Why Sullivan Glove Uses the Leathers We Do—And What Makes Each Special

by Taylor Scott May 27, 2025

If you’ve ever slipped your hand into a pair of gloves and thought, “Wow, these just feel right,” there’s a good chance you were wearing something crafted with intention—maybe even a pair from Sullivan Glove. For over 80 years, Sullivan Glove has been handcrafting gloves using a variety of leathers, each chosen for its unique blend of comfort, durability, and style. But why do we use the leathers we do? What makes each type so special? Let’s dive into the world of glove leather, our philosophy, and the qualities that set each hide apart.

The Sullivan Glove Philosophy: Quality, Local Tradition, and Versatility

Sullivan Glove Company’s roots go back to 1941, when Edward Sullivan started making gloves for shipbuilders during World War II. After the war, he moved the business to Bend, Oregon, drawn by the abundance of local deer hides. The company’s tradition of using locally sourced, high-quality leathers continues today, with a focus on supporting the local economy, maintaining rigorous quality control, and serving a wide range of customers—from ranchers to motorcyclists to outdoor enthusiasts.

Sullivan’s approach is simple but rare today: use the best materials, make everything in the USA, and offer custom work for those who need a perfect fit. This philosophy is reflected in our careful selection of leathers, each chosen for specific qualities that match the demands of real-life use.

The Main Types of Leather Used by Sullivan Glove Company

We craft gloves from several types of leather, each with its own strengths and ideal uses. Here’s a breakdown of the main types you’ll find in their shop and why they’re chosen:

Deerskin
Elkskin
American Buffalo (Bison)
Goatskin
Cowhide

Let’s explore each in detail.

Deerskin: The Gold Standard for Comfort and Dexterity

Why Sullivan Uses It:
Deerskin is the original reason Sullivan Glove moved to Bend, and it remains a cornerstone of our lineup. Why? Because deerskin is incredibly soft, supple, and comfortable right out of the box. It’s the kind of leather that “instantly feels broken in,” making it a favorite for anyone who wants gloves that fit like a second skin.

Key Qualities:

Softness and Flexibility: Deerskin is renowned for its buttery feel and flexibility, which only improves with age and wear. This makes it ideal for tasks that require dexterity, like driving, riding, or everyday outdoor use.
Durability: Despite its softness, deerskin is tough. It’s abrasion-resistant, so it stands up well to real-world use, whether you’re working outside or just need a pair of gloves that will last.
Moisture Handling: Deerskin handles moisture better than many other leathers. If it gets wet, it dries quickly and returns to its original shape without becoming stiff or brittle.
Breathability: The natural grain of deerskin allows air to circulate, keeping your hands comfortable and reducing sweat buildup.
Aesthetic Appeal: Deerskin’s unique grain and slightly rugged look give it a casual, timeless style that works for both dress and work gloves.

Best For:

Everyday wear
Driving and riding
Outdoor activities where comfort and dexterity matter

Elkskin: The Heavyweight Champion for Tough Jobs

Why We Use It:
Elkskin shares many of deerskin’s best traits—softness, flexibility, and moisture resistance—but it’s thicker and even more durable. Sullivan uses elkskin for gloves that need to withstand serious abuse, like chore gloves or work gloves for ranching and construction.

Key Qualities:

Extreme Durability: Elkskin fibers are stronger and thicker than those in deerskin or cowhide, making it highly resistant to abrasion, tearing, and rough surfaces.
Softness and Comfort: Despite its toughness, elkskin is still soft and flexible, reducing hand fatigue and making it comfortable for long hours of use.
Weather Resistance: Elkskin stays supple in both hot and cold conditions, making it a reliable choice for year-round work.
Low Maintenance: The leather’s natural resilience means it doesn’t need much special care and can handle a lot of abuse without breaking down.

