Fashion Trends

Superiority of Alligator vs Crocodile Leather

Many products today are made from alligator or crocodile leather, from purses and shoes to custom leather dog collars. When trying to determine whether alligator or crocodile leather is more superior leather or more luxurious, there are many factors to consider before making a final determination. Generally, alligator leather is viewed as the nicer and more luxurious leather, with more symmetrical scale patterns and a softer hide. Alligator has a smoother and more "three-dimensional" feel than crocodile skin, and alligator hides typically command the highest prices. It is one of the most highly sought raw materials by the manufacturers of luxury items. Although extremely rare, a very few number of crocodile skins can compare with the quality of alligator hide. These would include "Nile crocodile" and Australian saltwater crocodile. When processed and tanned correctly, these very rare and expensive crocodile skins can meet or exceed the luxuriant nature of alligator skin.

Species of Reptiles There really is only one species of alligator, known as the American Alligator. In contrast, there are over a dozen species of crocodiles from all over the world. The most common is the Brown Caiman, which is found in Central and South America. Generally, caiman skin is drier and stiffer than alligator skin, and significantly less durable. Unfortunately, many items made from caiman skins are deceptively labeled as alligator products. Most species of crocodile are endangered and therefore illegal to hunt and harvest for commercial use, or at the very least their use is restricted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). When examined closely, crocodile or caiman skin will have small pits in the scales. These pits do not exist at all in genuine alligator products.

A Comparison of the Leathers At first glance, it can be very difficult to tell crocodile from alligator leather. They are similar in a number of ways, and both will provide many years of useful service. However, the value and quality of the leather can vary greatly depending upon the tanning process used and the body section of the donor animal from which the leather is taken. The most important considerations tend to be softness, scale pattern, and finish. For the most part, alligator skin is of a far greater quality, with more symmetrical scale patterns, softer skin, and a smoother feel than crocodile skin. 

Superiority of Alligator vs Crocodile Leather

Many products today are made from alligator or crocodile leather, from purses and shoes to custom leather dog collars. When trying to determine whether alligator or crocodile leather is more superior leather or more luxurious, there are many factors to consider before making a final determination. Generally, alligator leather is viewed as the nicer and more luxurious leather, with more symmetrical scale patterns and a softer hide. Alligator has a smoother and more “three-dimensional” feel than crocodile skin, and alligator hides typically command the highest prices. It is one of the most highly sought raw materials by the manufacturers of luxury items. Although extremely rare, a very few number of crocodile skins can compare with the quality of alligator hide. These would include “Nile crocodile” and Australian saltwater crocodile. When processed and tanned correctly, these very rare and expensive crocodile skins can meet or exceed the luxuriant nature of alligator skin.

Species of Reptiles 

 There really is only one species of alligator, known as the American Alligator. In contrast, there are over a dozen species of crocodiles from all over the world. The most common is the Brown Caiman, which is found in Central and South America. Generally, caiman skin is drier and stiffer than alligator skin, and significantly less durable. Unfortunately, many items made from caiman skins are deceptively labeled as alligator products. Most species of crocodile are endangered and therefore illegal to hunt and harvest for commercial use, or at the very least their use is restricted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). When examined closely, crocodile or caiman skin will have small pits in the scales. These pits do not exist at all in genuine alligator products.

A Comparison of the Leathers

At first glance, it can be very difficult to tell crocodile from alligator leather. They are similar in a number of ways, and both will provide many years of useful service. However, the value and quality of the leather can vary greatly depending upon the tanning process used and the body section of the donor animal from which the leather is taken. The most important considerations tend to be softness, scale pattern, and finish. For the most part, alligator skin is of a far greater quality, with more symmetrical scale patterns, softer skin, and a smoother feel than crocodile skin. 

 

  

      

 

Fashion Week Handbags: Hermes Spring 2011

 

It has often seemed as though Jean Paul Gautier favorite thing to do on the Hermes runway is riff on the classics that make the brand so iconic and successful, and Hermes Spring 2011, Gautier swan song with the brand, was a horse-static, S&M-tinged ode to exactly those tendencies. The handbags mostly stayed clear of the psycho sexual leanings of clothing, but that isn’t to say that they weren’t interesting.

If I told you that the bag to the left were actually made of real, honest-to-God crocodile, would you think I was lying? I wouldn’t blame you if you did, because I’ve never before encountered crocodile skin that I could see through, but Style.com seems to indicate that it’s the genuine article. From that to picnic basket and fanny pack Kelly and tiny Birk-ins hanging from cuff bracelets, it seems as though Gautier had a fine time with his last trip through the Hermes accessory archives. 

As the name implies the shoes made from alligator skins are commonly called alligator shoes. Just as with the leather that comes from cows for most shoes alligator shoes are made from the hides of alligators and are very popular due to the natural durability of the alligator skin. The alligator is a predator animal, so wearing the skin of an alligator can be perceived as being exotic, daring and sexy. As you would suppose just from the name, men’s alligator shoes are of course, shoes that are constructed of alligator hides, which are skins taken from animals for human usage. Like crocodiles, alligators have been on the planet for many millions of years and are probably the closest living relatives to the dinosaurs. Their huge teeth and incredibly resilient and tough skins give us an indication of what the dinosaurs may have been like. This same quality is also what makes them such great shoes, they are practically indestructible and in addition to being used for shoes the hides are also used to fashion wallets and belts. Alligator skin can be used for watchbands, handbags, wallets, shoes and boots. Wearing alligator leather shoes is a sign of economic success. Many European brand names use this exotic leather such as Gucci, Channel, Prada, and Mezlan.

Another very well known maker of not only alligator skin shoes but also other exotic skins such as ostrich, crocodile, lizard and more is the Leatheroftheworld Company. They have one of the largest selections of colors and designer styles in the entire world. Of the few manufacturers of men alligator shoes here are the most recommended men alligator shoes manufacturer and some online retailer of men alligator shoes. Leatheroftheworld Company is an exotic skin shoe manufacturing company that features a diverse variety of alligator shoes, as well as crocodile, lizard, emu and other animal skin combination. Their vast selection of alligator shoes ranges from plain, conservative colors to higher fashion styles.

There are thousands of fine leather craftsmen all over the world, often specializing in tanning specific exotic animal skins with decades of experience that they pass on to future generations. When it comes to exotic footwear, many men normally prefer the alligator shoes. Men alligator sandals are also very common, especially during the hot days. Alligator loafers for men are a good fashion accessory to wear casually. There are many designs for this option. There are many things to consider when looking for the footwear that will bring out the best in you. Before you purchase any footwear, make sure that they fit comfortably. Buy the foot wear that you can afford, but make sure it is stylish and of high quality. You do not want to get some good looking sandals or boots which will wear off within a short time. Alligator Shoes is known worldwide for their large selection of top fashion footwear that are worn all over the globe. Alligator Shoes offers the best quality footwear with the latest in style and fashion. Since the economic downturn and the start of the recession, there has been a great decline in the prices of luxury items including alligator leather boots. Many people are taking advantage of the current recession and buying luxury items such as crocodile leather and alligator leather shoes. Although they feature shoes from all kinds of different skins and in a wide variety of styles their mainstay is their exotic skin department.