Once a status symbol, exotic leather is now under fire – banned by major fashion weeks and dropped by luxury brands. But is it really worse than cow leather? And could bans cause unintended harm?
Is exotic leather on its way out – or is the story more complicated?
What is exotic leather?
Exotic leather refers to hides from non-traditional sources:
- Crocodile, alligator, and lizard
- Python and other snakes
- Ostrich
- Stingray and eel
While some are hunted in the wild, many are farmed – especially in Southern Africa. These leathers are prized for their unique textures, durability, and exclusivity.
Growing backlash
Exotic leather is facing increasing scrutiny:
- London Fashion Week banned exotic leather this year
- Chanel and Marc Jacobs have phased it out
- Animal rights groups are pushing for more bans
Banning exotic leather may seem quite straightforward – but there’s more beneath the scaly surface. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of exotic leather.
CON: Animal welfare
Even if farmed humanely, exotic animals must be killed for their skins.
If you believe no animal should die for fashion, then all leather – including cowhide – should be banned, and the discussion ends here. But if only exotic leathers are being targeted, then there’s more nuance to unpack.
PRO: Conservation benefits
- Commercial harvesting gives local communities financial incentives to conserve species and their habitats
- Using invasive species (like some pythons) can aid population control
With proper regulation, exotic leather could support conservation rather than harm it.
CON: Commercialisation of wildlife
When we commercialise wildlife, we bring endangered animals into a system in which they are likely to be exploited.
- The fashion industry is known for overconsumption – endangered animals aren’t exempt
- More demand = increased risk for illegal trade and poaching
PRO and CON: Waste
PRO: Co-product of meat industry
- Public perception is that exotic animals are killed only for their hides (like fur)
- Many exotic leathers are co-products of the meat industry – like ostrich, crocodile, and even lizard
CON: Luxury waste
- These leathers are loved in luxury for their unique textures and exclusivity
- But – luxury fashion demands perfect hides
- Hides with any blemishes, scars, or imperfections are rejected
CON: Toxic tanning
The tanning process uses chemicals that, if not carefully controlled, can:
- Harm workers
- Pollute our waterways
- Prevent leather from biodegrading
PRO and CON: Assessing alternatives
CON: Banning exotic leathers will increase the use of pleather
- Also known as ‘vegan leather’, pleather is made of plastic and won’t biodegrade
- Pleather is far less durable than real leathers
- Current plant-based alternatives often still rely on plastic for durability
PRO: Bans will encourage innovation
- Bans would incentivise the industry to develop better, non-plastic alternatives
- Leathers made from mushrooms, cacti, and pineapple leaves are being developed
PRO and CON: Fast vs slow fashion
PRO: Craftsmanship and longevity
- Exotic leathers are expensive, so typically use expert craftsmanship to create lasting investment pieces
CON: Influence on fast fashion
- The average person won’t buy a croc handbag – but luxury trends trickle down to the mass market
- When exotic leathers trend, fast fashion will flood the market with plastic imitations
Pick your priorities
Every fashion choice has trade-offs. Do you care more about people, animals, biodegradability, or circularity?
No matter what you buy, make sure you support brands with ethical and transparent practices. If they share nothing, it’s likely they’re hiding something.
Sources
- Business of Fashion
- Cape Karoo Leather
- Collective Fashion Justice
- Conservation Action
- Deepwear
- Good On You
- Maia Research
- Sleek
- The Conversation
- The Guardian
- Twyg
- Vogue Business
- World Animal Protection
Credit
- Main image by KoolShooters via Pexels
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