Alligator Skin: All You Need to Know

Introducing Alligator Skins: A Timeless Material for Your Wardrobe.

Alligator Skin American Exotic Leather Finished Natural Leatherworking

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



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