1. PHENOMENON is correct about pigskin. It commonly has less sheen and one can often see the hair-hole pattern on it. Although it is very durable, it is thinner than cowhide and less soft. It is almost always a finished leather (with a paint-like coating) and almost never sold with an aniline finish (more like stain). The natural characteristics of the hide are not appealing to the eye (or the hand), so it is best if they are covered and smoothed over. It is often used for suede, however. It generally makes a more appealing suede than cowhide, as the nap is shorter and neater looking.
2. Cowhide is generally thicker and smoother than pigskin. There is no discernable hair hole pattern, so it usually has a softer hand. It is very durable, and is the leather most commonly used on serious bike jackets (ones intended for riding, not fashion jackets). Lambskin is generally far too soft to provide adequate protection against the road. It can be finished (smooth, colored surface), aniline dyed (color applied more like a stain as opposed to a paint) or suede. The suede is thicker than pigskin, but also had a longer nap, which usually looks more rustic than a pigskin suede.
3. Lambskin is usually the softest leather. It is often slightly rippled in appearance, very smooth and can be very delicate. It is most durable in a finished state, but with an aniline finish it can be very prone to scratching, spotting or other damage. It is often the "smooshiest" leather, and is often also usually more expensive than other types of leather (the hides are smaller and more prone to damage).
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