Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Everyday Life • Material

Leather

Leather is a durable material made from animal skins or hides that have been preserved through tanning.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Leather is a durable material made from animal skins or hides preserved through tanning. It is used in clothing, footwear, furniture, and accessories.

What it is

Leather is the preserved skin or hide of an animal, most commonly cattle. The tanning process stabilizes the hide so it resists decay and becomes strong, flexible, and durable.

How it's made

Leather production includes preparation (cleaning, hair removal), tanning (stabilizing the hide), and finishing (dyeing, drying, surface treatment). The specific steps vary by desired type and quality.

Types and care

Leather is categorized by animal source (cow, goat, sheep, pig, exotic) and by finish (grain, tanning style). Care depends on the finish: use a soft cloth, mild cleaner, and conditioner. Avoid soaking or harsh chemicals.

In short

  • Leather is animal hide preserved by tanning.
  • Common sources: cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, reptiles.
  • Faux leather is a synthetic alternative, not vegan.
  • Care methods vary by finish and construction.
Canadian angle

Leather is widely used in Canadian fashion, footwear, upholstery, and outdoor goods, and Canadian readers may also encounter Canadian tanneries, leatherworkers, and regulations related to animal products and imported leather goods.

Quick questions

What is leather made of?
Leather is made from animal skins or hides, most commonly from cattle, but also from sheep, goats, pigs, horses, reptiles, and some aquatic animals.
Is leather vegan?
No. Leather is made from animal skin, so it is not considered vegan.
How do you clean leather?
Use a soft dry or slightly damp cloth for light cleaning, then a suitable leather cleaner if needed. Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, and abrasive scrubbing; conditioning may help maintain flexibility.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather
    Supports: General definition of leather, common source animals, and basic manufacturing stages.
  2. Leather Naturally — https://www.leathernaturally.org/news-events/news/what-is-leather-made-of-and-where-does-it-come-from/
    Supports: Leather made from animal hides; leather-making stages; tanning and finishing processes.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/leather
    Supports: Commercial leather-making phases and overview of leather as a material.
  4. American Leather — https://www.americanleather.com/resource-center/where-does-leather-come-from/
    Supports: Common animal sources for leather.
  5. Andar — https://www.andar.com/blogs/blog/what-is-leather-made-of
    Supports: Leather from animal hides and distinction from faux leather.
  6. Buffalo Jackson — https://buffalojackson.com/blogs/insight/real-leather-vs-fake-leather
    Supports: Faux leather as a synthetic material such as PVC or polyurethane.