Are these real hides?

Every hide we sell is 100% genuine, natural, hair-on cowhide. No synthetics, no imitations. If we carry a faux item, such as a faux fur throw, it is labelled clearly as one. Every hide ships with a certificate of authenticity.

Where they come from

We source from Brazil and Europe, the two regions that consistently produce the softest and most supple hides. They are tanned there and then warehoused in Florida, which is why orders leave us within 24 to 48 hours rather than sitting on a boat after you buy.

How they are tanned

Our hides go through chrome tanning, the industry standard for soft, durable leather and the same process behind quality handbags and shoes. It takes over eight hours and stabilises the hide so it stays supple and does not shed or curl with age.

The giveaway for a properly chrome tanned hide is the back: a faint blue-grey cast. Our tanneries use environmentally responsible waste treatment as part of the process.

What ethically sourced means

Our cowhides and sheepskins are byproducts of the food industry. No animal is ever raised or harvested for its hide. We work only with tanneries held to regulated environmental and labour standards, so the sourcing and the processing both stand up to scrutiny.

Hair length, and why everything is hair-on

We do not sort hides by hair length, because it varies naturally between animals and across a single hide. In practice almost everything we carry is a standard length: not long-hair, not shaved. Occasionally a hide carries a slightly longer winter coat.

We only sell hair-on hides. The hair is what gives a cowhide rug its texture, pattern and warmth, so we do not stock hairless or suede-style hides.