fat tanning from the skins of cattle, is more plastic than saddlecloth.

Yuft- (juff, Russian leather) thick leather, produced by combined tanning from the skins of cattle, horse and pork skins taken from the belly of an animal, with a high content of fats. Much softer and more ductile than saddlecloth or shor. Used for shoe uppers.

Yalovka- cow skin. Skins of females are usually more valuable than males. The skin turns out more elegant, more elastic and more elastic, the front side is smoother and more beautiful. Yalovka is suitable for the manufacture of shoe uppers, soles, heel counters, welts, lining soles and light straps.

Shoes - a necessary attribute of the wardrobe modern man. As a rule, when choosing shoes for themselves, the buyer focuses on several indicators: type of shoes, sole, upper material, lining material, manufacturer, price.

Top material sometimes becomes the main criterion that the buyer pays Special attention. After all, the appearance of shoes is the hook that all buyers fall for.

Today it is no longer a secret to anyone that leather shoes- this is the best option for everyone without exception. This material has high wear resistance and excellent appearance. That is why no matter how the trends of the shoe industry change, leather shoes always occupy a pedestal. Let's look at the types of leather used in the manufacture of shoes.

Types of leather for footwear production

Cattle leather is exceptionally durable, durable and more moisture resistant than other types of leather. But the shoes are mostly hard, except for models made from calf. In Italian shoemaking, outgrowth, half-skin, cowhide and bullock are collectively called vitello.

opoek- the skin of a calf that has not yet mastered the vegetation. Differs in special softness and elasticity.

outgrowth- the skin of a calf that has mastered roughage.

Half-skin- the skin of a young bull or heifer.

Yalovka- the skin of a mature cow.

Bychyna- the skin of a mature bull.

Nappa- thin and elastic skin, made of cattle breeds.

Shoes made from MPC leather are distinguished by their softness and ability to quickly take the shape of the wearer's foot.

Kid- soft goatskin, with a small pattern of the measure and processed in a chrome way. Very expensive due to dressing and elitist appearance.

Kid

Shagreen- made from the skins of goats and sheep. It has a large scale pattern, it is used in the shoe industry for the manufacture of shoe uppers.

Shagreen

chevret- Sheepskin, made by chrome tanning, is distinguished by high elasticity, softness, and a peculiar funnel pattern of the measure. For shoes, chevret is made from sheepskin of steppe and Russian breeds of sheep, their skin is less loose and more durable.

Morocco- MPC leather, dyed in bright colors.

Rough, pimply and rough, characterized by increased moisture permeability and breathability. As a rule, it is used for the production of summer open shoes.

Pigskin

It is used for the production of expensive, exclusive shoes. Famous designers iguana skin, eel skin, lizard skin, crocodile skin and snake skin are used.

In the production of special footwear, cattle leather is used: cow leather or buffalo (buffalo) leather. Buffalo leather is widely used. It itself is cheaper than cowhide leather (cow), has a large thickness that can be sawn into a large number of layers - splits, each of which can be used in various areas of footwear production. Leather for the uppers of shoes, which is used in the production of safety shoes, is divided into three main types:

• leather with a natural front surface (front leather / leather goods);
• polished leather (skin with polishing);
• shoe split leather (coated genuine leather).

Skin with natural grain

The top layer of the skin, which has the best performance compared with the bottom layer: high elasticity, resistance and strength, durability. The skin from the top layer of the skin passes air better and does not pass water due to the presence of animal fat in its composition. However, in the mass production of special footwear, this type of leather is rarely used due to its high cost. Manufacturers solved this problem by sawing (sanding) thick leather (about 1.5 cm) into layers. So there was a split.

Leather with a natural grain surface is divided into two main types depending on the method of tanning:

• chrome leather;
• yuft (yuft).

Chrome leather

Chrome leathers are soft leathers tanned with basic chromium salts - chromium-potassium and chromium-sodium alum and chromium peak. Tanning is carried out in special rotating drums for 8-12 hours using a specially developed technology. The skin of this finish becomes soft and supple.

This method of finishing provides the skin of the legs with normal perspiration and optimum temperature. Its feature: it has increased thickness and elasticity (which improves the resistance of the upper to repeated bending), resistance to impact and abrasion, water, dirt and dust.

With all the merit this method is quite expensive and therefore chrome-tanned leather is rarely used in the production of safety shoes. Chrome leathers with a natural grain surface can be both smooth and incl. with a pattern (meria) and velvety (with pile), like nubuck.

