Buyers often ask us: How do you choose the best glove leather? With a variety of factors to consider, such as cost, finish, color fastness, abrasion resistance, and suppleness, finding the right leather can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of the best leathers for gloves, along with their qualities and best uses. So, let’s dive in and expand your knowledge!
The Best Leather for Gloves
1. Sheepskin from Hair Sheep
Sheepskin, particularly from Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa, is regarded as one of the best glove leathers. It boasts an incredibly smooth and soft grain, coupled with light weight and exceptional tensile strength.
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2. Deerskin
Deerskin is an excellent choice for glove leather, thanks to its extreme softness, unmatched durability, and ability to remain soft even when wet. It has a desirable plump, pebble grain appearance. Among the various types of deerskin available, North American white tail deer is the best option.
3. Cowhide
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Glove-tanned cowhide offers a fantastic blend of qualities at an affordable price. It is known for its durability, supple hand, stretchability, and smooth finish. If you’re looking for a versatile leather for various glove types, including motor sports and outdoor sports gloves, cowhide is a great option. The recommended thickness for cowhide is between .8 – .9 mm or .9 – 1.0 mm.
4. Goatskin
Goatskin is widely used in glove manufacturing due to its value and durability. It offers similar strength characteristics to sheep and deer leather at a lower cost. While it may have a slightly grainier appearance compared to cowhide, it is still a popular choice for many applications. The recommended thickness for goatskin is .7 – .8 mm and .8 – .9 mm.
5. Pigskin
Pigskin is the most affordable leather option, suitable for gloves at lower price points. However, it may not offer the same level of durability or soft hand feel as other leathers. The recommended thickness for pigskin is .6 – .7 mm up to .8 – .9 mm.
Premium, Seldom Used Leathers
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There are several other specialty leathers that possess exceptional qualities but are less commonly used. These leathers, including Peccary, Kangaroo, Elk skin, Moose hide, and Bison, are often expensive or hard to find.
What Leather Thickness is Best?
The thickness of leather, also known as weight, varies depending on its ideal end use. Common leather weights range from .7 – .8 mm to .9 – 1.0 mm. For example, a sheepskin leather half the thickness of cow or deerskin is ideal for golf gloves. On the other hand, a cowhide with a thickness of .8 – .9 mm or .9 – 1.0 mm is better suited for motor sports gloves.
As you can see, there is a wide range of options when it comes to glove leather. Each type has its own unique qualities, making it suitable for different purposes. If you still have questions about leather or want to learn more about making leather gloves, check out our 5-part series: “The Essential Guide to Leather Glove Manufacturing.”
Ready to get started on your own glove project? Our team of glove experts, including Roger, Ed, and Peter, are here to help. Fill out the form below or give us a call for a personalized glove company consultation.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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