Cowhide vs. Vegan Leather: Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between cowhide and vegan leather, it's important to consider both the origin of each material and its benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics, and environmental impact.

Both have distinctive features that may influence your decision depending on what you value most: the authenticity and durability of natural leather, or the ethics and sustainability of vegan leather.

Below, we explore the key differences between these two materials to help you make an informed decision.

Differences between cowhide and vegan leather:

1. Origin :

• Cowhide : It comes from the skin of cows and undergoes tanning processes for use in fashion products.

• *Cowhide is purchased in blankets, depending on the size of the cow. The unit of measurement is per square foot.

• Vegan Leather : Made with synthetic materials such as polyurethane (PU) or plant-based materials such as pineapple or cactus leather, without the use of animal products.

• Vegan leather (polyurethane) comes in rolls and is purchased by the meter as needed. The texture is increasingly similar to cowhide.

2. Durability :

• Cowhide : Very durable, it can last for decades if properly cared for, developing an attractive patina over time.

• Cowhide is so durable that it can be used for industrial work, gloves, and aprons to withstand fire and sparks.

• Vegan Leather : While it can be durable, it generally doesn't have the longevity of cowhide. However, there are high-quality versions with a considerable lifespan.

3. Care and maintenance :

• Cowhide : Requires regular moisturizing and special care products. Don't worry, we can help you with leather care and cleaning formulas.

• Vegan Leather : It is easier to clean and maintain, usually only needing a damp cloth.

4. Environmental impact :

• Cowhide : Its production can have a significant environmental impact, related to the use of animals and the tanning process. However, there are certified tanneries that work with discarded hides.

• Vegan Leather : It doesn't use animal products, but faux leather can have a negative impact if made with plastics like PVC. Plant-based vegan versions are a more eco-friendly option.

5. Aroma:

• Cowhide : Due to its origin and despite the tanning process, cowhide leather retains its natural aroma. We can describe it as a combination of the aroma of the countryside and cow.

• Vegan Leather : While it can imitate the texture of cowhide, so far this type of synthetic material has not been able to offer this type of aroma.

In short, the choice between cowhide and vegan leather will depend on your personal preferences, whether it's the durability and authenticity of the former, or the ethics and sustainability of the latter.