Leather is a layered material:

• Top layer: Top-grain leather
• Lower layer: Split leather (cow split leather)

Our cow split leather features a distinct fibrous structure, making it both versatile and cost-efficient.
 

Yes. Cow split leather is 100% genuine leather, derived from the inner fibrous layer of natural cowhide.

Suede refers to leather with a soft, brushed nap surface.
Cow split leather is one of the most common materials used to produce suede finishes.

At L'arc en cuir, we refine split leather into a premium suede texture with a soft touch and elevated appearance.
 

• Softer, looser fiber structure
• Excellent abrasion resistance
• Lower tensile strength compared to top-grain leather
• Natural texture variation and depth

As a natural material, leather may include:

• Insect marks
• Vein patterns
• Growth lines
• Minor scratches or processing marks

Variations in fiber density may also cause slight color or nap differences—a hallmark of genuine leather.

L'arc en cuir provides three standard thicknesses:
1.2–1.4 mm / 1.4–1.6 mm / 1.6–1.8 mm, allowing selection based on application needs.

Leather comes in irregular natural shapes, not standard rectangles.
At L'arc en cuir, we use the international standard unit: square feet (sq. ft. / SF).

With a yield rate of up to 85%, cow split leather offers higher material efficiency than top-grain leather—making it ideal for:

• Footwear
• Work gloves
• Leather goods

Despite enhanced fixation during dyeing, color transfer may still occur, especially with dark or highly saturated colors (e.g., red, blue, black).
This is due to leather’s porous, fiber-based dye absorption, distinguishing it from synthetic, coated materials—and serving as a hallmark of genuine leather.
 

L'arc en cuir provides physical swatches for evaluating color, thickness, and texture.
Please contact us to request samples.