Vegetable tanned leather is recognized by leather craft guys, leather connoisseurs and, well, babylonleather. To better understand how vegetable tanned leather differs from other types of leather, we will learn about the source, advantages and usage of vegetable tanned leather in this article. It’s a multifaceted topic that we love to discuss, one that certainly warrants your attention.

We’ll start with the basics:

1. How is Vegetable-tanned Leather Made?

The process through which animal hides are turned into leather is referred to as tanning. Vegetable tanning is one of the main leather production methods in use today. Vegetable-tanned leather is made using a special process that harnesses the power of natural tannins. This technique involves using natural vegetable tannins to alter the protein structure of the hide, causing it to become leather. These are found in organic materials to add a unique look and feel to the animal hide.

2. Vegetable tanning process

    Step 1: Pre Tanning

    First, the hides have to be prepped. Once they arrive at a tannery, they must immediately be cured with salt to prevent bacterial growth developing. The next step is to remove wool, hair and fat residues.

    Before tanning can begin, the pH of the hides must be lowered again.

    Step 2: Tanning

    Now that the hides have been prepped, they are placed into drums filled with tanning agents and water. The hides spend a couple of weeks soaking in this tanning liquor and must be frequently tended to in order to ensure full absorption. The hides are then removed, excess moisture is taken out and they are shaved to the desired thickness.

    For vegetable tanned leather that isn’t dyed, this is nearing the end of the road.

    Step 3: Dyeing, Hot Stuffing, Drying

    The hides are dyed in enormous drums that look something like a wine barrel on steroids that rotates in the air. The leather may then be hot stuffed, which is a special process that literally stuffs the leather hide to its core with waxes and tallows that give it a rich color and make it more durable.

    Step 4: Finishing the Leather

    Once oiled, the leather is stretched, trimmed and measured. Depending on the desired finish, it can then be subtly refined further.

3. Advantages of Vegetable-tanned Leather

The vegetable tanning process results in leather with a distinct appearance and unmatched durability.  

One of the best features of vegetable-tanned leather is that it develops a patina over time with prolonged use and exposure to the environment.  In the world of leather, patina is an indicator of quality and aesthetic beauty, something that enhances the perceived value of a leather product. Due to the gentle processes involving several weeks of treatment, the vegetable-tanned leather has a much longer life than chrome-tanned leather. It is breathable and products such as shoes made with it get more comfortable the longer you use them. Lastly, vegetable tanning is the most environmentally-friendly method of leather production.

4. Vegetable-tanned Leather Is Commonly Used For

Products made from vegetable tanned leather include saddles, holsters, belts, wallets, bags, shoes and purses. Usually this kind of leather is stiff in the beginning but gets more supple with time and use. Keep the leather away from heat and never blow dry it, even if it gets wet. Use animal hair brushes for cleaning, not brushed made with synthetic bristles. Clean the product once a week if you use it often. Vegetable-tanned leather is more expensive than chrome leather due to the longer manufacturing times and artisanal nature of the tanning process. It is also a fashion classic that never goes out of style.