 A customer asked me some questions yesterday about rough out leather, and that got me to thinking. I prefer rough out fenders and jockeys on my saddles, but why? And what extra care is required for that rough out leather? So I took a little time and put my thoughts together for her, and I even learned a little more about what roughout leather actually is. I wanted to share that information with you, as well.
What is Rough Out? Rough out leather is usually the same leather that you will find on any quality saddle, it’s just finished differently and turned inside out. Natural leather has two sides, and though this can be altered through processing, a full-grain hide has an outer layer and the inner layer or flesh side. When the epidermis and hair are removed you get a smooth surface. Sometimes this is further processed with sanding and a finish coat to make it even smoother. The flesh side is naturally rough fibered. Thick hides can also be split, or sliced down the middle to make two seperate pieces, each the same surface area but thinner. The split sides will also have a fibrous texture unless there is an artificial top layer applied to it. The split has almost a suede texture or feel on the surface. This can be sanded to make it less rough, but it is still sometimes considered roughout.
 How does it affect performance?Rough out will eventually wear smooth with use, but it seems to have a little more grip than slick leather. Most of the seat and areas on the jockeys right under your legs will wear down smooth. The smooth worn spots have about the same feel as well oiled but unsealed smooth leather. The sanded and sealed smooth out leathers can be quite a bit more slippery.
How do you care for it?Regular care will help prolong the life of your rough out leather. Dirt can get down in the nap of the fibers. I use a very soft bristled brush to keep mine dusted off at all times, and I use that same soft brush with a light lather of saddle soap when cleaning. Rough out will soak up a lot of oil, so I don't use neatsfoot on the fenders/jockeys of the rough out saddles or it can soak back out in your jeans. I use the Leather New Deep Conditioner on the rough parts and it doesn't seem to do that. Sometimes here in the store we have 'fluffed' back up the rough out with a wire bristle brush for cosmetic reasons, but on my personal saddles I've just left it smooth. Also, rough out leather takes on an aged appearance faster than sealed smooth leather. It soaks up more oil making it darken faster and is more prone to show scuffs and signs of use. It’s almost a distressed look. While this does not affect the health of the leather, you might not want those cosmetic changes accelerated, for example on a show saddle.
If you have any other leather or tack questions, please let us know! We’ld love to help answer them. Email me at
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