What Do You Need To Know About Bovine Leather?
Around 95% of the majority of leather goods produced in the United States are made of Bovine leather. Why, you ask? Cattle are more widely bred and easier to get your hands on. As it stands, cow leather occupies more than 65% of the US leather market. It has been used for centuries in the manufacture of clothing and other products, including perfume bottles, furniture, shoes, and as far as bookbinding as well. Its texture can vary due to how it’s treated before it’s turned into a tangible good.
What Does Bovine Leather Mean?
Any leather that comes from cattle and is produced from steers is known as Bovine leather. It is an original unprocessed cow, bull, or oxen hide that doesn’t exclude the hair and thicker and stronger folds of the skin. It is used for a large variety of leather goods produced across the globe. Bovine is Latin for ‘cow,’ but it is not limited to just them and comes from any family of Bovine. It is a term used to signify the macro category of materials that are obtained from the tanning process of the bovine coat. It is, in fact, the most common source of leather. Simply put, bovine is the right term to use with anything related to cattle.
Is Bovine Real Leather?
Since it comes from animal hide and has no artificial elements mixed into it, it can safely be categorized as real leather. It is commonly used in the manufacture of shoes, bags, and jackets. Animal skin goes through an extensive tanning procedure before it can be used to manufacture innumerable fashion products. Made from animal hides and not artificial polymers, it is indeed as real as leather gets.
Is Bovine Leather Water Waterproof?
Known for being water and dirt proof, it is perfect for products inclined to moisture exposure. However, it is important to note that leather and water don’t mix very well in general. A small amount of water exposure is alright, but you cannot be dunking your leather items in puddles of water for extended periods.
Is Bovine Leather Sustainable?
It is most certainly a sustainable choice in terms of fabric. Being a natural by-product of the meat industry, it helps eliminate waste. Since it is biodegradable, it will break down over time and not cause any harm to the environment.
Is Bovine Leather Soft?
Bovine leather, like all other types of leather, does not come free of imperfections such as scars and marks. It is rough and isn’t the best option if comfort is a first priority. But the tanning, sanding, and buffing processes it undergoes can definitely alter that a bit, smoothing and softening it. However, it is vital to remember that making it too soft will adversely affect its durability.
Is Bovine Leather Good Quality?
It depends entirely on the cowhide, and since cowhide is solid, so is Bovine leather. It is the sturdiest and most long-lasting leather on the market. It is preferred for belts, shoes, and wallets owing to its tough nature. Jackets made from Bovine leather are also widely used.
Is Bovine Leather Expensive?
Bovine leather has a name in fashion and furniture alike. This is because of its affordability. In no way does that translate into it being of less value compared to all other leathers. It is absolutely impeccable in the way it looks. The huge demand for it and its popularity contribute to its pocket-friendliness compared to goat leather.
The most popular type of Bovine leather is Top Grain, which has a sanded feel free from natural imperfections that tend to occur on cowhide, otherwise the likes of scars and scratches. It can be treated with different dyes or waxes to give it varying textures and colors. It’s advisable to give it a glossy finish through polishing to avoid dirt getting caught in its pores over time. It is most suitable for luxury items such as handbags and shoes because of its ability to withstand wear and tear. If affordable, sustainable fashion is your thing, look no further than Bovine Leather. It has the looks, price, and positive impact that would check all the boxes for an informed choice of purchase.