Member-only story

Hides and Skins: A Layman's View of the Leather Industry

Andrew Bell

·14.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Hides And Skins And The Manufacture Of Leather A Layman S View Of The Industry

4 min read

187 View Claps

13 Respond

Save

Listen

Leather is a versatile and durable material that has been used for centuries to make a wide variety of products, from clothing and accessories to furniture and upholstery. It is made from the hides and skins of animals, and the process of turning these raw materials into leather is known as tanning.

Hides and Skins and the Manufacture of Leather - A Layman's View of the Industry

by Janice Hayes

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7665 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	112 pages

In this article, we will take a closer look at the leather industry, from the sourcing of hides and skins to the manufacturing process. We will also cover the different types of hides and skins, the tanning process, and the various applications of leather.

Types of Hides and Skins

The first step in the leather-making process is the sourcing of hides and skins. These materials come from a variety of animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, and goats. The type of animal will determine the size, thickness, and texture of the hide or skin.

Cowhides are the most common type of hide used in the leather industry. They are large and thick, and they produce a durable and versatile leather.
Pigskins are smaller and thinner than cowhides, and they produce a softer and more supple leather.
Sheepskins are the softest and most delicate type of hide. They are often used to make garments and accessories.
Goatskins are similar to sheepskins, but they are more durable. They are often used to make shoes and gloves.

The Tanning Process

Once the hides and skins have been sourced, they are sent to a tannery to be processed. The tanning process is what transforms the raw materials into leather.

There are two main types of tanning processes: chrome tanning and vegetable tanning.

Chrome tanning is the most common type of tanning process. It uses chromium salts to bind the collagen fibers in the hide or skin, making it more durable and resistant to water.
Vegetable tanning is a more traditional tanning process that uses natural tannins from plants to bind the collagen fibers. It produces a leather that is more supple and has a richer color.

Applications of Leather

Leather is a versatile material that can be used for a wide variety of applications. Some of the most common uses include:

Clothing and accessories: Leather is often used to make jackets, pants, skirts, shoes, bags, and wallets.
Furniture and upholstery: Leather is a popular choice for furniture upholstery, as it is both durable and stylish.
Automotive interiors: Leather is often used to upholster car seats and dashboards.
Industrial applications: Leather is also used in a variety of industrial applications, such as belts, hoses, and gaskets.

Leather is a versatile and durable material that has been used for centuries to make a wide variety of products. The process of turning hides and skins into leather is complex and requires specialized knowledge and skills. However, the end result is a material that is both beautiful and functional.

Hides and Skins and the Manufacture of Leather - A Layman's View of the Industry

by Janice Hayes

4.4 out of 5