Leather is becoming increasingly popular these days. Leather is usually made of cattlehide, mostly cowhide, sheepskin, goatskin, antelope skin and crocodile skin. Animal rawhide is tanned and processed to produce leather. Due to leather being expensive as material fake leathers and leather replacements are often used in place of natural leather. Fake leathers are usually not as durable as natural leather.
Leather has had a prominent impact on culture. Cowboys are generally pictured wearing leather chaps. Leather jackets add to the ‘cool quotient’ of bikers, but of course, the main reason for bikers to wear leather clothing is its superior resistance to wind and abrasion. Leather clothing is popular among rockers. Punk, heavy metal and Goth rock groups have popularized leather clothing.
The making of leather is quite a hard task. It is a long process. In industry there are tanneries which produce leather that is sent to factories which use it to make leather goods. The tanning process is done in several stages. The first stage includes soaking the hides and liming them. In the next stage they are de-limed and bated with enzyme bating agents. Then they are tanned. For tanning the most commonly used agent is chrome tanning salt. Among other tanning agents there is vegetable tannin. After tanning the hides are drained and squeezed and then sorted and shaved. Then they are neutralized and then dyed with the required color. After dying they are lubricated using oil. Then they are dried, staked and buffed. The full grain sides are not buffed. Finally the finishing is done with chemicals and machines.
There are different kinds of leather. The best and most expensive kind is full grain leather. The second best leather is top grain. Other kinds of leather are corrected grain and split. There are a few other not so popular kinds of leather such as Nappa leather and patent leather.
Due to its stretchability and durability, leather is used to make many things. Among the most popular leather goods are leather bags, purse, jackets, trousers, wallets and shoes. Leather furniture such as sofas, chairs etc. are also very popular. Leather car seats are found in almost all expensive cars. Other uses of leather are in making buckles, dog collars, belts, gloves and chords.
There are many reasons why leather is the most preferred material for the above mentioned goods. Leather is very durable. It is extremely well resistant to abrasion. It has a very low degree of water permeability which is why leather is used to make hunting boots. Leather is a natural product and it is well resistant to fire and fungal attacks. It has qualities like breathability which makes it a very comfortable clothing material. Leather jackets are very warm and comfortable. It makes excellent shoes thanks to it being flexible and durable. It is resistant to dust which keeps leather goods clean. Leather is soft and its touch is comfortable, so it is a natural choice for clothing, women’s purses, bags and furniture.