Horsehide Leather: Dense, Tough and Full of History
Horsehide has a devoted following among vintage jacket fans. It is dense, smooth and remarkably tough, and it wears in a way no other leather quite matches.
Horsehide at a glance
| Comes from | Horses |
|---|---|
| Feel | Dense, smooth, slightly glossy |
| Weight | Medium to heavy |
| Durability | ●●●●● |
| Break-in | Long, then moulds to you |
| Best for | Flight, moto and heritage jackets |
| At White Buraq | Yes, see our vintage collection |
What is horsehide?
Horsehide is leather made from the hides of horses, usually sourced as a by-product. Its fibres are packed tightly together, which makes the leather strong and resistant to abrasion without needing to be especially thick. In the mid-20th century horsehide was widely used for flight jackets, motorcycle jackets and work wear, and it is still made by specialist tanneries today.
How horsehide looks and feels
New horsehide feels firm and slightly slick, with a smooth surface that often has a gentle sheen. Instead of creasing softly like lambskin, it tends to form sharper "rolls" and creases where you bend. Over time it moulds closely to your shape, and the colour wears to a rich, uneven patina at the edges and high points.
Pros and cons
- Pros: extremely durable, wind-resistant, holds its shape, develops a distinctive patina, a strong link to classic jacket history.
- Cons: stiff at first and takes patience to break in; heavier than lambskin or goatskin; supply is smaller and prices can be higher.
What horsehide is best for
Heritage flight jackets, motorcycle jackets and work jackets. If you want a jacket that tells the story of how you've worn it, horsehide is hard to beat.
How to care for horsehide
Wear it often; that is the best way to break it in. Wipe it clean, condition sparingly (too much can make it soft and lose its structure), and store it on a broad hanger. Our breaking-in guide has more tips.
Horsehide vs cowhide
Horsehide is denser and usually a little smoother and stiffer, forming bolder creases. Cowhide is easier to break in and more widely available. Both are tough; horsehide has the stronger vintage character.
Horsehide at White Buraq
We make heritage styles in horsehide, including black and distressed brown horsehide jackets. See our vintage collection, handmade in our family workshop.
Frequently asked questions
Is horsehide stronger than cowhide?
Horsehide has a denser fibre structure, so it is very abrasion resistant for its thickness. Both are durable leathers.
Why is my horsehide jacket stiff?
Horsehide is dense and starts firm. It softens and moulds to you with regular wear.
What is the difference between horsehide and shell cordovan?
Horsehide is the hide itself. Shell cordovan is a special layer from the horse's rump, used mainly for shoes and small goods.
Related leather types
- Shell cordovan: Shell cordovan comes from a small area of a horse's hide and takes months to finish.
- Steerhide: Steerhide is thick, even and tough, which is why it has been a favourite for motorcycle and heritage jackets for generations.
- Goatskin: Goatskin is light yet surprisingly strong, with a natural pebbled grain.
- Pull-up (waxed & oiled): Pull-up leather is packed with oils and waxes, so it lightens where it's bent or stretched.
Explore all 30 leathers in our leather types guide, see our leather care guide, or contact us for help choosing a jacket.