Where Does Leather Come From and Which Parts of the Hide Produce Different Types of Leather?
Updated: Oct 23
Leather is a fascinating material that combines functionality, appearance and durability. However, behind its attractive surface lies a complex production process and an origin that is often less well understood. In this article, we take you from the raw hide to the finished product. We also explain how different parts of an animal hide influence the characteristics and quality of leather.
The Origin of Leather
Most upholstery leather, and leather in general, comes from cattle. After an animal is slaughtered for meat, its hide often remains as a by-product. This raw hide can then be processed into leather.
Depending on the country and the quality of the cattle, hides can have different origins. In Europe, the focus is often on hides with fewer imperfections. In other regions, larger hides may be processed, sometimes with more natural marks and irregularities.
Once the hide has been collected, unwanted materials such as meat residues, fat, hair and other tissue are removed. The hide then undergoes several processing stages, including soaking, cleaning, tanning (chemically or using vegetable tanning agents), drying and finishing.
However, not every part of a hide produces leather with the same characteristics. The location on the hide affects the leather's structure, strength and flexibility.
The Different Parts of an Animal Hide and Their Characteristics
A complete animal hide is often divided into several sections or zones. Each section has its own properties. The following areas are commonly recognised in the leather industry.
Butt (Hindquarter and Lower Back Area)
The butt is the rear section of the hide, around the lower back and hindquarters. This is often considered one of the most valuable parts of the hide.
The fibres are tightly packed, making the leather strong, firm and relatively uniform. This section is frequently used for higher-quality leather products, including furniture upholstery.
Shoulder
The shoulder section is located towards the neck and front of the animal. Leather from this area is generally more flexible than leather from the butt, while still offering considerable strength.
This makes shoulder leather suitable for applications that require a certain degree of flexibility.
Back / Half Back
The back section covers the central area between the shoulder and the butt. When a hide is divided lengthwise, one side may be referred to as a half back.
This section generally has a relatively stable fibre structure and is often suitable for long, straight sections used in upholstery and furniture production.
Belly / Flanks
The belly and flank areas are among the more flexible parts of the hide. The fibres are less densely packed, which means the leather may stretch more easily.
These sections are less commonly used for applications requiring maximum strength and uniformity. However, they can be useful for decorative details or applications exposed to lower levels of tension.
Split Leather Layers
In some cases, the hide is split into separate layers. The upper layer, known as the grain layer, is separated from the lower layer, known as the split.
The upper layer retains the natural grain pattern and generally offers greater strength. The lower layer, called split leather, is often used for applications where the visible grain surface is less important or as a base material for protective coatings.
How This Knowledge Helps You Choose Leather
Understanding which parts of the hide are used to produce leather can help you make more informed decisions.
It allows you to assess:
The quality you can expect from the leather
Differences in pricing, as more desirable sections are generally more expensive
Which sections are most suitable for specific furniture components
At Driessen Leder, we use this knowledge to carefully select materials and provide transparent information about the quality of the leather you purchase.
Important Considerations Regarding Leather Origin
There are several factors to keep in mind when evaluating the origin and quality of leather.
Traceability: The exact origin of a hide, including the country or individual farm, is not always traceable. Information about where the leather was finished may be available, even when the original source of the hide is unknown.
Natural imperfections: Small scars, scratches and other marks are normal characteristics of genuine leather. They reflect the natural origin of the material.
Processing methods: The tanning method and finishing process strongly influence the final properties and appearance of leather, even when the original hide is of good quality.
Would You Like to Learn More About Leather?
Leather is much more than an upholstery material. It is a natural product that gains its distinctive characteristics through skilled processing and craftsmanship.
By understanding where leather comes from and how different sections of the hide behave, you can make more informed decisions when purchasing upholstery leather.
Would you like to learn more about specific hide sections, leather samples or suitable materials for your project?
Feel free to contact Driessen Leder. We are happy to share our knowledge and help you select the right leather for your needs.
You can also explore our services and possibilities to discover what we can offer.
T: +31 (0)6 23 130 140
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