Shop for a leather vest, jacket or chaps and you'll see two hides more than any other: buffalo and cowhide. Riders argue about which is tougher, but the honest answer is that both make excellent riding gear. The differences come down to feel, look and weight. Here's how to choose.
Quick comparison
| Buffalo leather | Cowhide leather | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Pebbled, textured grain | Smoother, more even grain |
| Feel | Often feels softer and more broken-in | Firmer at first, softens with wear |
| Weight | Usually a little heavier | Usually a little lighter |
| Break-in | Little to none | A few rides to a few weeks |
| Best for | Riders who want a rugged look and soft feel | Riders who want a classic, smooth look |
Buffalo leather
Buffalo hide has a naturally pebbled grain that hides scuffs well and gives gear a rugged, lived-in look. Many riders like how soft buffalo vests and chaps feel right out of the box. It's also a popular choice in our store. Many of our chaps, vests and jackets are made from buffalo leather; each product page lists the hide.
Cowhide leather
Cowhide is the most common leather in riding gear. It has a smoother, more uniform surface that takes a shine and looks sharp. It can feel stiffer at first, then molds to your body as you ride. Cowhide is used across our jackets, vests and women's vests.
You'll also see goatskin, lambskin and other hides in some styles. Goatskin is light and flexible, and lambskin is very soft, so it's usually used for fashion pieces more than heavy riding gear.
See the difference: buffalo and cowhide gear from Buffalo Leather Gear
Buffalo leather:
- Covington Buffalo Leather Vest (HL11018NKD): 3–4 oz buffalo leather with a soft, broken-in feel.
- Men's Old-School Police-Style Leather Jacket (HL10205BLACK): 2–3 oz buffalo leather with a zip-out thermal liner, in S to 10XL.
- Women's Side-Lace Leather Motorcycle Jacket (HL13024): lighter 2 oz buffalo hide with a removable liner.
Cowhide leather:
- Jean-Pocket Leather Chaps (HL12836): 1.2–1.3 mm cowhide.
- Women's Classic Black Leather Vest (HL14850SPT): smooth, lightweight cowhide.
- Women's Low-Rise Studded Chaps (HL12801STUD): soft-milled 1.1–1.2 mm cowhide.
Which is tougher?
At the same thickness, buffalo and cowhide hold up about the same. A thicker cowhide will outlast a thinner buffalo hide, and the reverse is true too. Instead of choosing on the hide alone, look at what actually decides how long gear lasts:
- Leather thickness. Riding gear is commonly 1.0–1.4 mm thick. Our leather chaps, for example, are mostly 1.1–1.3 mm. Thicker leather is tougher but heavier and warmer.
- Stitching and seams. Look for reinforced or double stitching at stress points like shoulders and pockets.
- Hardware. Heavy-duty zippers and snaps last longer and won't rust.
- Fit. Gear that fits snugly stays in place. See our vest size guide and chaps fit guide.
A note on protection: leather resists abrasion far better than denim or cotton, but no apparel can prevent injury. Gear with armor pockets says so on its product page.
Caring for buffalo and cowhide
Both hides need the same care: wipe them down after riding, condition a few times a year, never dry them with heat, and store them on a wide hanger in a breathable bag. Buffalo's pebbled grain hides scuffs well, but give it a quick brush to get dirt out of the texture. Read the full leather care guide.
Common questions
Is buffalo leather real leather?
Yes. Buffalo leather is genuine leather from the water buffalo, and it's widely used for riding gear.
Is buffalo leather heavier than cowhide?
Usually a little, because buffalo hide is naturally dense. The difference you'll notice depends more on the thickness used than on the animal.
Which is better for hot weather?
Thickness matters more than the hide. For summer, look for lighter leather, perforated or mesh-lined styles, or a textile vest.
Shop by style: men's leather vests · women's vests · men's jackets · women's jackets · chaps. Questions? Call (770) 483-1060.