October 18, 2024 | Learn Everything Leather

How Does Soft Leather Stand Out from Other Types of Leather?

Did you know soft leather is often sourced from younger animals, giving it an incredibly smooth texture? That’s one of the reasons it feels so different compared to other leathers. The softness isn’t just about feel—it’s about how it responds to wear and touch, almost molding to your body over time.

I still remember my first soft leather handbag; it felt as if it was made just for me. Unlike rigid leathers, soft leather has a personality of its own, adapting beautifully.

Let’s explore more about what makes this type of leather stand out and why so many people fall in love with its comfort, style, and unique qualities. Ready to dive into the world of soft leather? Keep reading!

1. What is Soft Leather?

"Soft leather" is a general term for leather that is soft and flexible, such as lambskin and deerskin. Soft leather can come from any animal and be tanned using any tannin type. Chromium-tanned leather, suede, and leather from young animals are commonly used in producing this leather. When creating soft leather, tanners ensure it is as smooth as possible.

Soft leather is an unregulated term that refers to very soft and flexible leathers. It behaves similarly to calfskin, goatskin, and even some exotic animal skins. A leather’s softness, while not a definitive indicator of its quality, can be a good sign. This is especially true if the leather is thick or vegetable tanned, as it requires additional processing to achieve that softness.

For instance, eel leather is incredibly smooth. Napa leather is also widely recognized for its softness. While this leather can sometimes be porous, it can also have color applied to its surface. Tanners aim to make the leather as quiet as possible during production. Typically, "soft leather" refers to smooth leathers, though nubuck and suede also fall under this category.

The phrase "soft leather" highlights that certain leathers, like lambskin and deerskin, are both soft and flexible. In making this leather, tanners prioritize achieving maximum smoothness. Leather that feels excessively soft can often be a good indicator, especially when it’s vegetable tanned or thick, requiring extra care in the process.

2. The History of Soft Leather

Early tanning methods relied on tree bark and plant leaves as tannins, resulting in leather that was extremely stiff. To soften the material, leather makers often had to massage and knead it. Even when preserving leather with animal fats, similar issues of stiffness remained.

In 1858, German technologists Friedrich Knapp and Hylten Cavalin introduced chromium tanning, which marked a revolutionary shift. This process broke down leather fibers far more effectively than vegetable tanning, creating a softer, more supple leather. When combined with stretching and other techniques, it quickly became one of the most popular methods for producing soft leather.

3. How Soft Leather is Made?

Soft leather production begins with selecting the hide. Tanners often choose young animals with thinner hides to produce the softest leather, though any hide can be used. When hides arrive at the tannery, workers wash and scrape them to remove preserving salts, dirt, and excess fat.

They then place the hides in a large rotating vat with the tannery’s proprietary chromium tannage mixture. This mix penetrates the leather, preserving it while breaking down the fibers. The vat’s rotation also beats the hide, softening the fibers. After this process, workers stretch and dry the hides.

Once dried, the leather moves on to the final steps. Workers dye the leather to the desired color and spray on a finish, if needed. Sometimes, they soften the leather further by working it with their hands, breaking in the material before shipping it for sale.

Jinwei Zhang, Changlong Zhang, Jiacheng Wu, and Wuyong Chen, from the National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture in Chengdu, China, have explored a new method for creating even softer leather. They found that much of the stiffness in leather comes from the drying process. By using microwave drying, they produced a softer finish, as this method evenly dries the leather without causing damage.

3.1 Production Statistics of Soft Leather

Volume per year: Over 10 billion square feet
Key production countries: China, India, Vietnam, Italy, and Brazil

3.2 Cost of Soft Leather

Square foot: $4–$15
½ Hide: $40–$150
Full Hide: $60–$300

3.3 When to Leathercraft With Soft Leather?

Soft leather works well for projects requiring a flexible and pliable material. Consider using this leather in the following situations:

When crafting soft items like garments or bags
When looking for versatile, budget-friendly leather
When adding a lining to a project

3.4 Tips for Leather Crafting With Soft Leather

Leathercrafting with soft leather requires specific techniques due to its pliability and delicate nature. Here are some helpful tips:

Always use a sharp blade to cut the leather and prevent stretching.
Manage thread tension carefully to avoid bunching.
Avoid folding or crumpling the leather, as it may crease easily.

Tips for Leather Crafting With Soft Leather

4. Types of Soft Leather

Soft leather comes in various forms, each with unique qualities. Below, I've listed popular types of leather like lambskin, deerskin, and more. Read through to discover the softness, durability, and ideal uses of each type for your projects.

