All You Need To Know About Lambskin Leather
Leavengers assemble! Our beloved lambskin leather is under scrutiny. The one common fact that all leavengers (leather lovers in our love language) agree upon is that lambskin is the OG leather.
But what makes lamb-hide truly so special? Is it the texture or its sheen? Mystery indeed.. Allow us to burst this bubble of baffles with this intense guide on lambskin leather. It’ll clear all your queries on why lambskin is the most demanded leather ever. So, stick with us till the end.
How is Lambskin Leather Made?
Cleaning
When the lamb hide is in sheath form, the first step is to clean it after removing the flesh from the skin. The hide is soaked before unhairing, and then it is soaked for cleaning and softening purposes.
Tanning
Once the hide is all clean and soft, the next process is tanning, which gives the hide its leather-like crust. For this purpose, tannin (tanning agent) is used which contains a heavy quantity of mineral salts to protect the leather from bacteria and water.
Dyeing
Tanned leather has to be dyed, and it is done by putting the tanned, dried leather in a barrel of water. The barrel is rotated vigorously as the dye is dropped into it. To give the leather a strong color, it is left dipped in the dyeing barrel for a certain time.
Drying
The skin is dyed to perfection and the he leather dried using a special technique which increases the leather’s flexibility to some extent.
Buffing
The last step is to buff the grains out of the leather. Finished lambskin leather has a minute, almost non-existent grain because it is buffed using horsehair. Buffing also adds an extra layer of sheen to the surface.
5 Characteristics of Lambskin Leather
Softness
Lambskin leather is well-known for its rich texture which, unlike most leather types, is super soft. Most fashion brands use lambskin for their leather garments, footwear, and accessories because of the unmatched comfort it offers.
Durability
Contrary to popular belief, lambskin leather is durable, though not as much as cowhide. With proper care and maintenance, a lambskin leather jacket or coat can last a lifetime. Regardless of its softness, lamb hide is quite strong.
Breathability
Lambskin is not originally thick, and the further processing removes a lot of weight from it. The fibers of this leather are porous and hollow, making it extremely breathable. This is why lambskin leather garments are perfect to wear for longer hours.
Flexibility
The thinness and softness of lamb hide contribute to the flexibility of the leather. Not only does this flexibility come in handy while crafting garments, but it also makes the leather functional. The extra stretch can be helpful when you’re at work or moving around a lot.
Insulation
Even after unfleshing and unhairing, there is still a tiny layer of wool intact with the leather. This layer allows decent insulation. Lambskin is not as hot as sheepskin, but there’s still a subtle warmth to it.
3 Features of Original Lambskin Leather
Subtle Smell
Leather usually possesses a pungent smell that hits straight up the nostrils. Original lambskin doesn’t have the same smell, instead, it has a lighter smell. It has a natural earthy fragrance that can be recognized as fresh and woody.
Water Test
Real lambskin leather can absorb a tiny amount of water. You can perform this water test on the leather to check if it’s original or not. Fake lambskin will repel water right away, while the original will absorb a few droplets at first.
Wrinkled Surface
Faux leather is flawless while original lambskin has flaws like wrinkles. To check the originality of the leather, press the surface firmly with your hand. If the leather doesn’t budge or get affected, it's faux. Real lambskin leather will get some loose, temporary wrinkles when pressing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lambskin leather good?
Lambskin leather is considered one of the best types of leather because of its fine texture. It is also thin and lightweight which makes it easy to wear.
What is the difference between sheepskin and lambskin?
Sheepskin is the hide of sheep while lambskin comes from younger animals. This makes lambskin softer, malleable, and more supple than sheepskin.
Is lambskin soft?
Lambskin leather is extremely soft and warm at the same time. Its softness makes it perfect for high-end products.
