Abstract

Garment leather produced from ovine skins is used to manufacture high quality and high cost products. Little is known about which physical properties of this leather affect the garment construction processes and which physical properties are relevant to end-use performance. Test methods developed to assess suitability of woven materials for use in tailored garments were applied to lightweight garment leather from four breeds of sheep (male and female), but subjected to identical processing conditions. Specimens were cut from different locations and orientations on the skins. Location and orientation had a more significant effect on properties than the biological factors of breed and sex. Tanners can use these methods to develop leather with characteristics suitable for garment manufacturing processes.