What is Kangaroo Leather?
Kangaroos are found in a great number in the land of Australia. Hundreds of kangaroos are used to produce Leather every year and Italy is one of the greatest importers of this type of leather. Some claim that kangaroo leather is as strong and more durable as cowhide leather and it is extremely hard to differentiate between the two. It is mostly used by the companies that make sports goods such as Nike and Adidas for the manufacturing of shoes, bags and jackets as well. Most people consider K-leather an exotic leather but actually kangaroos are to Australia as deer are to America.
Is Kangaroo Leather Waterproof?
Kangaroo leather just like any other type of leather is not waterproof on its own. It can resist a small number of splashes but in order to be able to wear it in rainy weather, protectant such as waterproofing spray should be used. However, it is always recommended to not expose leather jacket or shoes to too much water. It can damage the overall look as well as leave stains on the surface.
How Do You Care For Kangaroo Leather?
Just like all other types of leather, kangaroo leather should also be taken proper care of in order to keep it as good as new for a long time. It has a matte texture and can darken faster than any other leather. In order to prevent that, keep it away from too much water and sun exposure apart from cleaning and moisturizing it. Always use cleaning products that are specifically made for leather products.
Is Kangaroo Leather Durable?
It has been established that kangaroo leather is strong as well as durable. It can easily be compared with cowhide when it comes to the quality and if taken good care of, kangaroo leather product can last up to 15 years. Apart from being long-lasting, kangaroo leather is lightweight and quite flexible. It is one of the biggest selling points that such thin leather can produce jackets or shoes that are extremely strong. The grains in kangaroo leather are fine and uniform that means no chemical tanning is required to make it smooth.
Difference Between Cowhide And Kangaroo Leather
Cowhide leather in full grain or top grain form is considered durable but it does contain imperfections such as marks and scratches. These marks are removed via tanning and sanding process. Cowhide is heavy and is mostly used in the making of biker jackets.
On the other hand, kangaroo leather weighs half as much as cowhide. The grains are extremely uniform in this type of leather which means that no tanning or further processing is required. Unlike cowhide, kangaroo leather has a matte texture which could be considered as negative by many people.
Drawbacks Of Kangaroo Leather
There are sentiments attached to kangaroos and most people believe them to be pet animals. Which is why most fashion brands that use this type of leather in their products advertise it under the name K-leather. Apart from that, kangaroo leather is not shiny and does require tanning process to be more presentable and smooth. However, it is better to steer clear of any controversy by obtaining leather from pet animals. Instead, people should opt for more commonly used cowhide or sheep leather.