Leather - the final touches to the finished material

After tanning, the leather is stabilised, but it still goes through several steps before it gets its final characteristics. Each of these steps has a major influence on how flexible and resistant the leather becomes.

First, if desired, the leather is dyed, usually with synthetic dyes like those used in the textile industry. Then, it's treated with oils to make it supple. Without this oiling, the leather would be brittle and inelastic. The oiling ensures flexibility, tear resistance and a pleasant feel.

The leather is then 'wetted back': Gentle pressure removes excess water while smoothing the material. After that, it's dried – either by hanging or stretching it out – until it reaches the perfect moisture level. Finally, the leather is split to ensure an even thickness.

Next up is the final feel and look of the leather. Should it be extra soft? Should it have a specific texture or protective layer? Open aniline leather stays natural and breathable, keeping its natural grain and developing a unique patina over time. Semi-aniline leather gets a light protective layer that shields it from the elements without affecting its breathability too much. Pigmented leather gets an even coat of colour, covering up any irregularities in the material. For our garment leather, we choose a semi-aniline finish to provide some protection against wind and weather.

Further finishing steps such as polishing ensure a smooth and shiny finish, while milling, a gentle mechanical process, makes the leather soft and fine. Other finishing options include embossing or equipping the leather with functional properties such as water repellency or fire resistance, which can be particularly important in the production of specialist clothing, such as fire-fighter clothing.