Leather Gloves

Know your leathers

Leather is uniquely suited among the various materials used for glove-making. As animal skin, it has similar properties to our own protective covering. Breathability and elasticity, as well as tough, long-lasting comfort, make leather perfect for hand protection. Leather gloves are commonly made from the skins of cattle, hogs, goats, sheep, ostriches, deer, and kangaroos. The types of leather used for gloves can generally be divided into four categories.

Full- or Top-grain - Refers to the upper section of a hide that contains the epidermis or skin layer in which only the hair has been removed from the epidermis. The natural full-grain surface will wear better than other leather and will grow more beautiful over time. The finest leather products are made from full-grain leather and only the best raw hide is used.

Corrected-grain - Any top-grain leather that has had its surfaces sanded, buffed, or snuffed in order to remove any imperfection on the surface due to insect bites, healed scars, or brands.

Split - Leather that is created from the fibrous part of the hide after the top-grain has been separated from the raw hide. Split leather can have an artificial layer applied to the surface of the split, and is embossed with a leather grain. Splits are also used to make suede.

Buckskin - Also called brained leather, buckskin is a tanning process that uses animal brains or other fatty materials to soften the leather. The result is a supple, suede-like hide.

As eyes are to sight, and ears to sound, so hands are to touch. The function of our hands is one of our defining features as human beings. Throughout history, leather gloves have been the primary way in which we protect these most valuable instruments of touch. Whether for driving, working, hunting, cold weather, or fashion, there's a leather glove to fit your needs.