There’s a reason why the leather industry rakes in an estimated $80 billion every year — people love the look and feel of the product. Unfortunately, this high demand means there’s a lot of low-quality products peddled on the market.
If you’re wondering where to buy genuine leather, then you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll answer some of your frequently asked leather questions. Let’s get started!
Where to Buy Leather Accessories?
You can buy leather either online or in local shops. However, we generally recommend buying leather on online websites.
Why?
While local shops often have great products, the reality is that they’re usually limited to the type of animal leather found in their immediate area. On the other hand, online shops have access to a whole network of different animal leathers, so you get a much better selection.
What Are the Different Leather Grades?
Generally, leather grades are broken down by the way the hide is treated and split. These five common categories include:
- Full-grain leather - a strong material found on the outer hide (durable with minor visual flaws)
- Top grain leather - a full-grain leather with the top layer removed (attractive appearance but not as durable)
- Corrected leather - any layer of the leather that is sanded and treated for appearance (ideal for belts and similar small pieces)
- Split grain leather - a layered cut from the lower levels of the animal (often used to finish leather that’s been color-treated)
- Bonded leather - scraps of leather bonded together (think of it as the hotdog of leather products)
Many companies also sell faux products, usually made of plastic material, which makes them waterproof. If you’re worried that a seller might be trying to pass off fake leather for the real thing, then check out our guide for telling the difference here.
How Much Does Animal Leather Cost?
The cost of leather depends on a variety of factors, including the specific cut, the quality, and, most importantly, the animal itself. The most popular type is undoubtedly bovine since it makes up a whopping 65% of all leather material.
At roughly $5-$8 per square foot, this type of material falls in the mid-price range. If you want a cheaper product, then we recommend lambskin or deer, which costs roughly $2-$3 per square foot.
The more expensive products are usually made of exotic animals that are hard to source. As such, gator, kangaroo, and ostrich leather is often the most expensive at $16 per square foot. Keep in mind that these prices are final, and they don’t take into account the manufacturing process or the thickness.
Want Beautiful Hand-Crafted Leather Accessories?
We hope this article helped you find where to buy leather. Here at Burkley Cases, we don’t mind tooting our own horn when it comes to our leather products. We’re known for our handmade artisan designs constructed out of premium full-grain leather.
If you have any questions about our phone cases, bags, and other accessories, then please reach out and get in touch with us today.