Best For:

Heavy-duty work (construction, ranching, forestry)
Chore gloves
Motorcycle gloves for those who want extra protection

American Buffalo (Bison): Rugged Durability for the Toughest Tasks

Why We Use It:
American Buffalo leather is known for its “very hard-wearing” nature, making it a top pick for gloves that need to survive the harshest conditions. Sullivan uses buffalo for gloves intended for ranch work, barbed wire handling, fencing, and other demanding jobs.

Key Qualities:

Exceptional Strength: American Buffalo leather has a tight grain structure, making it more resistant to abrasions and tears than cowhide. It takes some breaking in, but once it softens, it molds perfectly to your hand.
Water Resistance: The natural oils in buffalo hide provide good water resistance, so the gloves perform well in wet environments.
Unique Texture: American Buffalo leather has a rougher, more varied grain pattern, giving each glove a rugged, distinctive look.
Minimal Stretch: Unlike some leathers, buffalo doesn’t stretch out over time, so the fit remains consistent.

Best For:

Ranch work
Fencing and barbed wire handling
Heavy-duty outdoor tasks

Goatskin: The All-Around Performer

Why We Use It:
Goatskin is a favorite for gloves that need to balance strength, dexterity, and water resistance. Sullivan uses goatskin for work gloves, motorcycle gloves, and any application where you need a glove that can do it all.

Key Qualities:

Strength and Durability: Goatskin is considered one of the strongest leathers for its weight, with high tensile strength and excellent abrasion resistance.
Softness and Flexibility: It’s soft and flexible, making it comfortable to wear and easy to use for tasks requiring fine motor skills.
Natural Water Resistance: Goatskin contains natural lanolin, which keeps the leather soft and makes it more water-repellent than most other leathers.
Minimal Break-In: Goatskin gloves are soft almost immediately, so you don’t have to wait for them to become comfortable.

Best For:

Work gloves
Motorcycle gloves
Jobs requiring both protection and dexterity

Cowhide: The Classic Workhorse

Why We Use It:
Cowhide is the most common leather for work gloves, and for good reason. It’s tough, affordable, and offers an outstanding balance of durability and comfort. Sullivan uses cowhide for gloves that need to take a beating without breaking the bank.

Key Qualities:

Abrasion Resistance: Cowhide is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for heavy-duty work.
Comfort After Break-In: Cowhide gloves can be stiff initially, but they become more comfortable with use.
Affordability: Cowhide is generally less expensive than some of the more exotic leathers, making it a practical choice for everyday work gloves.
Heat Resistance: Cowhide offers good protection against heat, which is why it’s often used for welding gloves.

Best For:

Construction and heavy-duty work
Welding
Anyone needing a tough, budget-friendly glove

How Sullivan Matches Leather to the Job

Sullivan Glove Company’s expertise isn’t just in sourcing great leather—it’s in matching the right leather to the right job. Here’s how they typically pair leather types with glove uses:

The Sullivan Difference: Craftsmanship, Customization, and Local Pride

What sets Sullivan Glove Company apart isn’t just the leather—it’s the way they use it. Every glove is designed to fit well, feel great, and last. They’re also one of the few companies willing to make custom gloves for people with unique needs, ensuring everyone can get that “fits like a glove” experience.

Their commitment to using U.S.-sourced hides and manufacturing everything locally means you’re not just getting a fantastic product—you’re supporting a tradition of craftsmanship and community pride that’s rare in today’s marketplace.

Why Leather Choice Matters

When you buy a pair of Sullivan gloves, you’re not just getting a piece of leather sewn into a glove shape. You’re getting a product born of decades of experience, local tradition, and a deep understanding of what makes each type of leather special. Whether you need the supple comfort of deerskin, the rugged durability of American buffalo, or the all-weather toughness of elkskin, Sullivan will build you a glove that’s made for the job—and made to last.

So, next time you pull on a pair of gloves, take a moment to appreciate the story behind the leather. At Sullivan Glove Company, every hide is chosen carefully, every stitch is made with pride, and every glove is built to be your favorite—no matter where your hands take you.