Before buying a leather product or getting one custom made, we consider a lot of things, including the type and grade of leather, its finishing, color, stitching and ornamental details. Thickness is something that is not very often a part of this list of considerations. Knowing about the thickness of leather, however, must not be ignored.
In this blog, we will discuss why the thickness and weight of leather hold significance, what affects the thickness range, and help you understand the leather thickness chart. We will also talk about how thick leather should be for a specific leather product so that you can make a well-informed purchase decision.
What is Leather Thickness?
Leather thickness is a quality that determines how thick and heavy a particular type of leather is. Whether you are creating a leather product yourself or deciding to buy one, the thickness of the material plays an essential role in its softness, durability, and flexibility. In the blog, you will see a lot of correlation between the term “weight” and “thickness.” If you convey the weight of the leather, you are actually conveying its thickness. Both the words are used interchangeably for measuring leather thickness.
Factors Affecting Leather Weight/Thickness
The hide of an animal has many layers, and the thickness of leather depends on how it is split and separated into layers. When the hide is shaved, leather workers repeatedly measure its thickness to ensure consistent thickness. Still, being a natural material, some leather parts may have inconsistent thickness.
The centre of the hide that covers the back of the animal has a finer grain pattern as compared to other sections. The rough structure of the hide causes thicker leather.
Leather also goes through a pressing process which affects its thickness. Another significant factor affecting thickness of leather is the tanning process. Chrome tanned leather is softer as compared to vegetable tanned leather, which is thicker and fuller.
How Do You Weigh Leather?
In the USA, the leather weight is measured in ounces. The weight and thickness of the hide are correlated, as the range of thickness differs in all the sections. Hence, to convey weight of leather, a range gives an accurate idea of the thickness of a particular type of leather. Categorizing a specific range further establishes accuracy in case of slightly variable thickness. For instance, if the hide measures 4.5 oz, it will be specified in the 4oz - 5oz thickness in the leather oz chart or 1.6mm - 2.0mm in metric units.
How is Leather Thickness Measured?
While a simple ruler can also be used to give you an idea about the thickness of leather, it is accurately determined with tools such as the leather thickness gauge. Commercially, complex machinery is used to measure leather thickness more precisely.
The leather thickness gauge can be a simple tool made of wood. The piece of leather simply fits in its notch, and you can note the thickness. A slightly advanced and more accurate is the leather caliper, a gauge with a dial that shows reading both in ounces and inches. Commercial tanneries use laser sensor gauges to measure the leather thickness.
Standard Scale Of Measuring Leather Thickness Vs Branded Measuring Scale
The standard scale of measuring how thick a leather is in ounces, abiding by the Imperial System of measurement followed in the US. However, leather is not measured in ounces all over the world. Instead, other scales, such as the widely accepted metric scale (mm), fractional inches, or irons, are also used. The primary purpose of the leather thickness chart is to help you know leather weights or thicknesses on every scale.
One ounce would equal 1/64” or 0.75 irons when converted to the branded measuring scale. Decimal inches are also a unit used to measure the thickness of leather, and each ounce equals 0.016 inches. In the following section, you can read the leather thickness conversion chart for ounces, millimeters, and irons to help you determine the thickness of the leather in each scale.
How Thick is Each Ounce of Leather?
To begin with, 1-ounce thick leather corresponds to 1/64”, 0.4mm, or 0.75 irons. 2 oz thickness equals 1/32” fractional inches, 0.78mm, or 1.50 irons.
How Thick is a 3 oz Leather?
3 oz leather thickness equals 3/64”, 1.19mm, or 2.25 irons.
How Thick is a 4 oz Leather?
4 oz leather thickness equals 1/16”, 1.60mm, or 3.00 irons.
How Thick is a 5 oz Leather?
5 oz leather thickness equals 5/64”, 1.98mm, or 3.75 irons.
How Thick is a 6 oz Leather?
6 oz leather thickness equals 3/32”, 2.39mm, or 4.50 irons.
How Thick is a 7 oz Leather?
7 oz leather thickness equals 7/64”, 2.78mm, or 5.25 irons.
How Thick is an 8 oz Leather?
8 oz leather thickness is equal to ⅛”, 3.18mm, or 6.00 irons.
How Thick is a 9 oz Leather?
9 oz leather thickness equals 9/64”, 3.58mm, or 6.75 irons.
How Thick is 10 oz Leather?
10 oz leather thickness equals 5/32”, 3.96mm, or 7.50 irons.
How Thick is an 11 oz Leather?
11 oz leather thickness equals 11/64”, 4.37mm, or 8.25 irons.
Suitable Leather Thickness for Each Leather Product
The appropriate thickness of the leather is advised for each type of leather product, as some require thinness and flexibility, while others require a sturdy, thick type of leather. To guide you further, we have compiled an assortment of applications of different leather thicknesses as under.
1-2 oz: thin wallets, thin watch straps.
2-3 oz: lightweight wallets, thick watch straps, lining, embossing, light upholstery.
3-4 oz: lining, embossing, light bags, boots, shoes, book covers.
4-5 oz: boots, light handbags, purses, chaps, book covers, pouches.
5-6 oz: cases for devices, book covers, light moccasins,
6-7 oz: heavy-duty boots, heavy cases, light moccasins, chaps, duffels, thin belts.
7-8 oz: light sheaths, belts, moccasins, standard handbags, light holsters
8-9 oz: slings, standard belts, standard sheaths, straps, knife sheaths, slings, medium holsters.
9-10 oz: heavy holsters, light armors, heavy belts, knife sheaths, lightweight saddles.
10-11 oz: medium-weight armors, heavy straps, pet collars, saddle bags.
Choose the Thickness for Your Custom Leather Jackets
When ordering a customized leather jacket, you may want a specific thickness depending on when, where, and how you plan to wear it. If you want a summer or spring jacket, you should have the option to go for a lesser leather jacket thickness. The custom leather jacket service by Poshele allows you to choose the thickness of leather for your jacket, ensuring optimum functionality for your precious jacket.
FAQs
What is the Thickness of Leather?
Leather thickness is one of the features to determine its density. We use it to assess the quality and appropriate use of leather.
Which Animal Has The Thickest Leather of All?
Cow's hide makes the thickest leather due to the presence of several layers in it. Cowhide can be split to separate layers and get the desired thickness.
Which Type of Leather Lasts the Longest?
Full-grain cowhide leather is known to last the longest. With proper maintenance, it can last up to 100 years.
What Does Oz Mean In Leather?
Oz (ounce) is the standard leather weight thickness chart unit. Leather is typically measured with this standard scale.
How Thick Should Leather be for a Jacket?
For a functional leather jacket that provides warmth and protection, leather should be at least 1.12mm or 2-4 oz thick.
What is the Required Thickness for a Leather Motorcycle Jacket?
Leather for a motorcycle jacket should be at least 1.3mm thick to ensure robust protection and warmth.
What is the Suitable Thickness For a Leather Belt?
The suitable thickness of leather to make a belt is 8-9oz, or 3.5mm.
What is the Suitable Thickness for a Leather Wallet?
Leather that is 2-3 oz, or 0.78-1.19mm thick, is best for a good quality wallet.
Summing Up the Leather Thickness Chart
Leather is a highly sought-after material due to its tensile strength and warmth. These qualities depend upon how thick the leather hide of a particular animal is. In this leather thickness guide, we have tried to simplify measuring leather thickness and how different thickness ranges can be used for different products. Plus, with the help of the conversion chart for the commonly used units, it will be easy for you to get the leather measured on any scale the manufacturer uses.
