Leather has long been applauded for its durability, versatility, and timeless elegance. However, not all leather is made equal. There are terms like "soft leather" and "hard leather" buzzing around in the market, leaving you wondering which one is the superior choice. The answer entirely depends on your preferences and needs. 

In this article, we'll take a closer look into the soft leather and hard leather to ensure that your next leather purchase suffices its value for you.

First things first.

What makes leather soft or hard?

The softness or hardness of leather depends on the type of animal it comes from, as well as the preparation and treatment of the hide. For example, leather from young animals is typically softer than leather from older animals. 

Additionally, the type of tanning process used on the hide can also affect the softness of the leather. Chrome tanning, for example, results in a softer leather than vegetable tanning. 

Finally, the way the leather is finished and treated can also affect its softness. Oiling and buffing, for example, can make the leather softer.

Soft leather vs. hard leather - A quick look

Soft leather explained

Soft leather is a term commonly used to describe a type of leather that is known for its softness and flexibility. This type of leather is often associated with specific types of animal hides, like cowhide, lambskin, and deerskin, but can also be made from other hides such as calfskin, goatskin, or exotic animal skins. 

There are two common types of soft leather we use based on the leather thickness to make our products. These include:

Cowhide leather with a thin gauge normally between 0.9 mm and 1.2 mm. It's more durable than other types. We use this leather to manufacture regular garments. 

Cowhide leather with a soft feel but thicker gauge usually between 1.3mm and 1.9 mm. It’s different from regular leather garments.

Advantages of soft leather

• Comfortable to wear, as it molds easily to the shape of the body or foot.
• It has a luxurious look and feels making it highly valued in the fashion industry
• Have porous qualities and can be dyed in a variety of colors.
• More affordable than hard leather

Disadvantages of soft leather

• Less durable than hard leather, and is more prone to scratching, scuffing, and general wear and tear.

Soft leather products at The Green Tanners

Soft leather is a suitable option for items that can withstand the rigors of daily use. This type of leather we use to manufacture golf bags, golf pouches, and accessories like crossbody bags, sling bags, etc.

If you’re at The Green Tanners to buy something made of soft leather, check out these products.

• Stylish Leather Sling Bags For Men and Women

We offer a wide range of leather sling bags for both men and women, including trendy totes, practical crossbody bags, convenient sling bags, and reliable leather backpacks. Our bags feature high-quality zippers and multiple compartments to help you keep your belongings organized. Moreover, the texture of our bags is designed to offer a smooth and pleasing feel to the touch and an attractive appearance.

• Leather aprons

Our leather aprons are handcrafted with genuine cowhide leather and rust-proof hardware to ensure longevity. They make it easy for you to carry your tools handy in multiple pockets. Additionally, our aprons have an adjustable waist and neck straps to fit according to your body type.

• Leather golf bags

A stylish and high-quality leather golf bag can make the golfing experience more exciting on the course. Our golf bags and golf pouches are made with high-quality cowhide leather, featuring a sleek and polished look.

Hard leather explained

The term "hard leather" can refer to a range of leathers with varying degrees of stiffness and durability. Its thickness gauge is much thicker, usually between 2.5mm to 3.5 mm.

Hard leather is produced by a tanning process that involves applying heat, pressure, and chemicals to remove excess moisture and make the leather more compact. Common types of hard leather include chrome leather and vegetable leather.

Advantages of hard leather

• It is highly durable and resilient, able to withstand wear and tear.
• Provides excellent protection against abrasions, cuts, and impact
• Ideal for products made for outdoor and industrial use.
• It has a firm texture, a natural sheen, and a unique aesthetic appeal that makes it more attractive.

Disadvantages of hard leather

• More expensive than soft leather.
• Less comfortable to wear than soft leather.
• Require more maintenance and care as it’s more susceptible to cracking and drying out over time.

Hard leather products at The Green Tanners

Hard leather is commonly used for products that require a high level of durability and resistance to wear and tear. It can also be used for accessories where the firmness of the leather adds a unique aesthetic appeal. 

At The Green Tanners, we use hard leather to make Hunting flasks, horn cases, dice cups, etc. Check out these products.

• Dice cups

Leather dice cups are a great addition to any board game that uses dice. Their ribbed interior helps reduce the chances of dice rolling off the table and also contributes to quiet shaking. Made from genuine cowhide leather and hand sewed with thick thread.

• Hunting flask leather case

Our hunting flask leather case is made from 100% genuine cowhide leather making it the perfect accessory for your next hunting trip. It features thick brass hardware, strong stitching, and adjustable buckle fastening making it easy to attach to your saddle. 

• Horn case

Made from genuine cowhide leather and thick brass hardware our fox hunting horn leather case is a perfect piece for fox hunting. It features an adjustable buckle strap so you can easily attach it to the saddle top ring and bottom straps for girth adjustment.

How to Choose Between Soft and Hard Leather

Consider these questions when deciding which type of leather is right for you:

How to Choose Between Soft and Hard Leather

Consider these questions when deciding which type of leather is right for you:

Do you prioritize comfort or durability?

If comfort and a luxurious feel are important, opt for soft leather. For high durability and structure, choose hard leather.

What is the primary use?

Soft leather is ideal for fashion and comfort-driven items like jackets and handbags, while hard leather is best for belts, cases, and industrial products.

Do you prefer low-maintenance products?

Hard leather may require less frequent upkeep compared to soft leather, which needs more conditioning and protection.

How to identify soft or hard leather?

You can identify whether a product is made from soft or hard leather by considering the following factors:

How to maintain your leather products?

Leather products (both soft and hard) require care and upkeep to remain strong and attractive over time. Follow these tips to maintain leather products.

• Storage: Keep leather items in a temperature-controlled, dark environment.
• Sunlight: Limit exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying.
• Conditioning: Use high-quality leather conditioners and test on a small area first.
Shaping: Use cushioned hangers for soft leather items to help retain their shape.

Conclusion

So now you have got the idea of soft leather and hard leather, you might be wondering which one is the best? Well, it depends on the product you’re buying and how long you’re going to use it. Both soft leather and hard leather have their own benefits and unique characteristics, and it's difficult to determine which one is better than the other.

FAQs About Soft and Hard Leather

Q: Is soft leather less durable than hard leather?
A: Yes, soft leather is generally less durable and more prone to wear and tear compared to hard leather.

Q: Can soft leather be used for heavy-duty products?
A: Soft leather is typically used for comfort-focused items and may not withstand the same wear as hard leather in heavy-duty applications.

Q: Which type of leather is better for outdoor use?
A: Hard leather is more suitable for outdoor use due to its durability and resistance to the elements.

Q: How can I maintain my leather products?
A: Use a high-quality leather conditioner and store items in a temperature-controlled space, away from direct sunlight.