Leather is a durable, stylish, and versatile material used for leather goods such as leather jackets, leather furniture, and leather bags. Leather is made out of the hides or skins of animals, most commonly cows. The leather is processed and tanned to produce leather products. There are several types of leather tanning processes, each with its own unique characteristics.
Vegetable Tanned Leather
Vegetable tanned leather is one of the oldest leather tanning processes. This leather is tanned with vegetable-based materials such as tree bark, leaves and fruits to create a leather that is rich in color, durable and capable of being molded into shapes. It typically has a stronger smell than other leathers, which can dissipate with time.
Chromium Tanned Leather
Chromium tanned leather is the most common leather tanning method used today. It is tanned with chromium salts, which results in leather that is soft and supple to the touch. This leather is more resistant to stretching, wrinkling and cracking than vegetable tanned leather. Chromium leather also has a very strong odor that can be difficult to get rid of.
Shell Cordovan Leather
Shell cordovan leather is leather made from a specific type of leather sourced from horsehide. It is known for its unique combination of softness and durability. Shell cordovan leather has a smooth, glossy finish that offers excellent water resistance and polishes easily.
Finally, oil leather is leather treated with oils to create leather that is more supple and resistant to water. Oils in leather can come from a variety of sources, including beef tallow, fish oils, and vegetable oils such as olive oil. Oil leather is typically used for leather goods that require extra protection against water, such as saddles and leather shoes.
Leather is an incredibly versatile material used to create products that are durable, stylish, and comfortable. Different leather tanning methods can result in leather that is soft and supple or leather that is more sturdy and hard wearing. Ultimately, it’s up to the consumer to decide what type of leather best suits their needs.