Introducing Alligator Skins: A Timeless Material for Your Wardrobe.
Alligator skin has a long history of being used for a variety of high-end leather goods and accessories, including handbags, footwear, watchbands, garments, belts, wallets, and more. The American alligator, native to the Southeast US, is the source of these sought-after skins. These animals can be both wild-caught and farmed, with strict regulation from each state's Fish and Wildlife authority to ensure sustainable practices.
For centuries, alligator skins have been harvested for their durability and beauty. In the early 1800s, alligator skins were used to make boots, shoes, and saddles, and for oil that was used to grease steam engines and cotton mills. After the discovery of commercial tanning processes in the late 1800s and early 1900s, alligator leather became more pliable and soft, leading to a surge in demand. Unfortunately, this surge in demand led to a decline in alligator populations and hunting was banned in 1962.
However, with the creation of a revolutionary alligator farming program at Rockefeller Refuge in Louisiana, the alligator population was able to recover and was removed from the endangered species list in 1987. This program set an example for similar changes across the world, leading to the well-regulated annual harvest of one-third of all crocodile species and improved conservation status for many others.
At our online store, we are proud to offer ethically and sustainably sourced alligator skins, tanned using best practices that honor the history of commercial alligator skin tanning. Our commitment to quality has made us one of the few independent alligator skin tanneries in the world, and our customers continue to shop with us for their luxury leather needs.
Experience the timeless elegance of alligator skin for yourself and elevate your wardrobe with a touch of sophistication.
Alligator Skin Characteristics
American alligator skin has medium to large belly scales, without the follicle markings of other types of crocodile skins. The lack of follicle markings and relatively low calcium content make for a smooth scale appearance. It has a larger flank section and narrower belly section than most other crocodile species. Tails are also wider than average for crocodile species of similar size.
PanAm Leathers grades alligator skin on the midsection only, including the belly and flank. The condition of the head and tail are not considered in the grading. The grades are defined as follows:
- Grade 1: No defects in the belly
- Grade 2: One cluster of defects on the outer edge of belly or flank
- Grade 3: One cluster of defects in the center belly
- Grade 4: Clusters of defects in two different quadrants of the midsection
- Grade 5: Worse than grade 4
Defects are most often scars, scratches, shading or scaling deformities. In some rare cases, defects may include holes and grain issues. Anything with holes or grain issues would be downgraded to a grade 4 at best. Skins that are grade 3 or better will not have holes or grain issues in the midsection.
Alligator skin sizes are measured in cm at the widest point of the belly, not including any hard bone. Below are the average dimensions of each section of the skin for each size category. All measurements are in cm, except for average thickness which is in mm.
|
Size Range |
20/24 cm |
25/29 cm |
30/34 cm |
35/39 cm |
40/44 cm |
45/49 cm |
50/54 cm |
55/59 cm |
60/64 cm |
|
Width of head |
15 |
20 |
25 |
25 |
27 |
32 |
29 |
29 |
31 |
|
Length of head |
15 |
20 |
30 |
25 |
30 |
35 |
34 |
34 |
39 |
|
Width of belly |
22 |
27 |
32 |
37 |
42 |
47 |
52 |
57 |
62 |
|
Length of belly |
19 |
30 |
35 |
35 |
36 |
36 |
39 |
42 |
45 |
|
Width of tail at top |
17 |
20 |
24 |
27 |
29 |
33 |
37 |
41 |
44 |
|
Length of tail |
43 |
50 |
65 |
70 |
85 |
90 |
94 |
98 |
108 |
|
Total length |
88 |
100 |
150 |
155 |
168 |
178 |
180 |
182 |
197 |
|
Avg thickness (mm) |
0.8 |
0.8 |
1 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
1.4 |
1.5 |
1.6 |
1.8 |
Common Uses For Alligator Skin
Alligator skin comes in a range of sizes and qualities which makes it a very versatile material in terms of product application. Below is a chart summarizing how alligator skin is typically used across the various sizes and grades. However, each project and customer has different preferences and requirements, so the below is meant as merely a guide:
|
CM Size Range |
Grade 2 or Better |
Grade 3 or Better |
Grade 5 or Better |
|
20/24 |
Watchbands |
Watchbands |
Small leather goods, jewelry |
|
25/29 |
Watchbands |
Watchbands |
Small leather goods, jewelry |
|
30/34 |
Small handbags, footwear |
Footwear, wallets, electronics accessories |
Trim, small leather goods |
|
35/39 |
Medium handbags, garments |
Footwear, electronics accessories |
Small leather goods, trim |
|
40/44 |
Medium handbags, garments |
Medium handbags, footwear |
belts, small leather goods, trim |
|
45/49 |
Large handbags, garments |
Garments, footwear, upholstery, belts |
Footwear, belts, small leather goods, trim |
|
50/54 |
Large handbags, garments, upholstery |
Garments, footwear, upholstery, belts |
Footwear, belts, small leather goods, trim |
|
55/59 |
Large handbags, garments, upholstery |
Garments, footwear, upholstery, belts |
Belts, Upholstery |
|
60+ |
Luggage, upholstery |
Luggage, upholstery |
Belts, Upholstery |