4.1 Lambskin Leather

Lambskin leather is one of the softest and most luxurious types of leather. Known for its incredibly smooth texture, it comes from the hides of young sheep. This leather is prized in fashion for its lightweight, supple feel, making it a top choice for high-end garments like leather jackets, gloves, and handbags. Despite its softness, lambskin is relatively delicate and requires careful maintenance to prevent damage.

Characteristics:

Extremely soft and lightweight
Delicate with lower durability compared to other leathers
Commonly used for high-end fashion and accessories

4.2 Deerskin Leather

Deerskin is another popular soft leather that combines flexibility with strength. Unlike lambskin, deerskin offers higher durability while maintaining a soft texture. It's often used for gloves, moccasins, and other products requiring comfort and durability. Deerskin leather is breathable and stretches naturally, conforming well to the shape of the wearer.

Characteristics:

Soft yet durable
Breathable with a natural stretch
Commonly used for moto jackets, gloves, footwear, and casual outerwear

4.3 Goatskin Leather

Goatskin leather, sometimes referred to as "chevre," is known for its softness, strength, and water resistance. Although not as soft as lambskin or deerskin, it is more durable and has a slightly textured surface. This leather is frequently used for bags, jackets, and shoes. Goatskin’s natural lanolin content provides a soft, pliable feel while making it resistant to moisture.

Characteristics:

Soft with slight texture
Water-resistant and durable
Used in handbags, shoes, and jackets

4.4 Calfskin Leather

Calfskin leather comes from young cows, making it finer, smoother, and softer than leather from older cattle. Its tight grain and soft texture make it an ideal choice for luxury leather goods, such as dress shoes, wallets, and handbags. Calfskin strikes a good balance between softness and durability, offering both a premium feel and longevity.

Characteristics:

Soft with a tight grain
Durable and smooth
Ideal for luxury footwear, bags, and wallets

4.5 Suede Leather

Suede leather is made from the underside of the animal hide, resulting in a napped, velvety surface. While not inherently soft, its finish provides a distinctively smooth and soft feel. Suede is often used for jackets, shoes, and upholstery. However, it requires more care than other soft leathers as it lacks a protective outer layer, making it susceptible to stains and water damage.

Characteristics:

Velvety, napped surface
Soft but more prone to damage
Used in shoes, jackets, and upholstery

4.6 Nubuck Leather

Nubuck is similar to suede but is made from the outer layer of the hide, typically from cattle, making it slightly more durable. The outer layer is sanded or buffed to create a soft, velvety texture. Nubuck leather has a luxurious feel, often used in premium footwear, bags, and furniture. While soft, it is also vulnerable to water stains and requires proper care.

Characteristics:

Soft, velvety texture
More durable than suede but still delicate
Commonly used in premium footwear and furniture

4.7 Nappa Leather

Nappa leather refers to soft, full-grain leather from any animal hide, tanned through a special process to enhance its softness and durability. Known for its smooth, buttery texture, Nappa leather is widely used in luxury automotive interiors, high-end handbags, and clothing. This leather stands out for its premium softness combined with resistance to wear.

Characteristics:

Buttery soft and smooth
Durable and resistant to wear
Common in luxury interiors and accessories

4.8 Eel Leather

Eel leather is a less common but highly luxurious type of soft leather, known for its silky-smooth finish. Despite its thin nature, eel leather is surprisingly strong and supple. It is often used in high-fashion items such as handbags, wallets, and small accessories. Its unique texture and appearance make it a favorite for designers looking for something distinctive and high-end.

Characteristics:

Silky smooth and soft
Thin but strong
Used in high-fashion accessories

4.9 Chamois Leather

Chamois leather, traditionally made from the hide of mountain goats or chamois animals, is known for its softness and absorbency. Modern chamois leather often comes from sheep or lambskin and is commonly used for cleaning purposes due to its ability to hold water. It is also soft to the touch and used in some clothing and gloves.

Characteristics:

Extremely soft and absorbent
Used for cleaning, gloves, and some apparel
Known for its high absorbency rather than durability

5. In-Depth Characteristics of Soft Leather

Soft leather is prized for its supple texture, flexibility, and versatility. This overview explores its natural and synthetic origins, surface textures, thickness, durability, and more essential features.

5.1 Natural or Synthetic

Soft leather can be both natural and synthetic. While natural animal hides typically produce softer leathers, advancements in faux leather technology have introduced alternatives that rival the softness of animal leathers. These synthetic options are becoming more common in industries seeking sustainable materials.

