All natural leather is defined by animal origin, which is the basis of determining leather type and its characteristics. The terms "Napa leather" and "top grain leather" simply mean the outside of the animal's skin. Suede is the inside of the skin or the part that's against the flesh. Some large animals have very thick skin containing several layers. These layers can be split apart and in fact are referred to as "split leather".

The most common animal leather types used for garments are; sheep (Lambskin), cow, goat (Kidskin), pig, and buffalo (water buffalo). Each one of these types of leather has its own characteristics.

• Sheep or Lambskin is primarily used for higher end fashion jackets because it is very thin and soft.
• Kidskin can also be used as a less expensive price point, but it is not as soft and pliable as Lambskin.
  
• Pigskin is the least expensive and is commonly used in suede jackets or low-end fashion jackets. It can sometimes be rough to the touch and rigid.
  
• Cowskin can also be used in fashion jackets, but is more popular when used in motorcycle jackets. The skin is much heavier than Lamb or Kid. The average leather thickness of a cowskin motorcycle jacket is 1.1mm to 1.4 mm as compared to the 0.7 average thickness of Lambskin.
  
• Buffalo is generally used as a less expensive substitute for motorcycle jackets. It has virtually the same thickness but does not have the soft touch or pliability as cowskin.