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Sheepskin and cowhide are both widely popular types of leather but when it comes to differences, there’s a whole array of them. From looks, feel, touch, durability, water resistance, and weight, they are both poles apart. That’s why reading this guide is a must for you.
Before you decide to choose each one randomly. Even though one is more affordable, it might still be the better choice for you, even if you can afford the pricier option.Read on to discover whether you should buy sheepskin leather products or cowhide leather products.
What Is Cowhide Leather?
Cowhide leather comes from the skins of cows, due to the demand for beef and the availability of cow’s skins after butchering, cowhide leather is widely produced and is affordable.
What is Sheepskin leather?
Sheep leather, or sheepskin leather, is a type of soft leather produced from sheep’s skin. Sheepskin is the sheep’s hide with fur attached, but when it goes through the manufacturing process, the fur is removed.
However, the sheepskin which doesn’t have its fur removed when manufacturing is called shearling leather. Lambskin leather, on the other hand, is made from the young sheep’s hide.
Key Differences Between Cowhide And Sheepskin Leather
Durability
- Cowhide leather: Thick, heavy, and durable due to its dense fiber structure, making it resistant to wear and tear.
- Sheepskin leather: Thin and less durable because of its lighter, less dense fibers, leading to increased susceptibility to damage.
Texture and Appearance
- Cowhide leather: Soft, grainy texture that feels firm to the touch, attributed to its thicker composition.
- Sheepskin leather: Delicate with a smooth, glossy grain and a soft, velvety feel resulting from its finer, more supple fibers.
Weather Resistance
Cowhide leather is more water-resistant than sheepskin leather and gives better protection against moisture due to its thicker hide.
Price
- Cowhide leather: Widely available and therefore affordable in price.
- Sheepskin leather: Is generally more expensive due to its unique softness and the specialized processing required to preserve its natural characteristics.
Where is Sheep Leather Used?
Sheepskin leather is used in apparel, jackets, bookbinding, and accessories due to its supple texture. Sheepskin’s softness and flexibility make it ideal for fashion garments like leather jackets that require a gentle drape and a luxurious feel.
Where is Cowhide Leather Used?
Its dense fibers create a coarser texture and heavier weight that makes it ideal for durable, high-use items like jackets, accessories, automotive interiors, and sports accessories.
How Do We Identify Between Cowhide and Sheepskin Leather?
When you touch sheepskin leather, it will have a silky, velvety, smooth, and soft surface due to its finer grain and will be lightweight, while cowhide will have a rougher texture with a heavy weight that reflects its thicker composition.
Cowhide vs Sheepskin Leather: Which One Should You Buy?
Cowhide is more affordable, durable, and water-resistant than sheepskin leather, making it a no-brainer choice. However, if you prefer the soft, luxurious, and lightweight feel, sheepskin leather stands out.
Cowhide leather is more suitable for cold weather but may cause discomfort in warm weather, on the other hand, sheepskin leather can be worn in warm weather with ease.
Consider sheepskin leather if you have more budget and prefer a soft feel otherwise, cowhide leather is affordable and a great choice.