5.2 Available Thickness

Soft leather is typically under 4oz (1.6mm) in thickness, which enhances its supple, velvety feel. Using thinner hides, such as those from young animals, results in a more delicate texture. However, even thick leathers can be softened through special treatments, making thickness less of a limiting factor in its softness.

5.3 Surface Texture

Soft leather can exhibit various surface textures, ranging from smooth to pebbled or embossed. However, the softest leathers tend to have a natural, smooth surface. Textures like pebbling or embossing are added without affecting the softness, making this leather versatile in appearance and function.

5.4 Largest Workable Size

Though soft leather commonly comes from younger animals with hides under 10 square feet, larger hides like full cowhides (up to 25 square feet) can also be processed to be soft. The size doesn’t limit the softness; rather, the tanning and treatment methods play a larger role in creating this leather.

5.5 Flexibility

This leather is highly flexible due to the breakdown of fibers during processing. This flexibility makes it ideal for garments, accessories, and any application where freedom of movement is important. Thin, soft leathers are particularly flexible, suitable for clothing and other pliable items.

5.6 Softness

Soft leather, by definition, is soft, but the degree of softness varies. Chromium-tanned leathers tend to be softer than vegetable-tanned leathers, and materials like suede or nubuck offer an even softer feel. The softest leathers generally come from young animals, as their thinner hides create a buttery texture with minimal fiber breakdown.

5.7 Sewability

Soft leathers present challenges in sewing, as their pliable nature requires careful management of thread tension and stretching. Thinner soft leathers, in particular, may bunch or stretch, while thicker this leathers can still prove difficult to handle due to their flexibility and tendency to flop during sewing.

5.8 Durability

Soft leather can be just as durable as other leather types, but thinner hides or unfinished leather are more prone to wear. This leathers without protective coatings may wear faster due to exposure, while a finishing coat can enhance their durability and resistance to wear.

5.9 Ease of Maintenance

Maintaining soft leather is straightforward, requiring regular cleaning and conditioning. Dust and debris can be removed with a horsehair brush, which also helps polish the leather. However, this leather is prone to creasing, so care should be taken to avoid folding or crumpling it during storage.

5.10 Lifespan with Daily Use

With proper maintenance, soft leather can last over 20 years, particularly in thicker forms. Thin, unprotected soft leathers will wear faster, but those with protective coatings can become more resistant to water and wear, significantly extending their lifespan.

5.11 Water Resistance

Soft leather’s water resistance depends on the tanning process and finish. Chromium-tanned this leathers provide better water resistance, while vegetable-tanned leathers absorb water more easily. A heavily waxed finish can increase water resistance regardless of the tanning method.

5.12 Available Colors

Chromium-tanned soft leathers are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, while vegetable-tanned leathers tend to offer more limited options like earth tones and blacks. This variety makes chromium-tanned this leather popular for vibrant or patterned items.

5.13 Ease of Crafting

Crafting with this leather presents both benefits and challenges. The softness makes it easier to sew but also requires careful handling to prevent stretching or bunching. Soft leather is versatile for crafting bags, garments, and other products, though combining it with stiffer leather can provide additional structure.

5.14 Cost

Soft leather is typically budget-friendly, with chromium-tanned varieties starting at around $4 per square foot. However, more exotic or premium leathers, like milled vegetable-tanned options, can cost up to $15 per square foot, depending on the tannery and the type of animal hide used.

5.15 Rarity

Soft leather is widely available, with chromium tanning producing an estimated 10 billion square feet annually. It comes in various animal hides, colors, and thicknesses, making it a common choice for leather products across industries.

6. What is Soft Leather Used For?

The qualities of soft leather make it a perfect choice for crafting premium leather jackets and coats, providing both style and comfort.

Soft leather, such as lambskin and deerskin, is frequently used to make high-end outerwear that offers a luxurious hand-feel and flexibility. These leathers create jackets and coats that are not only soft and supple but also durable, offering wearers both elegance and functionality. The lightweight nature of this leather makes it ideal for layering, whether for a sleek lambskin jacket or a cozy shearling-lined coat.

Soft leather also has broader applications beyond outerwear. Nubuck, for example, is commonly used to produce high-end footwear, wallets, bags, and even furniture upholstery, where a velvety texture and refined look are highly valued.

