The ever-mystifying question: If animal hides from the animals that are also utilized to produce by-products are not included in exotic leather then what exactly the exotic leather is? Let’s facilitate this enigma by clarifying the difference between common leather and exotic one.
There are animals that are raised and taken care of to meet our needs for dairy and meat. Additionally, these animals such as goats, pigs cows, etc. are not only killed for the sake of milk and meat but their skin is also utilized to make various leather products.
Then there comes those animals that are only hunted to obtain their skin in order to produce leather fabric out of them. This category primarily includes reptiles and other wild species that usually have no share in the food supply.
This blog will provide a comprehensive understanding of exotic leather and its types. Furthermore, a detailed analysis regarding the pros and cons of exotic leather, its comparison to conventional leather, the manufacturing process, regular care tips, and utilization of each kind of exotic leather will be given.
Exotic Leather – Opulence Redefined
What is Exotic Leather?
Leather is sourced from exotic animal skin other than traditional animal hides such as cows and goats that are killed not solely for their hide but also for food. Exotic leather includes the hide of reptiles such as snakes, crocodiles, lizards, pangolins, turtles frogs, etc, and other wild animals’ skin like ostrich, giraffe, kangaroo, Zebra, and elephants, etc. The exotic skin of these animals owing to their rarity adds to their charm and allure. Unique colors, patterns, and textures accentuate the aesthetic appeal of the skin that drives leather lovers crazy.
None of the leather types is categorized as per its standard: only the originality of the leather fabric apart from where it comes from is subject to the standard. Other things such as the individuality of design, fabricating patterns, and vibrancy of the colors may count a little when it comes to the comparison of conventional leather and exotic leather. The exotic leather due to its rare availability has more pull than the common leather in this respect.
Pros and Cons of Exotic Leather
Exotic leather from the hide of animals such as crocodiles, alligators, turtles, and snakes offers textured patterns and colorful leather fabric to create luxurious products. Besides its luxurious appeal, the exotic leather is quite durable. Its durability makes it valuable to invest in various fashion products that are also useful while being artistic.
The animal hides for the manufacturing of leather are collected from various regions and corners of the world through detailed research. The rare existence of exotic leather also gives it a charming effect. Exotic leather also has its historical context that opens a door to the reminiscence of previous generations’ association and dependence on the cultural ways of sustenance.
The cons of exotic leather include the difficult manufacturing process, the use of harmful chemical substances in preparation, the need for extra and regular care and protection in case of sun damage, scratching, and cracks, etc.
Environmental Effects of Exotic Leather
On the point of environmental effects, there is no unified decision. Some regard exotic leather as sustainable, but others claim it has negative environmental effects. Let’s have a look at the positive and negative aspects of exotic leather in terms of eco-friendliness.
Positive Effects
Exotic leather manufacturing is a vital contributor to the sustenance of Indigenous communities as it confers socially and economically by providing protection from genetically dangerous reptiles and providing them with employment opportunities as well. Moreover, raising animals and conferring them natural and secure habitats while making advantageous use by making useful products is a success against environmental protection.
Negative effects
The exotic leather manufacturing process includes various steps including the tanning process. In this process, tons of animal carcasses are left out infecting the underground water. These negative impacts on the quality of water ruin agricultural habitats through their adverse and direct effects on them. Collectively, the tannery process leads to unsustainable circumstances.
For instance, tanning of around 1 kg of alligator hides needs an abundance of water and almost 2.5 pounds of chemical materials that eventually result in the production of 6 kg of hard water that carries potentially harmful bacteria.
Moreover, animal agriculture for the production of exotic leather is becoming common, which requires a lot of feed resources such as fossil fuels, water, and food. Additionally, animal agriculture is also a major source of various environmental pollution that contributes to climate change, water pollution, deforestation, etc.
Manufacturing Process of Exotic Leather
Crocodile and Alligator leather is made by processing the hide in various steps. Skin is preserved after the slaughter in order to prepare it for tanning. After the short term preservation process, the hide is soaked and the fats attached to the skin are dissolved through the liming process. Through the process of chrome tanning, the purely organic material is changed into the inorganic one. Bleaching and shaving of the animal hide is done to achieve a plain and uniform texture as well as to get rid of unwanted pigment. Once a partially processed material is achieved, the tanning process is performed again. The material is left to dry out and ends with coloring and the finishing touch.
Types of Exotic Leather
Some of the top exotic leathers that are renowned for the elegance of their texture, patterns, and color schemes are crocodile leather, snake eater leather, lizard leather, ostrich leather, and kangaroo leather. Being some of the luxury ones with incredibly artisanal appearances, these types of exotic leather are used in the making of fashion and luxury items such as shoes, bags, wallets, stripped watches, etc. Moreover, some of the world’s top brands sell luxurious products made up of exotic leather.
Crocodile and Alligator Leather
Crocodile leather is made up of the crocodile hide and the alligator skin is used in the manufacturing of alligator leather. Both are different from each other as they come from two different species. Nile and saltwater crocodiles are hunted for the making of Crocodile leather whereas, for Alligator leather, the hide of American Alligator is used.
Regular Care Tips for Crocodile Leather
Besides being expensive, crocodile and alligator leather is pretty prone to damage even by a little bit of carelessness. In order to maintain your crocodile leather’s supple texture and to keep it from sun damage regular cleaning, conditioning, and protection is a must. Follow the following steps to ensure the longevity of your expensive exotic leather items.
1- Start with dusting the product and proceed with pouring some drops of Whites Pearl Leather Cleaner on a soft cloth and apply it to the surface of your leather surface.
