Leather is a material that has been used by mankind for centuries due to its durability, versatility, and aesthetic beauty. However, to fully appreciate its qualities and understand how it can be properly worked with, it is essential to understand the different parts of leather that make up this very special material. In this article, we will explore the various sections of leather and their importance in making high-quality leather products.
Parts of Leather or Skin according to its Structure
Once the skin has been removed from the animal and is in the form of a sheet, it is essential to understand the different parts to select the type of product to build.
Neck/Collar: Irregularity and Characteristic Markings
The neck or collar is the front part of the animal, and due to its location, it presents an irregular appearance with many wrinkles and marks that are accentuated with the age of the animal. This makes it one of the cheapest parts of leather. Leather from the neck is commonly used in the manufacture of belts, bags and gloves due to its availability at affordable prices.
Croup/Rump/Shoulder: The Long, High-Strength Part
The butt or rump is the back or loin of the animal and is the longest part of the skin. It has fibrous characteristics of high resistance, which allows its practically total use. This is the most expensive and valuable part of the leather, intended for the production of furniture, saddlery and leather goods, due to its quality and durability.
Skirt/Side/Flank: Variable Consistency and Various Applications
The skirt corresponds to the lower part of the animal, that is, the belly and the legs. This area of the leather presents a variable thickness and is weaker on the paw side. It is used in making belts, bag bellows, linings, modeling and leather goods, taking advantage of its versatility in various applications.
Band/Valley: Delicate and Flexible Leather
The band or cowhide corresponds to half of a whole skin, resulting in a delicate and flexible leather. It is made up of a semi-collar, semi-croupon and a full skirt. This type of leather is widely used in the manufacture of footwear, boots and ankle boots, thanks to its softness and adaptability.
Back/Skirt: Ideal for Belts
The back or underskirt is composed of the combination of collar and croupon, which makes it ideal for creating belts due to its resistance and durability.
Parts of Leather by Composition
Leather can also be classified according to its composition, which influences its appearance, feel and quality.
Top Grain Leather
Top grain leather comes from the top of the hide, where the collagen fibers are densest and most uniform. It is the most valuable and desirable part of the leather, as it preserves the natural texture and original imperfections of the animal. Top-grain leather is soft, durable, and has a distinctive, authentic look.
Grain Corrected Leather
Corrected grain leatheris obtained by removing the natural imperfections of the leather through a process of sanding and polishing. A finish coat is then applied to it for a uniform appearance. Although less expensive than top grain leather, it may lack the same authenticity and durability.
Split Leather
Split leather is made by separating the top (grain) layer from the bottom (fibrous) layer of hide. It is weaker and less durable than top grain leather and is used in products where strength is not as crucial, such as linings and linings.
Importance of Knowing the Parts of Leather When Buying
Understanding the parts of leather and how they influence the quality and durability of the product is essential when purchasing leather goods or leather to be manufactured. By knowing what type of leather you are purchasing and how it was treated, you can make informed decisions and ensure that you are getting a product that meets your needs and preferences.
When buying leather, pay attention to the label or product description for the structure and composition of the leather used. Opting for top-grain leather ensures a durable, authentic material, while corrected-grain and split leather may be more suitable for specific uses and tighter budgets.
Conclusion
In short, knowing the parts of the leather according to its internal composition and its division once detached from the animal is essential to understand the quality and characteristics of the leather that will be used in the preparation of various products. Each part has its own qualities, and its proper selection allows us to create products that meet the needs and preferences of consumers. By appreciating the different parts of leather and its versatility, we can make the most of this timeless material in creating products of exceptional quality and durability.
Now that you know the parts of leather and can make your purchase in an informed manner, that is why at Curtidos Menacho as suppliers of leather and leather wholesale we invite you to see our catalog at tanned leathers where we offer you a wide variety of types of leather to manufacture your products with high-quality raw materials.