Leather Guide
Our Leather
At Lei Custom Collars, leather is the foundation of every collar we create. Each piece is individually cut and handcrafted using carefully selected leather.
The leather used for each collar may vary depending on the design, color, and availability of the hide at the time the piece is made.
Leather Types
We primarily work with several types of leather commonly used in high-quality leather goods.
Bridle Leather
Bridle leather is traditionally used in equestrian equipment and fine leather goods. It is known for its structured feel and durability. Bridle leather may feel slightly firmer than some other leathers but softens naturally with use over time.
Latigo Leather
Latigo leather is strong and flexible and is often used where both durability and flexibility are important. Compared to bridle leather, it generally feels softer and more supple.
Harness Leather
Harness leather is a durable leather commonly used in traditional leather goods. It has a smooth finish and develops character as it ages.
Strap Leather
Strap leather is a strong leather frequently used in belts and leather goods where durability and structure are important.
Pigmented Strap Leather
Pigmented strap leather has a more uniform surface color created during the tanning process, which helps produce consistent tones for certain leather colors.
The leather used for a specific collar may vary depending on the design and the availability of the hide at the time the piece is made.
Leather Preparation
Before leaving our studio, every leather piece is cleaned and conditioned to help soften the leather and bring out its natural character.
👉 Learn more about how to care for leather dog collars
Leather Thickness and Collar Size
The thickness of the leather used for a collar is chosen based on the size and length of the collar, not only the width.
For very small dogs, we may use slightly thinner leather than our regular leather when appropriate. This helps keep the collar lighter and more comfortable for smaller necks while maintaining the same handcrafted construction.
👉 See how collar width affects comfort in our Dog Collar Width Guide
Natural Variation in Leather
Leather is a natural material, and no two hides will look exactly the same.
Even when dyed in the same color, the final appearance can vary slightly depending on the natural characteristics of the hide before it was colored.
These natural variations are part of what makes each collar unique.
Available Leather Colors
Below are the leather colors most commonly available for our collars.
Classic Leather Colors
Dark Chocolate Mid Brown Gray Black Blue
Brown Brown Brown
Warm Leather Tone
Magenta Red Pink
Colored Leather
Dark Light Slate Teal
Purple Purple Blue
Color Variation
Because leather is a natural material, the shade may vary slightly even when dyed in the same color. Lighting conditions and screen settings can also affect how colors appear.
Leather Color and Aging
Over time, all leather naturally develops a deeper tone.
Lighter leather colors typically darken faster than darker leathers. The edges of the leather may also absorb moisture and oils more quickly on lighter colors, gradually deepening the color.
For customers who prefer the collar to maintain its original color for longer, mid to darker leather tones are often a good choice.
Lighter colors and brightly colored leather may change in appearance more quickly and are sometimes chosen for special occasions or distinctive designs.
Choosing the Right Leather Color
Some customers prefer to match the leather color to their dog’s coat.
For example:
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Brown leather often complements dogs with warm brown tones in their coat.
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Black or gray leather pairs well with darker coats.
Some buyers prefer choosing a leather color close to their dog’s coat color so that decorative elements such as crystals, cabochons, or hardware stand out more.
Others enjoy matching the leather color to a specific detail in the dog’s coat — for example, choosing a lighter brown leather that complements lighter brown ears on a darker coat.
If you are unsure which color will look best, placing a leather belt or similar leather item near your dog can help you visualize the color combination.
👉 Explore crystals, cabochons and decorative design options
Collar and Leash Sets
When a collar and leash are ordered together, we try to cut both pieces from the same hide whenever possible to maintain similar color and character.
When items are purchased separately, small differences in shade may occur since we cannot always guarantee the same hide will still be available.
Leather also naturally changes tone with use, so a piece that has been worn may appear slightly different from a newer piece.
With darker colors such as black or dark brown, these differences are usually minimal.
Leather Dog Collar FAQ
What type of leather is best for dog collars?
We use several types of leather including bridle, latigo, harness, and strap leather. Each offers a different balance of structure, flexibility, and feel depending on the design.
Will leather dog collars soften over time?
Yes. Most leather softens naturally with use while maintaining its structure, especially in high-quality leathers like bridle and latigo.
Do leather dog collars change color over time?
Yes. Leather naturally develops a patina and may darken slightly with use, exposure to sunlight, and contact with natural oils.
Why does leather color vary slightly?
Leather is a natural material, and each hide has unique characteristics. Even when dyed the same color, slight variations may occur.
Which leather color is best for my dog?
Many customers choose leather based on their dog’s coat color or to highlight decorative elements such as crystals or hardware.
Are lighter leather colors harder to maintain?
Lighter leather may show wear and color changes more quickly than darker tones. These changes are a natural part of leather aging.