From fashion design to interior design, cow leather hides are revered for their superior durability and aesthetic appeal. Planning to shop for hides or products that use this material? Here are the things you need to look for.

Decide on a colour scheme. When you buy a cow leather hide, you have to know your end goal. Will you use it to create another product like a bag? Or are you buying an end-product already like a rug? By knowing your purpose, it will be easier for you to choose from a variety of colours, patterns, and styles. For instance, if you’re using it for the former, you have to select something that’s versatile so you can create bags that offer several designs. If it’s for the latter, make sure that what you’ll buy will match the overall look of your space.

Consider the hide’s thickness. The general rule is, the thicker the cow hide, the more durable it will be. More often than not, hides that are priced too cheaply are those that are thin. If you sacrifice quality for price and get thinner hides, you will encounter different issues in the long run — including hide edges curling up. The generally accepted hide thickness is between ? and ¼ of an inch.

Ask about the source of the hide. One way to ensure the quality of a cow hide is to check its source. The most popular sources of this product include Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and France. You can be confident about the authenticity of your product if the hide comes from any of these countries.

Check the back of the hide. If you’re buying a raw cow leather hide, you should also take a look at the back of the material. A high quality hide has a soft and supple backing. If it feels too stiff, it is highly likely that the material was cheaply manufactured.

Look for competitively priced hides. The truth is, cow leather hides are on the more expensive side of the spectrum. Despite its being relatively pricier, you can guarantee that it can last for a long period of time without a significant degradation in quality. As a pro tip, you should do your research and be patient when looking for hides offered at competitive prices and amazing deals.

Shop only via a trusted supplier. One of the best things that you can do is to look for a reputable shop. Check their array of products as well as where they source their offerings. You should also consider if the shop has a variety of cow hide products. To further assess their credibility, you should look for reviews and testimonials from their clients and examine if the shop can guarantee consistent quality craftsmanship.

Established in 1998, Pinchmill Leathers is a supplier of top-quality cow leather hides for a wide range of applications. As an expert in all things leather, they ensure to provide versatile and sustainable products. Learn more about them at https://www.pinchmillleathers.co.uk/cow-leather-hide, or contact them at 01933 309011 or email them at [email protected].