Cowhide vs. Deerskin Leather

Deerskin is soft and wearable but less durable than cowhide.

You can classify the differences between cowhide and deerskin into three categories: comfort, durability and maintenance. Deerskin is softer and more comfortable than cowhide, but cleaning and maintenance are more complicated. Cowhide is durable and economical, but not as soft or long-lasting as deerskin.

Comfort

Deerskin is more comfortable than cowhide because its natural fibers trap air inside, making the leather feel lighter and softer. In addition, deerskin gets softer as it ages. Cowhide can be tough and stiff, and although its texture improves over time with more wear, its comfort level is never comparable to deerskin.

Durability

Motorcycle enthusiasts prefer cowhide to deerskin for their gear and accessories.

Cowhide is by far the tougher of the two leathers, and it's the preferred leather by the military, law enforcement and motorcyclists. Deerskin, although surprisingly durable considering its softness, is not as resistant to wear and tear. For example, cowhide is often used to make jackets and chaps, while deerskin is ideal for indoor footwear.

Maintenance

Although you must take any leather item to your dry cleaners to ensure proper laundering, deerskin is the more delicate of the two and needs to be cleaned using a special process to prevent shrinkage. Cowhide is more resistant to dirt and moisture than deerhide. With both leathers, practice preventative care to ensure longevity and beauty; for example, do not keep them in plastic bags and avoid extreme temperatures.

References

• Gibson and Barnes Premiere Outfitters: Useful Info, Types of Leather
• Custom Leathercycle Leather: About Leather Skins
• Custom Leathercycle Leather: Caring for Your LeatherCycle Leather

Resources

• The Leather Connection