Leather

The Pros and Cons of Camel Leather Apparel

Camel Leather Artnamic - The Pros and Cons of Camel Leather Apparel - Art is Dynamic - Artnamic

Depending on where you’re from, camel leather may seem like an unusual, exotic choice of material. But, there are a few reasons why you should consider this fine leather for your next purchase, be it a camelhide bag, boots, or belt. There are also a few potential reasons not to — like the occasional “funky” complaint . Here’s your guide to camelhide.

Camel is one of those “high-character” materials that are uncommon even when compared to other “exotic” leathers. While rare and unusual certainly describe camel leather, it is also extremely durable — more on that below — with a lovely grain, lovely patina, and soft temper.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Unique look, nice texture, ages well
  • Sustainable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Limited supply
  • Expensive
  • Possibly smelly

One of the biggest pros of camel leather is its durability. The toughness of an animal’s hide is largely determined by the environment they live in, and camels live in some of the most extreme environments in the world. So it’s not too surprising that camel hide is tough, and you can use less of it to produce a durable product. It’s common to read that camel leather is durable and lightweight, not unlike calf leather.

The lightweight, strong nature of both calfskin and camel skin is due to the number of fibers per square centimeter of the hide. I’ve read reports of camel hide being anywhere from 3 times to 10 times as strong as cattle hide, with one UNESCO report saying 5 times as strong. 

The same UNESCO report claims that supporting the camel industry in arid environments has a positive effect when combating desertification. UNESCO states that camel farms,

will contribute combating desertification, assist with the recovery of desert ecosystems, and reduce freshwater consumption in the area.

However, a lot of what is sustainable or environmentally friendly in leather production is due to how the tannery handles tannage. One of the larger camel leather suppliers is the Al Khaznah Tannery in Abu Dhabi. They ethically source their hides, meaning the camels are raised for the food industry not specifically for leather. This way, the skin is a byproduct that’s making use of something that would be discarded. They also tan with a chrome-free process that leaves it chemical-free. Water from this process is recycled, and waste is composted.

There may be tanners that don’t use sustainable processes, so if you’re concerned about this check to see where the company sources their leather from.

As camels are traditionally found in desert communities and used for transportation, food, and clothing, the camels may be up to 40 years old before they’re slaughtered. Like other hides from older animals, camel leather has unique stretch marks and scars if left in its natural state.

Most full grain camel leather has a pebble-like texture. Roughout camel can have a short nap. Camel leather is also known to develop a beautiful and unique patina with a nice “honeying” from UV exposure. 

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For example, the Al Khaznah Tannery in Abu Dhabi is a government-owned tannery specializing in camel hides. Khaznah Camel Leathers are sourced as a by-product of the meat industry like most modern leather.

An Italian tanner that specializes in veg-tanned leathers exclusively supplied leather for Viberg’s Camel leather boots. Far Horizon Traders, which specializes in camel leather bags, has sourced their leather from local manufacturer in the Thar Desert in India.

2 thoughts on “The Pros and Cons of Camel Leather Apparel

  1. Avatar of eric eric says:

    one the best leather kind for important stuff

  2. Avatar of amanda amanda says:

    how can i get a camel leather sheet in 3 and half meter ?

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