Nubuck

Nubuck is a specially treated leather that goes through a chrome tanning process. It has a weak pile on the front surface, which gives the skin a good appearance - it becomes velvety. Genuine leather nubuck has good breathability and is poorly wetted by water, has a waterproof effect. The disadvantages of this skin include the need to care for products. Nubuck is a high-quality material, therefore it is used only in the production of high-class shoes.

Nubuck - like velor, they are polished leather. A significant difference in production: velor - sanded inside skins; nubuck - sanded front side skins.

Yuft

Leather tanned by combined tanning (chrome-syntan, chrome-tannide or chrome-syntanno-tannide) is used in the details of the shoe upper.

Yuft leathers are thick, soft leathers with a high fat content (26-30%), water resistant. Unlike chrome leather, they have a high content of fatty substances, as well as water resistance and wear resistance, but are less elastic. To give these qualities, the skin is treated by long-term gilding and abundant fatliquoring (the fat content in yuft is up to 25% of the skin mass). This method is less expensive compared to chrome tanning, so it is more often used by manufacturers of safety shoes. Sometimes yuft tanning is combined with chrome treatment. On this moment the quality of yuft must comply with the standards of GOST 485-82.

Sanded leather

The animal, even during its lifetime, could damage the skin or have other skin defects in case of illness. Also, animal skins can be damaged when they are removed from the carcass, transported or stored. In this case, the manufacturers grind the damaged areas, but the front layer in these areas is also destroyed (damaged). Sometimes animal skins are in such a state that the entire surface has to be sanded. In this case, the quality of buffed leather is very similar to split leather.

splits

Leather split or split leather - a layer of leather, which is obtained using special equipment. The skin is stratified into several layers, sometimes up to 5-6. There are split front, middle and mezdrovy (or Bahtormy). This is the second or third layer of leather, has a buffy surface on both sides, but can be processed to be coated on one side. The splitting machine can set any split thickness.

When stratification occurs, a violation of the structure of the skin, so the splits receive a number of disadvantages. They are loose, heavy, and since the fibers remain in the upper layer, the split does not stretch well and does not restore its shape after deformation. Like the top layer of leather, split leather allows air to pass through, but quickly absorbs and accumulates water vapor, is less waterproof, and usually dries worse. Shoe splits are less elastic, strong and durable. The artificial coating of split leather can crack or completely lag behind the leather base.

To restore the properties of a split leather and expand its scope, namely, in the shoe industry, it is embossed with a hot press with various additives or impregnation, creating a 100% artificial surface on one of the sides so that it looks like leather. There are many different technologies for applying artificial surfacing to split wood. As a result, it is almost impossible to distinguish split leather from leather in the finished product. After chemical treatment, split leather is sometimes referred to as "leather with artificial face or coated leather.

With a certain processing, the split can be coated on one side. Often they are treated with polyurethane application: coating split wood with a film based on microporous polyurethane. The process of applying foamed PVC or polyurethane films to a split consists of coating the split with an adhesive (usually applied on a roller machine), then the split is fed to the film and fixed by pressing. Sometimes liquid polyurethane is sprayed onto the skin, which makes it possible to obtain splits with excellent appearance and physical and mechanical characteristics, but at a higher price.

Thermoplastic, polyurethane and PVC films create a dense surface with good performance. However, the performance characteristics are significantly different from genuine leather with a natural "face", so this technology allows the production of only inexpensive split leather articles.

Another simple technological solution is split wood trim with acrylic resins. The finish is applied by watering machine or by spraying. After applying one or two primer layers by cutting (pressing), the effect of the front surface is created. Finally, the surface is varnished. The advantage of this finishing method is its economy. Application of acrylic resins does not require special equipment; standard machines available to tanneries can be used.

Sometimes combined mixtures of polyurethane, acrylic and other substances are used.

Split wood is used to make sports shoes, sometimes it is used in the production of safety shoes.

Target use - lining split leather, which has proven itself as a natural and inexpensive lining material.

hydrophobic skin

Genuine Leather with natural face special purpose with increased waterproof properties, does not allow moisture to pass through (in dynamic conditions, at least 3-6 hours). It is used when sewing special work shoes, as well as for sewing shoes for hunting, fishing, tourism.

Suede

Skin of fat or combined (formaldehyde-fat) tanning. It is characterized by high softness, velvety, water resistance. Work shoes made of suede retain their original appearance, and the treatment with special impregnations makes them waterproof.

