Accessories for Girls

There are many leather goods sold on the market today ranging from leather sofas to designer purses. Just as there are many types of leather goods, there are also many types of leather used in their fabrication. We will take a look at some of the diverse types of leather that are used to make the many unusual leather goods we use in our every day lives.

Vegetable tanned leather is often referred to as Oak leather This type of leather uses tannin which is found in vegetable matter to 'tan' the hide. In fact, this is where the term 'tanning' was derived from. Vegetable tanned leather does not hold up to water very well and it becomes hard when absorbed in hot water. This was beneficial when leather was used as armor in olden times. It is also used in craft work as it will tool or emboss.

Chrome tanned leather. Leather goods have been made from this type of leather since the late 1800's. The leather is tanned by using chromium sulfate which results in a leather that is more pliable, stands up to water, and takes on colors easily.

Chrome tanned leather. Leather goods have been made from this type of leather since the late 1800's. The leather is tanned by using chromium sulfate which results in a leather that is more pliable, stands up to water, and takes on colors easily.

Full grain leather. The finest leather goods such as clothing and furniture are made from full grain leather. This type of leather is made from the finest quality natural hides which are minimally processed only to remove the air. Full grain leathers are top grain leathers which have a natural surface they have not been buffed or embossed Full grain leather is considered to be the premier grade in upholstery leather.

Full grain leather. The finest leather goods such as clothing and furniture are made from full grain leather. This type of leather is made from the finest quality natural hides which are minimally processed only to remove the air.

Synthetic tanned leather. This type of leather was developed when vegetable tannin supplies fell low during WWII. The finished leather was white in color.

You can see there are many types of leather. No matter what type of leather goods you have, you will need to properly care for your leather to keep them looking good. Vegetable tanned leathers can be kept supple by applying an oil such as mink oil. Contact to sunlight can change the color of your leather even though it doesn't hurt it in any other way. The fibers in leather goods will gradually break down over time, the progression can be slowed down somewhat by keeping your leather goods in an environment with sufficient humidity.