"Genuine leather" sounds simple — but not all leather is created equal. The type of hide, which layer it's cut from, and how it's finished all shape how a jacket looks, feels and lasts. Understanding the main leather types makes it far easier to choose a jacket you'll love for years. Here's a clear, jargon-free breakdown of every leather you're likely to meet.

First, a Note on Leather Grades

Before the animal, it helps to know the grade — which layer of the hide the leather comes from:

• Full-grain — the top layer with the natural grain intact. The strongest, most durable leather, and it develops a beautiful patina over time.
• Top-grain — lightly sanded to remove imperfections. Slightly thinner and more uniform, still high quality.
• Genuine / split leather — lower layers of the hide. More affordable, but less durable.

Whenever possible, look for full-grain or top-grain — it's the difference between a jacket that ages gracefully and one that wears out.

The Main Types of Leather

Lambskin

Prized for its softness. Lambskin is lightweight, buttery and fine-grained, which makes it ideal for fitted, elegant pieces — though it's a little more delicate than tougher hides. See it in our Brown Distressed Lambskin Biker.

Cowhide

The workhorse. Thick, tough and highly durable, cowhide is the classic choice for rugged jackets built to last a lifetime. It's heavier than lambskin but incredibly hard-wearing, like our Brown Cowhide Varsity Bomber.

Goatskin

The best of both worlds — supple like lambskin but notably stronger, with a distinctive pebbled grain and natural water resistance. A great all-rounder, as in the Distressed Goatskin Biker.

Sheepskin & Shearling

Sheepskin has the leather on one side and soft wool on the other. Left with the wool intact, it becomes shearling — the warmest material for winter aviators and bombers, like our Black Sheepskin Aviator and A2 Shearling Bomber.

Calfskin

Fine, smooth and refined, calfskin sits between lambskin and cowhide — softer than cowhide but more durable than lamb, with a clean, premium finish. See the Calf Leather Aviator.

Nappa

Not a separate animal, but a finish: nappa is full-grain leather (often lamb or sheep) tumbled to a soft, smooth, luxurious hand. It's prized for its plush feel, as in our Nappa Leather Hooded Biker.

Suede

The buffed underside of the hide, with a soft, matte nap. Warm and refined-looking, though less water-resistant — perfect for autumn styling, like the Brown Suede Bomber.

Faux & Vegan Leather

A synthetic, animal-free alternative. Lighter on the wallet and cruelty-free, though it won't develop a patina or last as long as real leather. A practical choice for on-trend pieces, like our Vegan Leather Blazer.

Which Leather Should You Choose?

• Want soft and elegant? Lambskin or nappa.
• Want rugged and long-lasting? Cowhide or goatskin.
• Want maximum warmth? Sheepskin and shearling.
• Want refined and smooth? Calfskin.
• Want relaxed and matte? Suede.
• Want cruelty-free and budget-friendly? Faux or vegan leather.

Caring for Different Leathers

Smooth leathers (lambskin, cowhide, goatskin, calfskin, nappa) like the occasional conditioning to stay supple — twice a year is plenty. Suede needs a protector spray and a suede brush rather than conditioner. Shearling should be brushed and aired, never soaked. Whatever the type, keep leather away from direct heat and prolonged sun, and let it dry naturally if it ever gets wet.

Why Choose RXD Leather

Every RXD jacket is crafted from genuine leather by skilled artisans in Sialkot, Pakistan — and because we make to order, you can choose the exact leather, colour and fit you want. We ship worldwide including Ireland, the EU and the USA. Real craftsmanship, made personal.

Final Thoughts

Once you know your leathers, choosing a jacket becomes far simpler: match the material to how you'll wear it. Soft lambskin for elegance, tough cowhide for the long haul, cosy shearling for winter, matte suede for style. Explore RXD Leather's collection to find the right leather for you — or get in touch about a custom, made-to-measure piece.