There is another type of leather - pressed or restored. It is made of a material produced under pressure from natural leather production waste: scraps and patches, chrome shavings, leather dust and other waste. The dispersed particles are crushed into a fine powder, which is mixed with synthetic materials acting as binding fibers. The production is completed by filling with a paste, which fixes the resulting material. Next comes the stage of drying and coating with polyurethane, acrylic or other substance.

This is done to save raw materials and reduce the cost of products. It is one thing - a product from a single piece of leather, and quite another - from shredded leather waste. At the same time, "pressed leather" has all the properties of synthetic leather. This is a non-woven base on which a layer is applied that imitates the front surface of the skin. This skin does not breathe well, does not allow moisture and air to pass through. In addition, it is not wear-resistant and brittle. The material is made as similar as possible to genuine leather, it is difficult to determine it "by eye".

stable climate and optimal conditions keeping livestock in Europe is a good argument for "Rostok" to buy upper leather primarily here. Each purchased skin is tanned by experienced experienced specialists and controlled by Rostok for the quality of processing and the flawlessness of the front layer of the skin.

What kind of skin makes a career with Rostock?

Sheep nappa. Sheep skin is particularly supple and soft. Optimal for soft women's and men's moccasins. Appearance: smooth surface and delicate measure.	opoek. Leather from the skins of young calves. With a delicate measure, well formed, with a silky sheen. Ideal for elegant urban models.	cowhide leather. Soft felted very flexible and wear resistant. Especially suitable for unlined moccasins. Natural optics of the measure.
Deer skin (suede). A peculiar structure of fibers, unusually soft leather for super-comfortable moccasins in noble optics.	Buff. Wear-resistant and dense fibrous structure. Preferred for free time shoes and sandals. Shine effect.	Goat skin leather (chevro). a kind of measure, wear-resistant and yet very soft. Good for dyeing.
Nubuck. (Skin without facial layer). Cowhide leather or flask sanded on the front side, soft to the touch. Particularly well dyed.	Velours. (Skin without top layer). Cowhide leather or flasks sanded from the bakhmarta side. If you run your hand over the pile, a gentle color change occurs.	hunting calf. (Skin without facial layer and cattle skins). The polished bakhtarma is worn outside, softly measured inside. Can be done without lining.
patent leather. At Rostock - only from the most gently calciner and therefore especially soft, flexible and pliable.	fantasy skin. Natural, gentle padding. A fashionable appearance is achieved by printing or embossing.	reptile embossing. Basis: Natural, gentle flask. Fashionable embossing "under the scales" of reptiles.

Genuine leather is always valuable. This material is popular and in demand. For example, leather shoes will not lose the original for 5 years, and even more with proper care. However, it largely depends on other factors, for example, dressing and the type of leather used when sewing a certain thing.

Currently, the types of leather are so diverse that it is sometimes very difficult for an inexperienced consumer to make their choice. Studying the range of products, you can see a significant difference in pricing. What explains this? In order to answer this question, you will need to study all the characteristics of this material.

For example, few people know that certain types of leather are worn differently. Some are pleasant to the touch and soft, others wear out quickly, others need careful care, etc.

In our article we will try to talk about the most common types of leather. We describe the methods of dressing. We will also tell you for which specific things this or that type is suitable.

Pigskin

Let's start our acquaintance with the cheapest type. It's pigskin. It is difficult to call it noble and luxurious. This material is used for the manufacture of budget clothing options, that is, the so-called consumer goods, for example, shoes, jackets, less often raincoats. Unfortunately, this acquisition will not please the owner very much, since this type of leather does not differ in durability, practicality, and, most unpleasantly, it gets wet quickly and completely. If we compare the quality, then only artificial leather is inferior to it.

Bakers

The skin of a noble wild animal, the peccary, is most often used to make gloves. Sometimes you can find shoes, they are very soft and comfortable. Its feature is that the longer you wear the product, the more pleasant the sensations. This material has undeniable advantages - impeccable quality, strength and durability. Thanks to the original appearance, things look chic, but to classic style they are unlikely to fit. However, not everyone can afford to buy such products, since their cost is quite high.

capybari

So, like bakers, it is used for sewing gloves, but the products will cost a little less, which makes them more in demand and accessible to a larger number of buyers. Leather is durable and practical, like many other types of leather. Her distinctive feature is a funny look. Capybari leather products are ideal for everyday use.

bull leather

Inexpensive, but quite durable look - cowhide. It is very thick and tough, does not get wet at all. It is very difficult to judge what these qualities refer to - advantages or disadvantages. Everything will depend on what kind of product is sewn from it. It is also worth noting that the rustic appearance somewhat spoils the overall picture. It is recommended to purchase belts, bags made of such material, but it will be inconvenient to wear jackets and shoes due to heavy weight and rigidity. Such leather is ideal for upholstery of furniture, car interiors, steering wheels and seats, as it has a high level of wear resistance.

