Buffalo Leather: Rugged Grain and Serious Strength
Buffalo leather is for people who like their leather with character. It is thick and strong, with a bold, uneven grain that looks rugged from day one and ages beautifully.
Buffalo at a glance
| Comes from | Water buffalo |
|---|---|
| Feel | Thick with a bold, pebbled grain |
| Weight | Heavy |
| Durability | ●●●●● |
| Break-in | A few weeks |
| Best for | Bombers, workwear, bags |
| At White Buraq | Yes, see our bomber jackets |
What is buffalo leather?
Most buffalo leather comes from the water buffalo, an animal raised across Asia and parts of Europe and Africa mainly for milk, meat and farm work. Its hide is a by-product. (It is not the same as American bison, which is a different animal and much rarer as a leather.)
How buffalo leather looks and feels
Buffalo hide is thick and dense, with a pronounced grain that often looks pebbled or slightly wrinkled. Natural marks and variations are common and are part of its charm. It feels heavier than cowhide and has a matt, earthy look, especially in distressed and oiled finishes.
Pros and cons
- Pros: very strong and abrasion resistant, distinctive grain, hides scuffs well, ages with a rich patina.
- Cons: heavier and stiffer than cowhide at first; the bold grain is not to everyone's taste if you prefer a smooth, dressy finish.
What buffalo leather is best for
Buffalo is excellent for rugged styles: bomber jackets, workwear, travel bags and belts. It suits distressed and vintage finishes especially well.
How to care for buffalo leather
Brush or wipe off dirt, condition it a few times a year, and let it dry naturally if it gets wet. Its textured surface hides small marks, so a quick wipe is usually all it needs. Read our leather care guide.
Buffalo vs cowhide
Buffalo is generally thicker with a more pronounced grain; cowhide is smoother, a little lighter and comes in a wider range of finishes. If you want a rugged look, choose buffalo; for an all-rounder, cowhide.
Buffalo leather at White Buraq
We make buffalo leather styles such as our distressed brown buffalo bomber with a sheepskin collar. Browse our bomber jackets to see what's available.
Frequently asked questions
Is buffalo leather real leather?
Yes. It is genuine leather tanned from water buffalo hide.
Is buffalo leather stronger than cowhide?
It is usually thicker with a denser grain, so it is very tough and abrasion resistant.
Is buffalo leather the same as bison?
No. Most buffalo leather is from water buffalo. Bison is a different animal and a much rarer leather.
Related leather types
- Cowhide: Cowhide is the world's most-used leather: tough, dependable and full of character.
- Steerhide: Steerhide is thick, even and tough, which is why it has been a favourite for motorcycle and heritage jackets for generations.
- Distressed: Distressed leather is finished to look worn-in and vintage from the start.
- Horsehide: Horsehide is dense, smooth and incredibly tough.
Explore all 30 leathers in our leather types guide, see our leather care guide, or contact us for help choosing a jacket.