Deerskin vs Lambskin Gloves: Which Leather Is Better for Riding?

For riding, pick deerskin. Both leathers feel soft, but deerskin's looser, more elastic fiber weave stretches and recovers, while lambskin is thinner and, in one glove maker's words, tears easily. Keep lambskin for dress, driving and everyday winter gloves off the bike.

This comparison is part of our guide to the best leather for motorcycle gloves.

Key takeaways- Deerskin: soft from the first wear, dries soft after rain, but stretches over time.- Lambskin: light, smooth and bends easily; suited to dress and driving gloves.- On a motorcycle, a deerskin glove maker calls lambskin the wrong choice because it tears.- Neither hide is warm on its own; the lining matters more, according to one maker.

Deerskin vs lambskin at a glance

Most of these points come from glove makers who sell one or both hides. We name the source where it matters.

Feel and fit

Deerskin is soft on the first wear. A deerskin maker puts that down to collagen fibers in a looser, more randomized weave than cowhide. The catch is stretch: a glove that fits in month one can feel loose months later.

That is why one deerskin glove maker recommends sizing down one size and expects the glove to feel tight at first. Lambskin gives less: the store we work with says it "gives a little with wear".

For how much leather gloves stretch and how to size for it, see do leather gloves stretch? on our sister site.

Durability on the road

Here the two split. Lambskin is the softest of the common glove leathers, and a deerskin glove maker says it tears easily and has no business on a motorcycle. That maker sells deerskin, so read it as an informed opinion, not a lab result.

Deerskin is not armor either. One glove seller rates its abrasion resistance "good", below elkskin's "very good". For more on how tough deer hide really is, see is deerskin leather durable?.

We found no independent tear or abrasion test that puts deerskin and lambskin side by side.

Rain, sweat and drying

Deerskin's open fibers relax back after soaking, so it dries soft. It also absorbs water readily, so your hands still get wet in a downpour.

For either hide, dry wet gloves flat at room temperature, never on a radiator or with a hair dryer. Heat can make leather stiff and cause cracks.

Which is warmer?

Neither, on its own. A deerskin glove maker says all common glove leathers insulate about the same at equal thickness and that the lining, wind sealing and cuff decide warmth. A lambskin glove maker calls lambskin "naturally insulating" but gives no test.

So compare linings, not hides. The full answer is in are deerskin gloves warm?.

Which to choose

• Riding, any season: deerskin. Size for the stretch.
• Heavier touring or rough use: look at elkskin vs deerskin gloves.
• Office, evenings out, driving a car: lambskin.
• Cold walks and commutes off the bike: a lined lambskin glove.
• Want other hides in the mix? See types of leather used for gloves.

What our store partner sells

The store we work with does not sell deerskin gloves. Its riding gloves are all hand-stitched cowhide; browse Leather Collection cowhide motorcycle gloves.

For off-bike wear, most of its men's gloves are lambskin, in dress, driving and lined winter styles. See the Leather Collection lambskin gloves for men. These are not sold as motorcycle gloves.

Quick answers

Is lamb leather good for gloves?

Yes, for dress, driving and everyday winter gloves: it is light and bends easily. For riding, a deerskin glove maker says it tears too easily.

Is deerskin leather good for gloves?

Yes. It is the softest common glove leather and dries soft after a soaking, but it stretches with wear.

Are deerskin gloves waterproof?

No. Deerskin absorbs water readily; it dries soft, but your hands get wet in heavy rain.

Why are deerskin gloves so expensive?

One glove seller rates deerskin the highest-cost common glove leather in its range. It does not give a detailed reason on the rating table.