Cow's skin

The best value for money option is cowhide leather. It is widely used for this material. This material is quite durable, but it can be a little harsh, especially if the skin of an older animal was used. When compared with the bullish species, the price is slightly higher. But this fully pays off with the appearance, which, of course, is not suitable for branded products, but for the middle range it is quite worthy, even noble.

Calfskin

Calf - durable and soft leather, often used for the manufacture of bags, jackets, shoes. It is very delicate and pleasant to the touch, it is widely used in the manufacture of branded products. Excellent quality fully affects the pricing policy, however, there is no absolute certainty that top-class leather was used in the manufacture of expensive items. Often, embossing is practiced on this type of material, imitating the characteristic skin pattern of exotic reptiles, such as monitor lizard, snake, crocodile. Of course, such production can be called a fake, but things are of high quality.

Buckskin

A fairly popular and sought-after species is deerskin. Very often this type is used for manufacturing, as it has the necessary qualities:

• strength;
• wear resistance;
• perfectly protects from piercing wind;
• keeps heat well.

This leather is also widely used for shoes. Such models are very expensive, but high-quality and comfortable. Deer suede is in great demand. Even model shoes made of such leather will be worn like slippers.

Sheep skin

Due to the high cost, it is quite difficult to purchase a product from. And it's not just the price. Manufacturers rarely use such material, most often only for individual orders. It can be used for sewing jackets, belts, bags, gloves, but these products will be premium with a corresponding cost. It is very soft to the touch, but durable, weight finished product small. Elite models are considered items sewn from lamb skin.

Goat skin

An excellent option for making branded accessories is goat leather. Due to the high density and strength of the belts, they meet the stated requirements. Goatskin gloves are also available. They are very soft, pleasant and comfortable with constant use. However, such characteristics are fully reflected in the price of the goods.

Cordoba leather

Famous French, American, Italian and English shoe manufacturers often use horse leather. It is quite peculiar, has a special luster, because of which ignorant people believe that it is artificial leather. Cordovan does not require special care, however, due to its high rigidity, pronounced creases may appear. The advantages of this material are strength and wear resistance, it is also able to retain heat very well, which is an excellent quality for shoes. The cost of such products is quite high.

Crocodile skin

Types of reptile skin are highly valued. For example, such shoes can cost from $1,000. The characteristic of the material lies in a certain pattern, which gives the product originality. It is worth noting that the quality of crocodile skin is also on high level- this is super strength, durability, which cannot be compared with other types.

This material can be divided into three categories:

1. Alligator skin is the most expensive option, used only in the manufacture of truly elite and exclusive products that have no analogues.
2. Crocodile skin can be attributed to the middle range. It is more common on sale than the first option, however, only a few will be able to afford to purchase products of this level.
3. Caiman leather is the cheapest in this group. It is distinguished by a certain rigidity, which is unusual for other types, and is also significantly inferior in quality and service life.

Basically this price policy due to the complexity of dressing and the expensive content of crocodiles.

Snake skin

Just like crocodile skin, snake skin belongs to the premium class, but a little cheaper. In production, it is used for the manufacture of exclusive models that are distinguished by design originality and an informal approach. Such products are not suitable for everyday life, they are purchased for significant events where influential people of society gather. It is worth noting that by wearing snakeskin products, you will produce a stunning effect.

It is soft and pleasant to the touch. For the production of things, the skin of a python or cobra is most often used.

Ostrich skin

The elasticity of ostrich leather allows it to be used for tailoring comfortable shoes, outerwear, accessories. All products belong to the "luxury" class. This material is distinguished by the presence of volume and a certain texture, which from afar resembles the skin of a chicken. Ostriches are grown on specially equipped farms. Due to the fact that they have soft leather, the products are very comfortable to wear.

Processing methods

Looking at the products, you can notice the difference in the appearance of the material. Sometimes it is barely noticeable, but sometimes it is very pronounced. Why do fabrics of the same type of leather differ from each other? This may depend on the quality of the raw material. But, as a rule, dressing of the skin affects this factor. There are a lot of processing methods, it is thanks to them that the canvas acquires a characteristic texture. To list them all is simply unrealistic, and this knowledge is not needed by an ordinary buyer. Let's dwell on the most basic nuances.

