The black patent leather is as thick as a garbage bag. Does it work? As in, does it take the weakest part of pulls/deads out of the equation - your grip? The answer is a resounding yes. Ordered the black pair as well! No biggie- no raw skin and I did not even need a band-aid! Returned both and gave up. These are the best headphones for portable use, bar none. But because they chose to include garbage that makes installation more trouble and take more time, they dont deserve to be rated any higher than 3 stars. I used my Shimano hardware with my install and it was way better. Had to replace my old earbuds that broke amd these are great. As half-sizes are not available in this brand, I order an 8W, assuming that would give me more than enough room.