The list of materials and fabrics that have been used in gloves is extraordinary. For those simply investing in a basic pair for daily wear, here are some of the most common materials used to make them:
Deerskin
Very rugged and coarse, but offering decent strength, deerskin gloves are sturdy and show a more pronounced grain making it popular with outdoorsy folks who hike in cold climates.
Goat Skin
These leathers are very firm and far more harsh to the touch. It's usually used in men's gloves or for special occasions.
Lamb Nappa
Lamb Nappa leather is chrome-tanned producing an extremely soft and supple leather that is used in top quality leather gloves only. The touch, thinness and flexibility make it ideal for elegant dress gloves for men and women.
Hairsheep Leather
Finer and less bulky than most leather. It's very supple and soft to the touch but offers enduring resistance to wear and tear. Sometimes it is also referred to as Cape Skin, which refers to hairsheep from South Africa. Usually it is sourced in Ethiopia and Nigeria, whereas the Brazilian hairsheep leather is called Cabretta.