6.1 Arcane Fox Collection

Our latest collection of leather jackets and coats — the Arcane Fox outerwear range — features premium soft leathers like lambskin and suede. Each piece offers a smooth, refined texture that doesn’t compromise on durability.

If you’re looking for a jacket or coat that combines luxury and everyday wearability, Arcane Fox outerwear collection delivers unparalleled softness and long-lasting quality, making it a timeless addition to your wardrobe.

7. Pros and Cons of Soft Leather

7.1 Pros of Soft Leather

Soft leather is a favorite among both crafters and consumers for several reasons. Its versatility and luxurious feel make it highly desirable across many applications.

Feels soft and supple: Soft leather is known for its comfortable, smooth texture.
Wide range of colors: Soft leather can be dyed in a variety of vibrant or subtle colors, making it versatile for fashion and accessories.
Ideal for garments and bags: Its flexibility and light weight make it perfect for jackets, coats, handbags, and other accessories.
Variety of animal sources: Soft leather can be made from different animal hides, such as lambskin, deerskin, and goatskin.
Great for lining projects: Its pliability and soft touch make it an excellent choice for lining in more structured pieces.

Because the first impression of leather often comes from its texture, soft leather helps products stand out with its luxurious feel.

7.2 Cons of Soft Leather

Despite its popularity, soft leather has a few drawbacks. While crafters may encounter more challenges, consumers should also keep these in mind:

Prone to stretching: Soft leather can stretch easily, which may affect its long-term shape and structure.
Limited patina development: Most soft leathers, particularly those that are chromium-tanned, do not develop a rich patina over time.
Challenges in sewing: Soft leather can bunch during the sewing process, making crafting more tedious.
Shorter lifespan with thinner hides: Leather made from thinner hides may have a reduced lifespan compared to thicker options.
Easily creases: Soft leather is prone to creasing if not stored properly, which may affect its appearance.

These factors make soft leather a bit more delicate, requiring extra care in both crafting and everyday use.

8. Our Personal Research on Soft Leather

Soft leather is widely loved for its luxurious feel, but I wanted to see how well it holds up under stress. Using a 3oz (1.2mm) lambskin hide with an aniline finish, I conducted several tests to evaluate its durability and longevity.

First, I tested how the leather reacts to crumpling. After balling it up tightly, only a few creases appeared, which disappeared after stretching it out. However, when the hide arrived folded, deep creases required ironing to remove, showing that improper storage may cause lasting wrinkles.

Next, I assessed how the leather's softness changes over time. After comparing a seven-month-old lambskin bag interior I had crafted, I found the leather had become even softer but showed signs of darkening and wear, especially where it had been scratched.

For wear resistance, I used sandpaper and found that light scratches were easily removed by rubbing, but heavier abrasion left rough patches, revealing the limitations of soft leather under extreme conditions.

9. Soft Leather Care and Maintenance

9.1 How to Clean Soft Leather?

Start by thoroughly dusting the soft leather using a horsehair brush to reach deep into the fibers. After dusting, use a leather soap to remove grime and restore the leather’s appearance. Dampen a clean cloth and apply a small amount of leather soap, creating a lather that covers the entire surface. Once finished, let the leather air dry completely before applying any conditioner.

9.2 How to Condition Soft Leather?

To condition soft leather, choose a high-quality leather conditioner. After cleaning and removing any dust, use a clean cloth to apply the conditioner in small amounts. Gently rub it into the leather in circular motions, ensuring even coverage. Allow the conditioner time to absorb fully into the surface for optimal care.

9.3 How to Store Soft Leather?

Store soft leather unrolled to prevent creasing. Avoid bending or distorting the leather during storage. Keep it away from direct sunlight and store it in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent drying or moisture buildup, which can cause mold.

10. Final Thoughts

Soft leather is a timeless material cherished for its luxurious feel, versatility, and adaptability. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and wearable, making it an excellent choice for jackets, coats, bags, and more. However, soft leather is best suited for those seeking elegance and comfort, not for rugged, heavy use.

If you’re seeking leather that can handle a more rugged lifestyle, consider exploring our leather jackets. These durable leathers are perfect for biker jackets, suede jackets, and cowhide jackets, offering both strength and style for those who need something tough. Whether you're after a sleek biker look or a sturdy cowhide jacket for daily wear, these options are built to withstand the elements and more demanding conditions.

With proper care, soft leather can last for years while retaining its beauty and luxury. Its combination of flexibility, wear resistance, and softness makes it an ideal material for those looking for both sophistication and long-lasting quality in their leather goods.

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