The North American alligator has been removed from the endangered species list as of 1987. It is now raised on farms due to its commercial value. The Chinese or Asian alligator does remain on the endangered list. The quality of these skins is not as fine as the American alligator. The alligator skin which is used today can be found in swamps and slow moving streams in Florida up to North Carolina. Alligator skin is
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While leather can be made from the skins of sting rays to the skins of kangaroos, most leather comes from cattle skin. The prime advantage of cattle leather is its large size. It is used for everything from watch straps to floor-length coats. The specific treatment of the hide can create different effects, Many people prefer this leather as it can breathe, making it ideal for shoes, purses, and other accessories ‘Slink’ is leather made
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Although the use of Crocodile skin has been banned in many parts of the world, it is still available and it is still being used in the making of purses, belts, shoes etc. It is very pliable as well as being a very sturdy leather. The saltwater variety is the most desirable, the Crocodile Porosus. This is actually the largest reptile and can grow to be 18 feet in length. These are found in South
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Deerskin leather is extremely strong but at the same time very soft and supple. It has a tendency to stretch over time and can loose its shape with rough wear. Popular skin used for boots, moccasins, jackets. Written by The Vintage Fashion Guild
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Eel skin has been used to make clothing for centuries. The Native Americans were the first to use it. The use of eel skin was also in use in the Victorian Era. During the 1880s it became popular in the making of the very tight trousers which were favored by men who were known as Mashers – this was the term which was coined at the time for the Dandy, the well-dressed Gent. The majority
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Elephant leather is primarily produced from the body of the African elephant. These skins are called panels. Other parts of the elephant are also used but in much smaller quantities. Common colors include black, dark brown and tan but it can be dyed in a variety of colors. The leather is prized for its depth of character and texture, durability and softness. Elephant leather is used to make belts, shoes, boots, jackets, upholstery, gun holsters
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Frog skin leather is prized for its beauty and durability. The tanning process creates a product that is extremely soft and supple. After tanning, the leather can be finished in a variety of colors. Toad/frog leather has a fine, smooth grain. Bullfrog skin creates a leather that is soft and smooth yet retains a characteristic bumpy pattern. This exotic leather can be used in the manufacture of wallets, purses, shoe uppers, hats and gun holsters.
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Kid gloves were commonly worn from the from the nineteenth to the early twentieth century and are still made today. Goatskin leather is softer than cow skin leather and tougher than sheepskin leather. It is used for shoes and boots, jackets and other clothing that require a soft durable leather. Cashmere goats produce a cashmere fiber that is extremely fine and soft. Cashmere is used for quality sweaters and men’s sports jackets, but can also
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Lizard skins are used for boots, shoes, handbags, cuffs, belts, and wallets. The hides are very thin yet not prone to tearing, making them useful for hand-stitching applications Written by The Vintage Fashion Guild
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Ostrich are native to the African continent but are farmed worldwide. Ostrich feathers have been used in fashion for thousands of years and were at one time worth more than their weight in gold. The best plumes are from the African male bird and were used for centuries in men’s hats, then later after the late 18th century the millinery usage was exclusively for women’s hats. Also used for capes, hand fans, boas, muffs, and
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Pigskin leather is a medium-weight leather used for many items including gloves and jackets. Generally it is softer than other leathers, but it can be finished in the same way so it is difficult to identify a pigskin article simply by looking at it. Using a microscope, the hair follicles of a pig go vertically right through the skin. With a cow hide the hair follicles are at an angle. Written by The Vintage Fashion
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Snake skin is often seen in footwear as well as in purses and belts It is also used for decorations like hat bands, or trim for vests and other wear. The most common snake skins used in handbags and accessories include cobra, karung, and python. Written by The Vintage Fashion Guild
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In the 1850’s tortoise shell was the choice material for ladies’ hair combs. The hawksbill sea turtle, known for their beautiful brown mottled shell, were put on the endangered list in 1970. Tortoise shell fakes are rife. One of the first materials to simulate tortoise shell was horn, derived mainly from various breeds of cattle. A close examination shows that the mottled effect has been painted on the surface. It does not go completely through
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