On a crocodilian hide, the “flank” region generally refers to the side portions of the animal’s body — the area beside the belly and behind the legs. Leather cut from the flank features smaller, tighter scales and a subtly structured texture. It tends to be somewhat firmer and offers great durability while still displaying the exotic scale effect.

The “tail” region refers to the actual tail portion of the animal — often the longitudinal skin extending from the body into the tail. Leather from the tail has larger, more rectangular-shaped scales, a more dramatic natural pattern, and often provides a bold visual impact. For example, many belts or accessories that emphasize large scale patterns or one-piece cuts use the tail section for that distinctive look.

Because the tail hide’s scale size and orientation differ, tail-cut leather can sometimes allow for single-piece belt strips (no splices), resulting in a visibly striking product. On the other hand, flank leather offers more subtlety given its smaller scale, so it’s often found in refined accessories where you want exotic texture without overwhelming the design.