Types of Leather

Types of leather. US Wings uses many types of leather in the manufacturing of our jackets. Some are known for their strength and toughness, while others are known for their softness. The characteristics of each leather has its own feel and look. Evaluation of the leather should be based upon your need and preference. Care of leather will dictate how long it lasts-base your decision on how you plan on wearing your jacket.

Note: Leather is a natural material and will contain naturally occurring blemishes as well as variations in grain and color.

Take a look at all the types of leather that we offer!

Goatskin Leather:

Goatskin is a very good all-around leather. Also durable enough to handle the abuse of a “working” jacket. Current Military-issued. Lighter than cowhide and is generally quite supple, requiring little break-in time. Goatskin has a pleasing “pebble” grain. 2.5 oz

Cape Buffalo Leather:

Cape Buffalo is one of the most durable leathers available. Our tanning and antiquing process gives the leather an “old world” look & feel, with subtle color variations and varied graining. The drum dyed leather is very supple with a thickness of 1.2 mm-1.3 mm, making it similar to cowhide in weight and ideal for three season wear.

Lambskin Leather:

Lambskin is very supple but generally has less tear resistance than goatskin, cowhide, or horsehide. Our lambskin is substantial. Not paper-thin like the lambskin found on “fashion” leather jackets. Treated to give it an “antique” appearance. It will break-in and age rapidly, becoming softer as you wear it. 2.75 oz

Cowhide Leather:

Cowhide is well known for its toughness, which is why most motorcycle jackets are made from cowhide. It’s very strong and tends to be heavier than goatskin. Our special VIP Cowhide is an ultra-luxurious “high-end” cowhide with a very pleasing grain and is incredibly soft and supple. 3 oz

Vintage Cowhide Leather:

Our Vintage cowhide leather is the ultimate in distressed leathers! Aged to give it that authentic “50 Mission” look. The variety of graining throughout the jacket enhances its rustic, vintage appearance. Tough as nails, but still very soft & supple for comfort. 3 oz

Horsehide Leather:

Horsehide is well known for its rugged durability. It’s tough and battle-tested. Our horsehide has a variety of graining and will develop the rich look of a vintage jacket the more you wear it. The overall weight is greater than goatskin. 3.25 oz

Sheepskin Leather:

The WWII B-3s worn by our AAF bomber crews were made from sheepskin leather. You know it’s tough and will keep you warm at high or low altitude. The variety of graining throughout the jacket enhances the leather’s appearance.

Bison Leather:

Our American Bison leather is made from premium Wisconsin farm-raised bison. Tanned using the “old west” method. It’s heavy in weight and features beautiful graining. An extremely tough & durable leather, but still very supple. 2.75 oz

Kangaroo Leather:

Kangaroo leather is very light in weight but is much stronger and more durable than other leathers. The hides come from wild kangaroos, not farm-raised, so the leather will display naturally occurring scratches, scuffs and range marks that adds unique character. Dark reddish-brown in color. 2 oz

Texas Steerhide Leather:

Our special pre-distressed Texas Steerhide features a variety of graining, scuffs, range marks and distressing to give it an authentic “vintage” look. A durable hide that is also soft & supple. 3 oz

 

 

 

We use Full Grain leather. It is the best quality and most popular type of leather. Leather has not been snuffed, sanded or buffed to remove any natural marks or imperfections from the surface.