Deerskin Leather: Soft, Stretchy and Made for Movement
Deerskin is famous for comfort. It is soft, flexible and stretches with your movement, which is why it has been a favourite for gloves and footwear for centuries.
Deerskin at a glance
| Comes from | Deer |
|---|---|
| Feel | Very soft, spongy and stretchy |
| Weight | Light to medium |
| Durability | ●●●●● |
| Break-in | Almost none |
| Best for | Gloves, moccasins, casual jackets |
| At White Buraq | Not currently offered |
What is deerskin?
Deerskin is leather made from the hide of deer, including elk in some markets. The fibres are loosely woven and long, which gives the leather its soft, spongy feel and its ability to stretch and recover. Much deerskin comes from animals that were hunted or farmed for meat.
You may also hear the word buckskin. Traditionally that meant deerskin tanned by hand into a soft, pale leather; today it is also used loosely for any soft leather with a suede-like finish.
How deerskin looks and feels
Deerskin has a soft, slightly open grain and a warm, pliable handle. It stays soft even after it gets wet and dries, which is one reason it has been so popular for work gloves and moccasins.
Pros and cons
- Pros: exceptionally soft and comfortable, flexible, breathable, stays supple after getting wet.
- Cons: stretches over time, so fitted garments can lose shape; less abrasion resistant than cattle leathers; supply is limited.
What deerskin is best for
Gloves, moccasins, driving shoes, soft bags and casual shirt-jackets. It is less common for structured jackets because it stretches.
How to care for deerskin
Brush off dirt, spot-clean with a damp cloth, and condition lightly. If it gets wet, reshape it gently and let it dry naturally.
Deerskin vs lambskin
Both are soft. Lambskin is smoother and holds its shape better; deerskin is stretchier and feels more spongy.
Deerskin at White Buraq
We don't currently make jackets in deerskin. If you want a very soft, comfortable leather, have a look at our lambskin and suede styles.
Frequently asked questions
Is deerskin soft?
Yes. It is one of the softest leathers and stays soft even after it gets wet.
Does deerskin stretch?
Yes. Its long, loose fibres let it stretch and mould to you, which is great for gloves but less so for fitted jackets.
What is buckskin?
Traditionally, hand-tanned soft deerskin. Today the word is also used for soft leathers with a suede-like finish.
Related leather types
- Lambskin: Lambskin is buttery soft and light, and comfortable from the first day.
- Goatskin: Goatskin is light yet surprisingly strong, with a natural pebbled grain.
- Suede: Suede has a soft, velvety nap and deep, rich colour.
- Pigskin: Pigskin is breathable and affordable, and you can spot it by its pores grouped in threes.
Explore all 30 leathers in our leather types guide, see our leather care guide, or contact us for help choosing a jacket.