Cowhide
Thick, dense and hard-wearing. Cowhide holds its shape, resists abrasion and is the traditional choice for motorcycle jackets. It feels stiff at first and softens over months of wear, developing creases and a patina that are unique to the wearer. It is also the heaviest of the common jacket leathers.Sheepskin
Lighter and softer than cowhide, with a looser fibre structure that gives it drape. Sheepskin is comfortable from the first wear and suits fashion-led cuts. It marks more easily than cowhide, so it rewards a little more care. When the wool is left on, the same hide becomes shearling — one of the warmest natural materials for a winter jacket.Lambskin
Lambskin comes from younger animals, so the hide is finer, thinner and softer still. It has a smooth, almost buttery hand and a subtle sheen. The trade-off is durability: it scuffs and scratches more readily, which makes it better suited to city wear than to riding.Suede
Suede is not a separate animal but the inner, napped side of a split hide. It is soft and matte with a velvety feel, and is lighter than full-thickness leather. It is also the most vulnerable to rain and stains — see the suede notes in our leather care guide.Full-Grain, Top-Grain and Genuine Leather
- Full-grain keeps the outermost layer of the hide intact, with its natural markings. It is the strongest grade and ages best.
- Top-grain has had the surface lightly sanded to even it out. It is more uniform and slightly less durable.
- Split or "genuine" leather in the trade sense is made from lower layers of the hide. Confusingly, "genuine leather" is also used simply to mean real rather than faux leather — which is how we use it on this site.
Which Should You Choose?
- For riding or heavy daily wear: cowhide.
- For softness and a lighter feel: sheepskin or lambskin.
- For winter warmth: shearling.
- For a relaxed, matte look in dry weather: suede.