What is Soft Leather? An In-Depth Exploration
Posted by The Green Tanners on 8th Jun 2024
Introduction
In the past, there were not many kinds of leather. But now, due to new ways of making leather and the leather industry, we have lots of options. We can find leather in different colors, feels, and thicknesses.
Soft leather is a word for all the kinds of leather that are smooth to touch and have good qualities like being strong and easy to work with.
Lambskin and deerskin are good examples of soft leather. Making soft leather can be hard because it is delicate. The person making it has to make sure it stays soft even after the process of making it.
In this blog we will talk about the history of the soft leather , why it is considered to special?, what are the different types of soft leather and how can we take care of it.
Why Choose soft leather?
It is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear, making it a great choice. However, it is not made for rough use.
If you need something tougher, you can choose the cow and bison leather bags. We have various styles, including leather messengers bags, briefcases, and backpacks.
Suggested Reading: What is difference between soft leather and hard leather?
What is history of Leather?
Leather manufacture has existed since ancient times, when early people discovered that animal skins could be processed to produce strong and flexible fabrics for clothing and shelter.
The process of converting raw hides into leather (tanning) has evolved significantly over thousands of years.
Soft leather has a fascinating history. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks were renowned for their leather-making abilities They used it to produce soft textiles for clothing, shoes, and accessories.
What are the characteristics of soft leather?
Soft leather is also known due to its numerous features that make it loveable.
- The most notable feature of soft leather is its softness. This quality makes it comfortable to wear and simple to use.
- Soft leather often has a delicate, smooth surface that is comfortable to the touch. This texture varies according to the kind of leather and tanning procedure employed.
- It preserves the natural resilience of leather. It is hard can can be easy to wear and tear.
- It is inherently breathable. This feature improves its comfort, especially in garments and footwear.
- The visual attractiveness of soft leather is another important consideration. It often has a rich, natural lustre that improves its overall appearance.
What are the Different Types of Soft Leather?
| Leather | Characteristics | Common Uses |
| Lambskin Leather | Very soft and lightweight, fine grain, smooth texture | Jackets, gloves, handbags |
| Calfskin Leather | Firmer than lambskin, still very soft, durable, smooth finish | Shoes, wallets, belts |
| Deerskin Leather | Exceptionally soft, flexible, durable, resistant to abrasion | Gloves, moccasins, jackets |
| Nubuck and Suede | Soft with velvety texture, nubuck is made by sanding outer layer, suede from inner layer | Shoes, jackets, furniture upholstery |
| Sheepskin Leather | Soft with wool lining for added warmth and comfort | Coats, boots, seat covers |
What are the Pros and Cons of Soft Leather?
Pros
Soft leather is liked by many people who make things and those who buy them.
- It feels nice and smooth,
- Comes in lots of different colors,
- Works well for making clothes and bags.
- You can make it from different animals
- Ideal for lining things.
Because we usually judge leather by how it feels, using soft leather can make stuff look even better.
Cons
Even though people like soft leather and use it in lots of things, it is not perfect. Crafters often notice its problems, but buyers should know these things too:
- Soft leather stretches easily.
- Most soft leather would not develop a nice aged look because of how it is treated.
- It might bunch up when you are sewing it.
- If it is made from thin hides, it would not last as long.
- If you do not store it right, it can get creased easily.
How to Take Care of Soft Leather?
Taking care of soft leather is important if you want it to stay nice for a long time. It can be tricky to keep any leather item clean and in good shape if you do not know what products to use and how to use them. Deerskin and lambskin leather need special attention.
To keep soft leather soft, you have to be careful. Always use a very gentle soap, and test it on a small hidden spot first to make sure it would not harm the leather. Do not soak the leather in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe off any extra water. After the leather is completely dry, use a leather conditioner and then a moisturizer.
Conclusion
Soft leather is great for clothes and accessories that are comfy and trendy but also tough enough for everyday use. Even though deer and lamb leather is not as strong or expensive as cow leather, they are totally worth it because of how nice they feel and look.