FabricIQ
Reading the label…
Leather
C
Material made from tanned animal hide, most commonly cowhide. Durable, ages beautifully, and provides excellent wind and abrasion protection.
Material Score Breakdown
Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.
65/100
DurabilityStrong92
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
ComfortTypical60
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
BreathabilityPoor35
Air flow and ventilation
WarmthTypical55
Heat retention and insulation
Moisture WickingPoor15
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Care EasePoor35
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Sustainability (separate Eco score)
SustainabilityPoor35
Environmental impact of production and disposal
Brands using leather
3 brands have products in our catalog whose composition contains leather. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing leather.
Products with leather
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains leather. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
ZaraC
LEATHER BIKER VEST WILLY CHAVARRIA X ZARA
100% Leather
ZaraC
CROPPED FIT NAPPA LEATHER JACKET WILLY CHAVARRIA X ZARA
100% Leather
KithC
&Kin Combo Leather Avari Moto Jacket - Hickory
100% Leather
$1995
KithC
&Kin Orion Ponyhair Jacket - Stadium
100% Leather
$2250
KithC
&Kin Irving Combo Leather Moto Pant - Hickory
100% Leather
$1450
KithC
&Kin Ponyhair Alonzo Jacket - Sumo
100% Leather
$2250
KithC
&Kin Woven Leather Apollo II Shirt - Tool
100% Leather
$1750
StussyC
GARAGE JACKET CRACKED LEATHER
100% Leather
$550
StussyC
GARAGE JACKET LEATHER
100% Leather
$550
StussyC
LEATHER TIE
100% Leather
$85
StussyC
WORKGEAR BUCKLE BELT
100% Leather
$90
StussyC
BAMBOO BUCKLE BELT
100% Leather
$80
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from leather. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same leather feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
👔Formal/Office
GoodGood durability (92) and comfort (60) for office wear
Detailed Use Case Scores
outerwear85
formal75
Pros
- ✓ Extremely durable
- ✓ Ages beautifully (patina)
- ✓ Wind-resistant
- ✓ Classic aesthetic
Cons
- ✗ Poor breathability
- ✗ Requires conditioning
- ✗ Heavy
- ✗ Environmental impact of tanning
Better alternatives
Higher-scored natural materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
VicuñaA
+27 vs Leather · 92/100
BiodegradableThe rarest and most expensive animal fiber in the world, from the vicuña of the Andes. Finer than cashmere, incredibly soft, warm, and lightweight. A single coat yields only 250g of usable fiber every 2-3 years.
Merino WoolA
+21 vs Leather · 86/100
BiodegradableUltra-fine wool from Merino sheep. Softer and less itchy than regular wool, with excellent temperature regulation and moisture management.
Sea Island CottonB
+17 vs Leather · 82/100
BiodegradableExtra-long-staple cotton historically grown in the West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica) and Sea Islands of Georgia/South Carolina. Among the rarest commercial fibers on earth — staple length up to 2.5", silky hand feel, intense color saturation when dyed. Used in heritage luxury shirting and bespoke menswear.
Care Guide
Washspot clean only
Cyclenone
Detergentnone
BleachDo not bleach
Dryno tumble
IronDo not iron
Dry Cleanrecommended
SoftenerNo
Special Notes
• Condition with leather conditioner periodically
• Keep away from direct heat and sunlight
Additional Care Tips
- • Condition with leather cream or balm every 3-6 months to prevent drying and cracking
- • Wipe spills immediately with a dry cloth — avoid water saturation which warps and stiffens leather
- • Never machine wash or dry — professional leather cleaning only for deep stains
- • Store on wide padded hangers in a breathable garment bag; avoid plastic which traps moisture
- • Keep away from direct heat sources and prolonged sunlight which cause fading and brittleness
- • Allow wet leather to air dry naturally at room temperature — never use a hair dryer or heater
Cost
$$$$$
Premium
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
High environmental impact