August 10, 2024 | Learn Everything Leather

What is Pig Leather? & Why it is a Strong and Versatile Choice for Your Projects

I've been trying to find an affordable method to cover my projects. Even though I like suede and lambskin leather, some of my more demanding projects require leather that is as robust. Because pigskin gives everything I want in a covering and more, it has become my go-to leather in these conditions.

Pig leather is made from the skin of a pig. Because of its thick fibers, it is robust yet softer, more flexible, and thinner than other cowhide leathers. Pig leather has noticeable dimples that allow the material to breathe, making it porous. It is an excellent low-cost leather option, ranging from $1 to $5 per square foot.

Let's examine pig leather and how it stands out from the crowd by examining when and how to use it, given the wide range of leather options available.

1. What Is Pig Leather?

Pig leather is the harvested skin of a pig that has been processed and tanned into leather. Pig leather has thicker fibers than cow leather, which makes it more resilient to wear and tear even though it is thinner. It is also flexible, soft, and porous.

Pig leather is perfect for light clothing, like sneakers or gloves, or heavy-duty interiors due to its special blend of qualities. Because of its breathability, it's also a better option for products like insoles and linings that need to breathe.

2. History of Pig Leather

Pig leather industry started in 1852, however boars have been hunted throughout history and pigs came into being approximately 8500 BC. It was found to be a less expensive substitute for goatskin leather, with comparable properties.

Pig leather was first investigated for usage in the clothing industry, where it went on to create gloves, wallets, and shoes. Although manufacturing has increased, the uses for pig leather have remained mostly the same. Pig leather, which frequently finds application in casual fashion, is currently the fourth most produced type of leather worldwide. For more detailed insights, explore more about pig leather.

3. Clearing Up Myths & Misconceptions About Pig Leather

Pig leather can be mistaken for artificial leather because of its uneven appearance. But pig leather is real, just like the leather of any other animal. The animal's pores are the source of its dimples, which are normal despite being greater than others. For people who are unfamiliar with pigskin leather, it can be challenging to distinguish it from faux leather. The softness and breathability are the main variations. Pig leather seems light and airy even though it is dense; it won't be as stiff as synthetic leather.

4. Various Types of Pig Leather

Many types of pigskin leather are available for purchase, depending on its specific purpose:

4.1 Pigskin Nappa Leather

Pigskin Nappa leather, often called aniline leather, is made from the skin of pigs. Smooth and polished leather is a hallmark of premium quality. It is more resilient and unlikely to get wet thanks to the aniline dyeing process. It is useful in the production of wallets, purses, furniture, automotive interiors, and upholstery, among other things. Pigskin was originally used to make napa leather in Napa Valley, California. Also taken from this is the word "Nappa." For a deeper understanding of Nappa leather and its qualities, you can read more What is Nappa Leather? Quality, Characteristics, and Maintenance.

4.2 Pigskin suede Leather

What is pig suede? It made a bed by rubbing the flesh on one side. The unique texture and appearance of suede are a result of this process. The phrase comes from the French phrase "gants de Suède," which translates to "glove of Sweden." This is a result of the fabric's glove-like softness. For learn more about suede leather, Check out this What is Suede Leather? & The Difference Between Suede and Nubuck Leather?

4.3 Pigskin Nubuck Leather

Produced from the pigskin component known as "Top Grain." It looks like suede and has a velvety feel to it. Because it has short, microscopic fibers rubbed on one side to create a smooth, velvety surface, pigskin nubuck leather is easy to identify. Compared to top grain leather generally, this gives it a more tranquil feeling. To learn more about this material, check out What is Nubuck Leather? & How is it Different From Suede Leather.

5. In-depth Characteristics of Pig Leather

5.1 Natural or Synthetic

Although pig leather is a natural material that is available free of coating, many tanneries that produce it adjust the leather's grain. With this addition, the leather's topcoat becomes artificial, while the underlying leather remains natural.

5.2 Surface Texture

Pig leather stands out by its surface texture. Pig leather has a smooth surface, similar to that of goat or calfskin leather, but it also includes dimples all over the hide. These are the animal's dimples, which typically appear in threes. In order to have an overall smoother texture, tanneries frequently cover up the dimples.

5.3 Available Thickness

Pig leather is a thin skin that's usually available in sizes smaller than 2 oz (.8 mm). Although this may reduce the number of applications for pig leather alone, it makes the leather far more pliable and increases its overall suppleness. Pigskin is resilient to wear and tear despite its thinness.

5.4 Largest Workable Size

The sizes available for pig leather are one of the biggest differences between calf, goat, and pig leather. Pig leather comes in up to 25 square feet, which is nearly twice as big as comparable leather. Because of the extra size, it's a good option for lining large bags or clothing.

