The London Lounge

What is "roughout" suede? What about reverse calfskin?

Roughout suede/leather, as I know it, is used for riding saddles. It is hard wearing, water and dirt resistant. It has a reasonably smooth surface.

I've also seen 16th and 17th century jerkins made of the same material in musea.

Reverse calfskin is just calf with the flesh side, as opposed to the skin side, showing. This is probably the most common type of suede.