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 from the skin of unborn calves. It is
particularly soft, and is valued for use in making gloves.
‘Nubuck’ is top-grain cattle hide leather that has been sanded or buffed
on the grain side, or outside, to give a slight nap of short protein
fibers, producing a velvet-like surface.
The US is the largest producer of bovine hides and skins.
Written by The Vintage Fashion Guild