What Is the Best Type of Leather for Watch Straps?

When choosing your perfect leather watch strap, it’s important to know the best type of leather for watch straps, the one that will suit your needs best. Overall, there is no single best type of leather for your strap, it’s more important to make sure that the quality of the leather is the very best it can be so that you can choose the best fit for your preferred style and lifestyle. All our straps are held to the highest standards for quality and sustainability, so you don’t have to worry about that. Now it’s just a case of choosing the best type of leather watch strap for you.

In this guide I’ll be taking you through many of the common leather types and suggesting the type of person and watch that they may suit to give you an idea of which type of leather is best for you.

If you need more help deciding on your perfect leather watch strap, then we have many more guides here on our magazine.

One of the most commonly used leather types, this leather balances durability and softness making it a great middle ground for comfort and longevity. The vegetable tanning process enhances the natural colours and beauty of the leather and will create a rich patina over years of wear.

This type of leather will suit the person that is looking for everyday wear on their favourite timepiece.

With increased durability over top grain, this type retains the hide’s natural texture that makes every strap individual. It’s hard wearing, long lasting, and ages beautifully through constant use.

This type of leather would be best for someone that is also looking for daily use but may lead more of an active lifestyle and need that higher durability.

An exotic and striking appearance, ostrich has a very distinctive and almost reptilian texture. It’s supple but still durable making it a great choice for occasional or everyday wear.

This is the best type of leather for someone that has some more standard leather straps and is looking for something that still has that classic aesthetic and comfort but with a twist. If you’re asking me, I think ostrich looks particularly great on smaller and vintage watches!

This premium Italian leather benefits from a smooth, almost waxy finish. This finish develop patina over time, adding character to your strap with every wear.

This type of leather is best for someone looking for a perfect companion to their dress or special occasion watch. A strap that can hold memories of milestones and events alongside your most treasured watch.

A different texture, this suede is soft and flexible. This comfort feels great on-wrist but it’s important to remember that suede often takes a little extra care and maintenance than other leather types. Don’t get it wet or spill coffee on it! It’s often worth the added care to achieve that relaxed vintage charm that suede provides.

Suede is a great option for both modern and vintage watches. It works especially well on chronographs as the texture complements the busy dial designs beautifully

This is a rugged leather type that has been treated with wax to enhance it’s natural distressing. This leather is built to take on a beautifully worn-in look over time.

Another great option for older watches, this leather will bear the marks of use alongside your vintage timepiece giving the appearance of an older strap without compromising on quality and longevity.

Elegant and refined, this finely crafted leather is known for its rich colouring and refined texture. Often tanned with vegetable oils to enhance its appearance and quality.

This option is great for those looking for a smart and elegant look. Ideal for dress watches.

This leather type is tanned using natural materials like olive tree bark. With exceptionally strong characteristics, this is one of the most durable types on this list. Still, the flexibility and comfort you expect from leather are maintained.

This option is particularly good for those that are using their leather strap for more intense activities or demanding daily use.

This textured leather is extremely scratch-resistant and maintains its shape very well. Thanks to the high durability of the hide used, this is another strong option for those looking for a dependable and consistent strap.

This leather is refined and often used in other high-end luxury goods making Epsom a perfect choice for collectors of other luxury items or people that are coordinating every part of their outfit. Equally it can be used by someone that will give their strap a hard life and expect it to perform.

Rarer than many other leather types on this list, mutton leather is exceptionally soft and supple. This softness makes it extremely comfortable to wear.

This leather type would be perfect for anyone with older or more sensitive skin, or equally anyone that searches for comfort above all else.

One of the more premium leather types coveted for its deep colouration, smooth feel and ability to develop natural looking patina over time. Glossy in appearance, this leather will stand out among the others on this list.

A great companion for high-end watches, this leather matches many of the top achievements in horology in appearance.

Sharing the hide type with Horween but having the hide flipped to produce a raw, unfinished look. This leather type offers a distinctive look but with the same renowned durability.

This is perfect option for someone looking for high-end, dependable leather straps but prefers the more raw, natural look to complement their watch.

If you have found this guide useful then make sure to look at our other product guides to help you find the very best straps and accessories for your watch collection. And if you’d like to learn how our premium leather watch straps are made, you can read more about it here.