Smooth skin

This is the most common dressing option, represented by a huge assortment various products. These are shoes, jackets, raincoats, accessories. In care, it is quite simple, does not require special knowledge. Differs in a practicality and wear resistance. Such a canvas is soft, with bodily contact it gives a pleasant sensation, but not very thin, which indicates strength. There is such a thing as skin classes. It is this indicator that characterizes the quality of the product, for example, calf means that the material is of good workmanship.

polished leather

The skins of animals, undergoing chemical treatment, acquire a beautiful sheen. Their surface is perfectly smooth, without a pronounced structure. Such genuine leather, compared to other types of finishes, is of less quality and harsh, which makes it not very popular. Also, people who prefer such products are suspicious of shiny surfaces.

Corrected skin

The name itself suggests that during the dressing with the skin, manipulations were carried out to hide defects. As a rule, for this they are treated with various chemicals, and then coated with paint. Assign this option to quality products impossible. The manufacturer's label should indicate corrected/corrected-grain leather, which gives a clear description of the material. You can buy such products only if the price fully corresponds to the quality.

grainy leather

The specific dressing of the leather allows you to give the canvas an original, informal appearance. The quality of such a product will depend on the consciousness of the processing company. It is used for sewing shoes, but grainy leather requires proper care. Items can be worn in rainy weather, since, subject to all the rules, the material is quite hardy and can last a long time.

vegetable tanned

This type completely eliminates chemical processing. The skin has a noble appearance and is pleasant to the touch. Very soft, which can lead to scuffing. As a rule, such defects are accompanied by a change in color. The cost of products made from such leather is quite high, but this does not mean impeccable quality. Vegetable tanned leather requires careful care and respect.

Vachetta leather

This type of skin is very capricious and delicate. It is processed with minimal impact, in which it is not used at all. chemical substances. Products made from such material are not intended for everyday use. They must not be wetted and polluted, otherwise they will deteriorate. Basically, the material is used for the manufacture of exclusive accessories, bags, less often belts.

brushed leather

As a rule, skins of low quality lend themselves to polishing. To do this, remove the top layer. During grinding, all possible defects are eliminated, and the canvas accepts completely decent view. This dressing allows you to use two layers of the skin with benefit: high-quality products are sewn from the top, and budget shoes are sewn from the middle. Compared to other processing methods, buffed leather is the cheapest.

Velours

A kind of polished leather - velor. It is distinguished by the presence of a small pile. Can not "boast" high performance. Afraid of interaction with water and dirt. The service life can be estimated as short-lived.

patent leather

Patent leather is very smooth, with a pronounced sheen. This effect is obtained through the use of a certain technology. A special agent (plastic) is applied to the top layer of the skin, which forms such a peculiar surface. Usually, patent leather used for the manufacture of shoes and bags, less often belts. It requires careful handling and special care. You can use these products subject to certain restrictions, for example, temperature regime(from -10 to +25 degrees), can not be worn in the rain. Also, the disadvantage of such shoes is the low ability to "breathe".

Patinated leather

A special type of processing is patinated leather. After dressing, it takes on an aged look. With the right design, it looks quite noble and majestic. The quality of such material directly depends on the materials used. It is rarely used in wide production, as it has high cost and a specific appearance that real gourmets can appreciate.

Nappa

Nappa leather is a special way of processing cattle skins. Thanks to this dressing, the skin acquires good elasticity, softness and smoothness of the surface. The fabric is easy to paint. Such leather is suitable for jackets and gloves, and both women's and men's models are sewn. It has a special brilliance, so when purchasing a product, you need to be guided by personal preferences. Other than that, it's pretty good stuff.

Nubuck

This kind of skin outward signs looks like suede. It is pleasant to the touch, velvety and delicate, of sufficient quality. Its advantage is good breathability. However, before buying a product, you should pay attention to whether it is applied protective layer to the surface of the skin. As a rule, manufacturers indicate this data on the label. Of course, it will be somewhat problematic to take care of such material, but if you wear shoes in dry weather, they will last a very long time. And accessories made of such material generally look just gorgeous.

Suede leather

A common type of leather is suede. It is widely used in the production of bags, gloves, shoes, outerwear and other products. It should be noted right away that you need to take care of it carefully, you cannot wash it, but only clean it with a special brush. However, such material has much more advantages: excellent air conductivity, softness, elasticity, etc. The velvety surface brings pleasure when touched. When buying suede products, you need to be extremely careful, as there are currently many fakes of different quality on the market.