MISSOULA’S BEST LEATHER SELECTION

We’re one of the largest Leather dealers in Western Montana, and we pride ourselves in having a vast selection of hides available in different colors and weights

Leather shelves at Hide & Sole displaying a wide variety of leather hides.

- What’s available? -


Chrome tanned top grain often has a slightly muted color. It is soft and pliable, with a more even surface.

- Top Grain (Chrome Tanned) -

Available Weights: 2 - 6 oz

Chrome tanning uses a synthetic compound, known as Chromium(III) Sulfate; derived mostly from wastes due to chromatic oxidation of organic compounds. This compound is not biodegradable. Chrome tanned leather is somewhat easily scratched, with a vaguely uniform appearance, and less visible pores. It is very pliable, often soft, and is more water resistant. The hides are uniform, with slightly muted coloring. It may develop a nice patina with age.


- Oil Tanned Leather -

Available weights: 2 - 5 oz

Oil tan is a type of chrome tan leather best known for its "pull up" or lightening effect. Oil tan leather is heavily treated with oils that darken the color of the leather. When the leather is creased or scratched, the oil redistributes to reveal a lighter color. That lighter color is called "pull up.” Pull up is lauded for making abrasions and wear look more appealing, making it perfect for distressed/rustic projects, and projects that emphasize creases or folds.

Oil tanned leather rolls on display at Hide & Sole.

Oil tanned hides often have more dulled colors and a matte finish that displays the wear on the leather.


Bison leather can come in very vibrant colors, and a variety of widths and textures, with a very distinct grain.

- Bison Hide -

Available weights: 4 - 9 oz

Bison leather is considered to be more robust than cowhide. Bison hide often starts out stiffer than cowhide, but shapes and softens considerably with age. The fibers of Bison leather are very densely packed, making it strong and resistant to scratches. The grain pattern of Bison is also less uniform than cowhide, giving every piece a unique “one of a kind” appearance.


- Latigo -

Available weights: 5 - 8 oz

Latigo is first chrome tanned, dried, and then vegetable tanned. After completing the tanning process, the hides are made to absorb various oils and waxes. This makes them more pliable and supple, while retaining their strength. Latigo is great for rigorous activities and applications with rough usage. It is resistant to moisture and sweat, due to the high amounts of oil it is infused with during manufacture. It is not stretchy and goes from rigid to supple and soft in a short time.

Latigo leather generally comes in brown tones, and has a uniform and waxy look with minimal visible grain.


Bullhide is soft, and has a uniform and textured surface, with slightly muted colors. It’s heavier than other cow leathers.

- BullHide -

Available weights: 6 - 9 oz

Bullhide is heavier and more robust than other chrome tanned top grain leathers, while maintaining the pliability of lighter hides. The hides are uniform, with slightly muted coloring. The grain of the hides is pebbled and more visible. The leather is rather easily scratched. Bullhide stretches less than other cow leathers, but will continue to soften with age.


- Cow Split Suede -

available weights: 2 - 3 oz

Split leather is a single layer of leather separated from the animal hide. Usually, the middle or lower section of the hide is used to produce split leather. The split side is aniline dyed and buffed to create the typical velvety effect. Durable yet soft, suede cowhide splits are great for chaps, aprons, saddle seats, and moccasins. It is almost always used in low-stress applications as split leather is considerably weaker than top grain leather. 

Split suede is very soft and has soft “nap” on both sides of the hide. It is available in a wide variety of colors.


Sheep leather is extremely soft and light, giving it a “buttery” feel. It is very resistant to creases and wrinkles.

- Sheep leather -

Available Weights: 1 - 2 oz

Sheep leather is one of the thinnest and softest of all the mass-produced commercial leathers. Only exotic leathers and pig suede are thinner. Sheep leather is generally lighter and more delicate than cow hide. It is favored by high-end fashion houses for its softness, and its ability to withstand creases. Typical uses for good quality sheep leather include jackets, handbags, and linings.


- Pig Suede -

Available Weights: 1.5 - 2 oz

Pig suede is very soft and form fitting. It is extremely easy to sew, either by hand or with a machine. These symmetrical shaped hides are double-buffed, giving the suede a “silky” feel. Pig suede is an excellent leather to use for those desiring strong, yet lightweight suede for garments or lining.

Pig suede is colorful, thin, and very strong for its weight. The buffing process gives it a very soft and silky finish.


Shearling is thick and extremely soft. The wool is even and dense, giving the colors a varied and matte look.

- Shearling -

Available thickness: ⅜ inch

Shearling hides are sheep leather that still has the wool intact. Shearling is extremely durable and water-resistant while being soft, supple, and warm. These hides are perfect for lining hats, gloves/mittens, boots, jackets, rugs, blankets, and more. Shearling sheepskin usually comes from New Zealand and Australia. Most shearling sheepskin is harvested from Merino sheep.


- Rabbit Hide -

Available thickness: ⅛ inch

Rabbit hides are very thin and delicate, and are processed with the fur on. They are ideal for lining gloves, garment collars and cuffs, as a soft accent to bags, pieces for fly fishing, as a trim on masks and more. Available in black, brown, natural, and white. Color shade, thickness, finish, and hand feel will vary from hide to hide in this collection.

Rabbit hides are very thin. The fur is extremely soft and smooth, and it lays in a specific direction.


Embossed leather rolls on display at Hide & Sole.

Embossed leather is colorful and made to look like exotic leathers, most commonly reptile skin and ostrich hide.

- Embossed Hides -

Available weights: 2 - 3 oz

Embossed leathers are often thin “craft grade” cowhide, made to look like “exotic” and more expensive leathers. They are pressed and dyed with the pattern on the hides they are made to imitate. Embossed hides are generally used for decorative pieces. They provide a great and affordable alternative to “exotic” hides, and can often give a very similar look to rare leathers without the care requirements or any legal questions.