Leather

materials · animal products · crafting

Comes from animals. Most leather comes from cattle, sheep, and goats, but it can also be made from horses, pigs, ostriches, alligators, and even seals. Different animals make leather with different qualities and textures.

Chemical transformation. Leather makers use a process called tanning to treat raw animal skins with special chemicals. This stops the skin from rotting and turns it into something tough and flexible that lasts for decades.

Strong and bendy. Unlike raw skin which tears easily and rots, leather is durable enough to last through years of wear. At the same time, it bends and flexes without breaking, making it perfect for jackets, shoes, and bags.

Many uses. Because leather is strong yet flexible, people have used it for thousands of years to make clothes, shoes, saddles, armor, and bags. Today it's still one of the most popular materials for fancy items and everyday gear.