2- Wait a few minutes to get the surface dried out completely. Now Apply Whites Pearl Leather Conditioner or mink oil on the product and git it a gentle massage while moving your fingers in a circular motion. After a few seconds massage as well as the leather absorbing the whole goodness of leather conditioner, let it rest for a few minutes. Regular conditioning of crocodile leather always keeps its shine alive as well as its texture supple.
3- In the last step spray Whites pearl Leather Protector spray to protect your product from sun damage.
Popular Products from Top Brands
The processed crocodile and alligator leather are further used in the manufacturing of various luxury items such as belts, bags, jackets, furniture, and shoes. Owing to their distinct patterns and durability, many luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Hermes use crocodile leather and alligator leather in their luxury items.
Snake Eater Leather
Snake hide is processed for the manufacturing of Snake Eater leather. Snake eater leather is reputed for its distinct texture as well as intricate patterns. All types of snakes from different species worldwide offer distinct textures, patterns, and color schemes that make this category of exotic leather quite cheerful and wide to choose from.
Regular Care Tips for Snake Eater Leather
Snake eater leather has ridges that are prone to dust and dirt being gathered on the surfaces and nooks and crannies. Such a pattern requires routine cleaning and protection from dust to keep your leather product healthy and last longer. Follow the following 4 steps regular care to keep the texture maintained.
1- Clear off all the dust from the intricate surface of your exotic leather product. Apply Whites Pearl Leather Cleaner on it and spread it all over with the help of a soft brush.
2- Apply white pearl Leather Conditioner or Mink Oil to soften up the skin and retain the natural shine and color of your product. Give it a light massage and wait for a few minutes until the product is completely absorbed into the surface of your leather fabric.
3- Now, apply White Pearl Leather Protecting Spray all over the product for prospective maintenance.
Popular Products from Top Brands
Snake Eater leather is used in the making of luxury handbags and fashion footwear owing to its distinctive patterns and vibrant colors.
Ostrich Leather
The skin of ostrich is used in the making of ostrich leather. Ostrich leather can be distinguished by the tiny bumps on its surfaces due to the feathery texture of the ostrich’s hide. Additionally, ostrich leather has this versatile pattern of quill follicles that are unique in nature. Every quill follicle of the ostrich hide is different from each other. The soft pearly effect of its texture and patterns set this category of exotic leather apart from the other types of exotic leather.
Regular Care Tips for Ostrich Leather
The bumpy texture of ostrich leather makes regular cleaning essential. Careless may result in the form of dirt hiding in between the pattern resulting in the leather getting dry, losing its natural oil and leading to fading out its color and shine, and finally reaching cracks on the surface. Follow the below-mentioned steps to avoid leather damage.
1- Dusting with a clean cloth.
2- Apply White’s Pearl Cleaning Solution for thorough removal of dirt.
3- Massage the leather fabric with White Pearl Leather conditioner or Mink oil to revive the ostrich skin into a fresh one.
4- Apply White Pearl protecting spray when the leather conditioner is completely adjusted into the fabric.
Popular Products from Top Brands
Ostrich leather is particularly used to make luxury wallets, boots, bets, and other leather accessories. The exclusive pattern adds to the charm and aesthetic appeal of leather items made up of ostrich hide.
Kangaroo Leather
Kangaroo leather is manufactured by the kangaroo hide as its main source. Generally referred to as K-kangaroo leather is reputable due to its lightweight, flexibility, and strength. Owing to the flexibility yet strength, Kangaroo leather is profoundly appreciated in the form of athletic gear.
Regular Care Tips for Kangaroo Leather
Kangaroo leather is suggested to be stored in cool places away from heat and sunlight. Sunlight in the form of UV radiation can damage the Kangaroo leather while fading the shine and original care. Additionally, keep on with the regular care and protection of your kangaroo leather items to avoid frustration.
1- Remove dust from the surface of your kangaroo leather items with the help of a cloth.
2- Use Whites Pearl leather cleaner to wipe out the dirt and clear the skin for further steps to protect your items.
3- As soon as the leather item is clean, use Whites Pearl leather conditioner or Mink Oil and massage it gently for 3 minutes. Leave it for a few minutes before proceeding with the next step.
4- Apply Whites Pearl Leather protecting spray as a last step of your routine leather care. Protecting spray manages to stop the harmful effects of heat and dirt on the leather fabric while keeping it fresh for years.
Popular Products from Top Brands
Kangaroo leather is specially used in the production of the pieces of equipment used in the sports. These pieces of equipment include gloves etc. Furthermore, Kangaroo skin is rarely used in the manufacturing of luxury items.
Lizard Leather
For the making of lizard leather, the hide of lizard is utilized. Lizard leather offers a grainy pattern to leather lovers. The pattern contains comparatively smaller scales that make it different from other reptiles’ skin such as python and crocodile leather. Moreover, lizard skin brings more shine and smooth texture to processed leather products.
Regular Care Tips for Lizard Leather
Maintaining the natural luster of lizard leather is imperative that is only possible through regular cleaning and conditioning of the product. Follow the following cleaning and conditioning steps for better results.
1- Prepare the lizard leather product by dusting it before starting with cleaning process.
2- Once you are done with dusting the lizard leather properly, apply some Whites Pearl leather conditioner on a clean cloth and rub it softly to the leather surface.
3- After cleaning, go with conditioning using Whites Pearl leather conditioner the Mink Oil to moisturize the lizard’s refined skin, regain its luster, and avoid cracks.
4- Use a protecting spray of Whites Pearl to get prospective protection of your lizard leather.
Popular Products from Top Brands
Lizard leather is used to make end products that are comparably smaller in size such as belts and stripped watches etc. The attractive pattern makes the luxury items look visually striking.