by Leather | Leather Questions |
Leather is one of the world’s oldest and most widely used materials. It’s used to produce everything from car seats and sofas to shoes, belts, jackets and even pants. This unmatched level of versatility makes it the preferred choice of material among many clothing manufacturers and other companies. Some of its attractive qualities and characteristics include durability, high strength, softness and flexibility. As you may already know, leather is created by tanning the rawhide and skin of an animal, which is most often cattle. There are countless ways to produce leather, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Today, we’re going to reveal some important terms and definitions associated with leather. Familiarizing yourself with these terms will give you a better understanding of this versatile material and the benefits that it offers. History of Leather Before we delve into the terms and definitions of leather, let’s first take a look back at the history of his material. The truth is that no one knows who exactly was responsible for pioneering leather. This happened long before advanced civilizations had formed, with early cavemen and women likely using rawhides to produce leather first. As such, leather tanning is one of the oldest activities in the history of humans. Early hunters and gathers would collect hides for tanning, using the leather for clothing, housing and other purposes. With that said, however, some of the first attempts to produce leather will likely failures due to the material’s inability to withstand hot and cold temperatures. When skinned hides were exposed to cold temperatures, they would harden to the point where they could...
by Leather | Leather Questions |
Just like wine — well, most wines at least — leather gets better with age. Don’t get me wrong, new leather is a brilliant, ultra-comfortable material that’s perfect for jackets, shirts, dresses, belts, shoes, and a countless number of other items as well. However, older, worn-in leather offers some unique advantages that many people prefer. Aesthetics One of the many ways in which leather gets better as it ages is its appearance. As it ages, leather will begin to develop natural markings. These markings are usually small but still noticeable nonetheless, covering the surface while adding another element to its look. If you are looking for a pristine leather garment, you’ll probably want new leather. But if you want a piece that’s truly unique and eye-catching, aged leather is the way to go. Smell Of course, old leather also has a certain smell to it (a good smell) that differs from its new counterpart. New leather generally smells stronger and more artificial — even if it’s 100% genuine leather. This is in stark contrast to aged leather, which has a softer, more subtle odor that many people prefer. It’s difficult to describe this odor without smelling it for yourself, but some people compare it to a mixture of cedar and cinnamon. Strength Both new and aged leather offers a superior level of strength when compared to many other materials (especially cotton). You can pull, tug and stretch leather without causing any damage to it. However, old leather is slightly stronger than its counterpart. This is due to the fact that it’s already been stretched and pulled on plenty of...
by Leather | Leather Questions |
In case you didn’t get the memo, summer is officially here. This means the temperatures will be warming and the sun will be shining. As a result, you need to carefully choose the clothes you wear. Wearing the same thick and heavy garments from your winter wardrobe isn’t going to cut it. The added weight of these garments can be unbearably uncomfortable when worn during the summer. So, can you wear leather during the scorching hot summer season? The short answer is YES, you can wear it. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, leather is a versatile material that can be worn year-round. With that said, there are a few things to keep in mind when wearing leather during the summer. Choose Thinner Leather If you’re going to wear leather during the summer, it’s recommended that you choose a thinner, lighter type of leather. Leather is available in a countless number of styles, ranging from thick, jacket-quality leather to lighter and softer leather — the latter of which is recommended for the summertime. Assuming you are shopping for a new leather garment in person, feel it beforehand to ensure it’s light and not overbearing. Avoid Multiple Layers Don’t get me wrong, wearing multiple layers of clothes is great for the winter. When you become too hot, you can always strip off the excess layers to cool down. When wearing leather, though, you should reduce the number of layers. Wearing an undershirt, overshirt, and a leather jacket, for instance, will probably be uncomfortable during the summer. Instead, consider wearing just a single shirt under a lightweight leather jacket. If...
by Leather | Leather Care, Leather Questions |
Will Moisture Damage Leather? It depends. Too much moisture can damage just about anything, including leather. However, leather is able to absorb and release small amounts of moisture without causing any issues. Just remember to wipe off excess water to preserve its integrity. How Should I Store Leather? You can read through some of our previous blog posts here at LeatherCult for more advice on how to store leather, but the general idea is to keep it away from excessively dry or humid environments. A good rule of thumb is to store leather in an environment with 40-50% relative humidity. This isn’t too humid, nor is it too dry, making it the perfect place for leather. How Should I Clean Leather? Again, it depends on the particular type of leather and how it’s being used. However, for most purposes, saddle soap works incredibly well. Don’t let its name fool you into thinking it’s only used on leather saddles. While many people use to clean their saddles, saddle soap can be used on practically any leather product, including belts, shoes, furniture, coats, pants and more. Can Leather Be Repaired? Small damage, such as nicks and scuffs, can be repaired using a simple DIY leather repair kit. If the damage contains cuts that go deep into the leather, however, you’ll need to consult with a professional leather repair/restoration company. They’ll have the tools and experience to tackle some of the tougher leather jobs. How Can I Make My Leather Last? There are dozens of steps you can take to preserve the original look and characteristics of your leather. For starters, try...
by Leather | Leather Questions |
2015 is here — well, it’s been here for a while technically — which means new fashion trends will be replacing old trends. You don’t have to be a professional style expert to know that leather is currently trending upwards, with more and more people seeking to wear garments made of this versatile material. So, what kind of leather fashion trends can you expect to see more of this year? Leather Dresses One trend that’s steadily gaining momentum in the world of fashion is leather dresses – yes, there are dresses made of leather. It may seem a little unusual, but leather dresses are surprisingly elegant and fashion-forward, featuring a certain shimmer that’s not found in traditional cotton. This makes it a popular choice among women who are looking to stand out from the crowd. Click here to view the leather dresses offered by LeatherCult. Leather Skirt If you enjoy the look of leather but don’t want to commit to a full-length dress, you can always opt for a skirt instead. Leather skirts are shorter and easier to wear, usually stopping just at or around the knees. When paired with the right top, it will create a truly stunning appearance that’s sure to turn heads. Leather Shorts In addition to leather dresses, another trend that you can expect to see more of in 2015 is leather shorts. There have been numerous celebrities spotted wearing them in recent months, helping to shine the limelight on this stylish garment. Leather shorts offer the best of both worlds in terms of style and durability. They are highly resistant to damage and wear,...
by Leather | Leather Questions |
Leather is prized for its unique combination of softness and durability. Whether it’s a jacket, pair of pants, a skirt, or any other garment, you can’t go wrong with genuine leather. People have used this material to produce clothes for hundreds of years, so it’s unlikely this trend will be going away anytime soon. But like all materials, leather will fade over time. Some people actually prefer the look of worn, faded leathers, but others prefer the look of original leather. If you fall into the first category, you’ll be glad to here that there are steps you can take to make old leather look new again. Protect clothing from external influences The first step towards revitalizing the appearance of old leather is to remove it from the sun. I know what you’re probably thinking: what if my leather garment is already being stored indoors? Just because you keep it stored indoors doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s protected from the sun. If you keep your leather jacket in front of a window, for instance, the sunlight will beam through and cause it to fade. This isn’t something that happens overnight, but exposing leather to sunlight for months or years on end will eventually cause it to fade — heck, that’s enough to cause practically any colored material to fade. The second step to make your leather garment look new again is to moisturize and condition it. When leather begins to exhibit the appearance of aging, it’s usually the result of it being dehydrated — yes, leather can become dehydrated, too. The moisture within the pores of the leather will...
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