Which Leather Is Right for Me?

Every leather has its own personality. The hide you choose decides how your jacket feels on day one, how much it weighs on your shoulders, how warm it keeps you and how it looks ten years from now. Here's an honest guide to the three leathers we work with most: sheepskin, cowhide and buffalo.

At a glance

	Sheepskin / Lambskin	Cowhide	Buffalo
Feel	Buttery soft and smooth, with a fine grain and a fluid drape	Firm and structured at first, softening as it breaks in	Substantial, with a bold, pebbly grain and natural markings
Weight	Lightest; easy to wear all day and to layer	Medium to heavy; you know you're wearing it	Medium to heavy, similar to or a little heavier than cowhide
Durability	Good for everyday wear; more prone to scuffs and tears	Excellent; highly resistant to abrasion and the classic choice for riding	Excellent; tough, thick and hard-wearing
Warmth	Moderate on its own (shearling, with the fleece left on, is the warmest of all)	Good; dense hide blocks wind well	Good; thick hide blocks wind well
Break-in	Comfortable from the first wear	Needs some wear to mould to you	Needs some wear; relaxes with time
Ageing	Softens further and develops a gentle sheen	Moulds to your shape; creases and patina build character	Develops a rich, rugged patina; grain becomes more pronounced
Best for	Fashion fits, layering, mild climates, everyday comfort	Bikers, riders, workwear and a jacket for decades	Heritage and vintage looks, character from day one

Sheepskin and lambskin: soft, light, effortless

Sheepskin (and lambskin, from younger animals) is the thinnest and most supple of the three. It drapes close to the body, so it suits tailored women's bikers, cropped cuts and relaxed oversized styles. It feels luxurious straight away, with no break-in period.

Choose it if comfort and a refined look matter most and your jacket is for city life rather than the open road. Keep in mind that it's more delicate than cowhide or buffalo, so it shows scratches more easily.

Shearling is sheepskin tanned with the wool left on. The leather side faces out, and the fleece gives you natural insulation for real winters.

Cowhide: the classic workhorse

Cowhide is thicker and denser than sheepskin, which makes it the traditional choice for motorcycle jackets. It resists abrasion, blocks wind and holds its shape. It can feel stiff at first, but after a few weeks of wear it moulds to your shoulders and elbows and becomes uniquely yours.

Choose it if you want maximum durability, you ride, or you want a jacket that will last for decades. Keep in mind that it's heavier and needs a little patience to break in.

Buffalo: rugged character

Buffalo leather has a deep, pronounced grain and natural markings, so no two jackets look the same. It's tough and thick like cowhide, with a more rugged, heritage look that only improves as it develops a patina.

Choose it if you love a vintage, lived-in look from day one. Keep in mind that it's on the heavier side, and its natural markings are part of its charm rather than flaws.

Caring for your leather

• Hang it well. Use a wide, shaped hanger to keep the shoulders in shape. Don't fold it for long periods.
• Let it breathe. Store it in a cool, dry place in a breathable garment bag, never plastic.
• Caught in the rain? Blot off the water and let it air-dry at room temperature, away from radiators and direct heat.
• Condition occasionally. A quality leather conditioner once or twice a year (more often in dry climates) keeps the hide supple. Test it on a hidden area first.
• Shearling and suede need a suede brush and protector spray rather than conditioner.
• Stains: wipe them gently with a damp cloth. For anything serious, see a professional leather cleaner. Avoid household cleaners.

Still deciding?

Browse sheepskin jackets, cowhide jackets or buffalo jackets, or get in touch and we'll help you choose.