5.5 Flexibility

Pig leather's flexibility is one of its main characteristics. Pig skin is very flexible, partly because of its thickness and tanning techniques. Bookbinding was one of the first applications for this leather, requiring both flexibility and thickness. Pigskin is seen today wearing clothing that gives them total range of motion.

5.6 Softness

Pig leather is a popular soft leather but can fall short compared to goat leather. Pig leather has a slightly looser grain that can be felt; however, it is still softer than most leathers. It has a buttery texture, broken up by dimples along the surface. The back area of the leather will have the softest and tightest feeling grain.

5.7 Sewability

Pig leather sewing is a really mediocre experience. It will be easy to punch holes and draw needles through the thin leather. But as you try to tighten the thread, the leather may pucker and fold due to the stretchy quality of the skin. Pig leather should not give rise to any further issues once the tension is set correctly.

5.8 Durability

Pigskin is one of the durable leathers on the market, despite its thinness. Because of its stretchability, the leather has exceptional tensile strength. It is very resistant to wear and abrasion. Pig leather's capacity to absorb water without hardening up like other leathers makes it one of its most intriguing features.

5.9 Ease of Maintenance

Pig leather is a hard-wearing material that requires little upkeep and stands up to heavy use. It resists scratches, so even after repeated usage, it will look good. Pig leather is not waterproof, but it won't tighten up when wet, saving structural harm. Pig leather requires occasional conditioning, just like other types of leathers, to keep it from drying out.

5.10 Lifespan with Daily Use

Although pig leather can last a lifetime with proper care, its thinness can lead to wear after 20 to 25 years. The best uses for pig leather are interior applications or multilayering. The thickness of the leather is its weak point, despite its extreme durability.

5.11 Available Colors

Pig leather can be surface-tanned to offer a variety of colors and textures. While smoother textures can be found in clothing items, pig suede is a common material seen on many sneakers. The extensive range of colors, designs, and textures results in a leather that is adaptable and unconstrained by style.

5.12 Waterproofness

Pig leather is among the least waterproof leathers available because of the pores on its surface. Through these pores, water will quickly seep into the leather and, without an additional finishing surface, will not bead off.

Pig skin, however, is more resistant to water damage than other leathers. Like all leathers, the surface may change color and the leather may dry out and require conditioning. The distinction is that the leather won't harden, guaranteeing that its structural integrity is preserved. What separates a damaged leather item from one that has been destroyed is this crucial feature.

5.13 Cost

The cost of buying pig leather is one of its appealing characteristics. Pig leather is among the least affordable varieties of leather; it frequently costs around $1 per square foot. The price of pig leather may increase to about $5 per square foot as the quality improves. staying less expensive than leathers use for comparable projects.

5.14 Ease of Crafting

The thinness of pig leather is its greatest advantage when working with it. This facilitates cutting and punching, making it possible to cut curved shapes using tools like shears or craft knives. Sewing is the area where working with pig leather gets increasingly challenging. When the thread gets tight, the incredibly flexible leather wants to pucker or bend.

5.15 Rarity (Common or Exotic)

Being the fourth most produced form of leather worldwide, pig leather is widely available. Roughly 900 million square feet, or roughly 8%, of all leather produced each year is made up of pigskin leather. This leather is widely available in the apparel and shoe industries as well as at different leather outlets.

6. Pros and Cons of Pig Leather

6.1 Pros of Pig Leather

Pig leather is a desirable choice for a number of applications since it has significant benefits. The following are the key advantages of selecting pig leather:

Affordability: Pig leather is reasonably affordable, usually costing $5 per square foot, which is half as much as calf or goat leather.
Hard-Wearing Characteristics: It requires less maintenance because to its superior tensile strength and abrasion resistance.
Versatility: Goat or calf leather can be used in similar ways as pig leather.
Flexibility and Softness: It is perfect for linings and clothing because of its softness and flexibility.

6.2 Cons of Pig Leather

Pig leather is thin, limiting its uses when used alone.
While supple, pig leather requires additional structural material during crafting.
The leather’s surface has a distinct dimple pattern that may not appeal to everyone, sometimes appearing artificial.
The pores on the surface allow water to soak into the leather quickly, reducing its water-repelling abilities.
Pig leather is one of the least waterproof types, prone to quick discoloration when exposed to liquids.
A unique issue with pigskin is the lack of representation, leading to confusion for many.

7. How Pig Leather is Made?

From the first skin harvesting to the last finishing touches, there are various important procedures necessary for making pig leather. Here's a thorough look at the process used to produce pig leather:

Harvesting and Salting: The meat industry harvests the skin, salt it, and then ships it to the tanneries.
Cleaning and Scraping: Before the skins are processed, they are cleaned and scraped at the tannery to get rid of hair and other contaminants.
Tanning: To protect the leather's luster, it is combined with several tanning agents, including vegetable or chromium salts, in a sizable drum.
Stretching and Drying: After the leather has been stretched and dried, it is frequently put to other drums, which may also add color.
Finishing: To enhance its strength and appearance, a finished piece of pig leather may be sprayed with a second coating.

