What Is Goat Leather

Goat leather is real leather acquired from skin of goats. This crisp blog is going to find out about characteristics of goat leather, how it`s manufactured, its use and application in leather industry, its care details. We are also going to stack it against hides of other animals that are used to craft leather goods and give a comparative analysis of its effectiveness in terms of strength, cost, longevity etc.

What Is Goat Leather

Goat leather is derived from hides of goats. It has a peculiar pebbled texture while the fibers are pretty rigid, intertwined together, making it a sought after material to manufacture a range of industrial grade product i.e. leather gloves, leather aprons etc. Since the hides acquired from goats are not very large in size, this leather is ideal to craft small leather goods. This leather isn`t heavy compared to cow or buffalo leather which are more suited to making leather bags.

Goat leather first originated in Morocco, thus it became famous and well known as Moroccan leather.

Characteristics Of Goat Leather

Let`s look at some prominent features of leather acquired from goat hides:

1: Pebbled Grain Texture

Leather acquired from goats has a very distinct pebbled texture. However it also varies according to breeds from different parts of the world. While the feel on the hand can be slightly rough at times, the leather itself is soft.

2: Smaller Sized Leather Hides

Goats are much smaller in size to Cows, Oxen, Buffalo or Bison. It`s only obvious that you won`t get leather panels from these animals, the size you will get from above mentioned animals. Manufacturers take this thing into account when planning to manufacture certain products and designs.

3: Resilient and Tough Grain

Goat skin leather is unique in the sense that while it`s lightweight, it still is rigid and not as easily stretchable and flexible. The grain is intertwined together firmly. It`s soft and light in weight but not easily separable.

4: Weight and Strength

This leather is pretty light compared to cowhide and buffalo leather .This does not take away anything from the strength this leather possesses since its grain firmly holds together giving it longevity and durability.

5: Water Resistant

While most other animal leather hides are not much resistant to dampness, goat leather has a unique water resistant ability that makes it much more suitable for different kinds of products especially industrial use.

6: Stretchability, Softness, Flexibility

Goat leather isn`t easily stretchable, the fibers in its skin are tightly held together. However this doesn`t make the overall leather hide coarse in texture. Goat hides have a unique pebbled texture that we talked about earlier as well and have a soft feel to the hand. You can bend the hide and crumble it easily.

There is a key point to note here. Goat skins are flexible but not easily stretchable. While both terms are often used interchangeably at times, but there`s a slim difference, this leather is easily bendable but can`t be elongated by stretching as easily as it can be bent.

7: Cost

In leather industry, goat leather is considered to be an average priced material. When luxury leather is the aim, experts go for cowhide or sheepskin leather. Goat skins are not as costly compared to hides acquired from lambs, sheeps, cows or buffalos.

Where Is Goat Leather Commonly Used

While goat skin hides may not be considered expensive material, this does not mean that quality leather products are not made out of them. This leather is also used to make mass usage leather goods. We are going to talk about them here:

1: Leather Gloves

Since you don`t get very large sized panels from goat skin hides, they are ideal for manufacturing leather gloves. From luxury fashion gloves to industrial grade leather gloves, goat skins are ideal for both types of gloves.

Leather manufacturing is all about leather selection. While finer and more supple quality hides are selected for fashion gloves, coarse and rigid texture, tough hides are used for industrial gloves.

2: Hand Bags, Wallets, Belts, Keychains, Leather Tags

As mentioned earlier, goat leather is ideal to craft a range of different small and medium sized leather goods. It gives these products a distinct look with its grained pebbled texture that’s unique to it. Check out Alaskan Leather`s Goat Leather Wallet , Dopp Kit and Passport Wallet here.

3: Footwear Industry

Leather acquired from goat hides is perfect for crafting a range of different footwear from Men`s shoes, Women specific footwear to other unisex footwear. Its soft yet durable characteristics make it a sought after material for long lasting quality footwear.

4: Fashion Garments And Accessories

Thanks to its soft feel and touch, better quality selections of goat hides are used to craft leather jackets and other luxury fashion garments. While goat skins are resilient enough, they are not always preferred by manufacturers to craft high end briefcases, backpacks or travel bags, partly due to the fact that their panels aren`t big enough and because cowhide leather is a more preferred leather type for luxury leather bags.

5: Sofa Covers & Automotive Interiors

Goat leather is material of choice for manufacturers of car seat covers, sofa set covers, chair covers etc. due to its softness, durability and availability in an attractive pebbled texture.

Shop Oliver Trifold Leather Wallet

Key Differences between Goat, Sheepskin & Cowhide Leather

Durability

Weight

Softness & Stretchability

Cost

Shop Kingsley Passport Leather Wallet

How To Care For Goat Leather

By and large, same care details are applicable for goat leather that are used to take care for leather sourced from other animals:

1: Conditioning & Cleaning

Quality leather conditioner should be used to keep goat leather fresh and vibrant. However, as is the case with all other leather products, it`s always a good idea to first apply this to a small part of the product.

Before applying a conditioner every few months or when you see the leather appearing dry, use a damp cloth to first wipe off the dust and dirt. Dust is an enemy of anything it settles on specially leather.

2: How Much Is Goat Leather Resistant To Water

Goat leather doesn`t get damaged if it comes in contact with water. It has better resistance to dampness and water compared to other leather types. The only thing to look for is to ensure that it doesn`t get drowned in water for long as that would definitely alter its condition.

3: Storage

Like all other leather goods, goat leather products should also be stored in a cotton breathable bag instead on storage in plastic which disallows air to pass through.

Shop Arthur Shaving Bag

Wrapping Up

Leather derived from goat skins is also real leather like leather derived from cows, buffalo, sheepskin and lambskin. It’s a good source to craft a range of different leather goods since its durable and has a unique pebbled grain pattern that’s distinct to this leather hide. Given its average cost range, it`s also much preferred by manufacturers to deliver industrial grade products and interior design goods. Overall, goat leather is a good option when you are going for leather goods that are a good mix of style and competitive pricing.