8. Statistics on Pig Leather Production

About 900 million square feet are produced annually.
Mexico and China are the main producing nations.
China is the largest exporting nation.
Vietnamese imports are the largest

9. Cost of Pig Leather

Square Foot: $3–$8 per square foot
½ Hide: $20–$80
Full Hide: $40–$160

10. When You Might Leathercraft With Pig Leather?

You might consider using pig leather for leathercraft when you need a durable lining material or when your project requires flexible leather. It's also a good choice for garments that need to be breathable, providing comfort without compromising on quality. Pig leather is ideal for creating items that require a textured or grainy appearance, adding a unique visual element to your designs. Additionally, it's a great option for crafting items that need to resist stretching over time, ensuring long-lasting durability. Finally, pig leather's natural water resistance makes it suitable for accessories or items that will benefit from this protective quality.

11. Tips for Leather Crafting With Pig Leather

When cutting the material, minimize the amount of stretching by using shears or a sharp blade.
Don't over tighten the thread when sewing the leather.
To give the pig leather greater body, attach it to extra material.
To keep your leather durable and with its original texture over time, use a conditioner or wax.
A small, discrete area should be used to test the dye or finish to ensure the desired hue or appearance.
Pig leather goods should be kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry environment to avoid fading and drying out over time.

12. Some Examples of Products Made From Pig Leather

Gloves
Shoes
Wallets
Garments
Belts
Handbags
Phone cases
Watch straps

13. Our Personal Research on Pig Leather

After reading about pig leather's reaction to water, I decided to try it myself. I remembered wearing sneakers with pig suede accents, noticing how they discolored and the nap got ruined. Unsure if the stiffness came from the leather or the sneakers, I soaked a piece of pig leather in water and let it dry overnight to see what would happen.

When I soaked the leather, it immediately bubbled, and the water quickly saturated it, holding it down. The leather darkened as expected, and though most of the color returned after drying, wet spots remained. Despite soaking, the leather didn’t feel dry or rough, but I’d still recommend conditioning it after exposure to water to prevent any hidden damage.

What surprised me most was the leather’s structure stayed the same after soaking. It didn’t become rough, and the fibers didn’t harden. However, when I stretched the leather, it took longer to return to its original shape, possibly due to leftover moisture. Overall, whole pig leather changes in appearance when wet, its structure remains intact, making it a good option for tough use if appearance isn’t a priority.

14. Care and Maintenance of Pig Leather

14.1 How to Clean Pig Leather?

A horsehair brush should be used to completely remove any dust and debris when cleaning pig leather. Water should not be put on pig leather since it will quickly become moist and lose its texture and structure. Instead, quickly and gently blot any spills or stains with a dry cloth. Use a damp rag wet with a tiny bit of leather cleanser or a mild soap made especially for leather sparingly on more stubborn spots.

To make sure the cleaner won't damage or discolor the leather, it's crucial to test it on a tiny, discrete section of the material before using it on the entire piece. Once the leather has been cleaned, let it air dry naturally away from heat sources and sunshine. Then, use an appropriate leather conditioner to seal in moisture and suppleness.

14.2 How to Condition Pig Leather?

Over time, leather conditioner helps to maintain the softness and prevent breaking of the leather fibers by providing nourishment. Pig leather should be conditioned by dabbing a tiny bit of conditioner into a clean cloth and rubbing it all over the leather's surface. Because pig leather is porous and absorbs conditioner more readily than other leathers, it might need less of it overall. Over time, leather conditioner helps to maintain the softness and prevent breaking of the leather fibers by providing nourishment.

14.3 How to Store Pig Leather?

Pig leather, like any other leather, needs to be kept cold and out of direct sunshine in order to avoid drying out. When at all possible, leather should be stored in a dust bag to preserve the surface. Furthermore, keeping leather goods gently coiled or flat helps preserve their shape and avoid creasing. To maintain the quality of the leather, regularly check stored leather for any indications of mold or mildew, especially in humid locations. If you find any, take quick action to fix the problem.

15. Moving Forward

Through my hands-on test with pig leather, I discovered that it's tougher than it appears. Sure, it darkens when wet and shows some water spots, but what surprised me was how it stayed smooth and kept its strength. If you’re after something durable that can handle everyday use, pig leather is definitely worth considering. It might not be the most glamorous choice, but it’s reliable and holds up well under pressure. My experiment left me impressed by how pig leather balances resilience with flexibility, making it a strong option for anyone looking for a material that can truly last.

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