The appeal of tanned leather

Characteristics of Nume Leather

Uniqute manufactures a wide variety of leather products. Although leather is generally referred to as such, there are many different types of leather.
Among them, tanned leather has a special charm that never fails to attract leather lovers.
We would like more people to know about this material, which becomes more attractive the more it is used and grows together with its owner.

What is Tanned Leather?

When you hear the term tanned leather, can you imagine what kind of leather it is?

Leather can be classified into "genuine leather" and "synthetic leather" based on whether it is made from "animal skin" or not, and even within "genuine leather" it can also be classified based on which animal skin it is made from, such as cowhide, pigskin, crocodile leather, etc.

So what kind of leather is tanned leather? What distinguishes tanned leather from other leathers is the method by which the leather is tanned.

*Tanning is the process of treating animal hides with various chemicals and natural substances to protect them from decay and give them flexibility and durability.

Through this tanning process, the "skin" is transformed into "leather," which becomes the material used to make our bags and wallets.

What is tanned leather? The answer is that it is leather that has been tanned using tannin. Tannin, a natural component found in the bark, trunks, leaves, and fruits of plants, chemically bonds with the collagen fibers in leather, making it flexible and durable.

Furthermore, because it takes time for tannins to penetrate the leather, it is necessary to allow it to soak for a long time. For this reason, it takes longer to complete tanned leather than the commonly used chrome-tanned leather.

Another characteristic of tanned leather is that it tends to be finished without surface treatments such as embossing or pigment coloring, with only the minimum necessary processing, allowing the natural texture of the leather to be felt. Unlike other leathers, the minimal surface processing brings out the various charms of tanned leather.

Next, let's take a closer look at what is so appealing about this type of tanned leather.

The appeal of tanned leather

1. Aging

One of the most attractive features of tanned leather is how it ages. Tanned leather may feel stiff at first, but as time passes and you use it, the leather will gradually soften and deepen in color.

This characteristic of aging comes from the fact that Nume leather is tanned with tannins. By tanning the leather fibers with tannins, they become sensitive to environmental factors such as sunlight (ultraviolet rays), air, and moisture. This is because tannins have chemical properties that make them easily react with these elements.

This sensitivity to the environment means that each leather will tell its own unique story depending on its owner's lifestyle, including daily use, the oils from hands, and the effects of sunlight.

Through this ageing process, the leather becomes more unique and develops into a special, personal item.

2. Durable and long-lasting

Another major feature of tanned leather is that it is durable and long-lasting.

The secret to why it is so strong and long-lasting lies in the manufacturing process called "tannin tanning."

Tannins have the effect of shrinking the fibers in animal hides. They penetrate the fibers of the hide and, over time, they work together to make the fibers tighter and more densely packed together. This makes the hide more durable and more resistant to tearing and abrasion.

Tannins also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes tanned leather more resistant to mold and bacterial growth. *However, proper storage and maintenance are important as it does not completely prevent this.

3. The leather has a rich texture

Compared to other leather products, tanned leather has less surface processing, so you can directly feel the texture and unique characteristics of the leather.

This includes scars and insect bites from the animal when it was alive, as well as natural wrinkles caused by the skin stretching and contracting, giving each piece of leather its own unique character.

When the leather is made into a product, these characteristics appear as a "face" and create a rich variation in the texture, color, and feel of the leather, giving it a unique beauty that is unlike any other in the world.

Care instructions

1. Be careful not to get it wet

Tanned leather is sensitive to water and may stain if it gets wet. If water droplets get on the leather, immediately dab it gently with a soft cloth to absorb the water and allow it to dry naturally.

2. Fading

If exposed to direct sunlight or strong light for long periods of time, tanned leather can easily fade or discolor. It is important to store your product in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

3. The need for regular maintenance

To enjoy the unique aging process of tanned leather, regular maintenance is required.

Regular oiling will keep the leather moisturized and prevent it from drying out and cracking. We recommend doing this once every 1-2 months.

4.Storage Method

Store in a well-ventilated place away from high humidity and direct sunlight. Occasionally dry in the shade or wipe with a dry cloth to remove surface dirt and moisture.

At first glance, the delicacy of tanned leather may seem like a disadvantage. In particular, its vulnerability to water and the possibility of fading are points that require care in daily use.

However, these characteristics are also the unique charm of tanned leather. Because it is so easily affected by environmental factors, the color deepens the more you use it, the softer it feels in your hand, and the scratches and stains that appear on it tell a unique story for the user.

Introducing our Tanned Leather Products

At Uniqute, every product is carefully handcrafted down to the smallest detail, resulting in high-quality bags and accessories.

As we have seen so far, the more you use tanned leather, the more it will naturally change to a texture that feels more comfortable in your hand.

We would like to introduce Uniqute's tanned leather steering wheel cover as an item that allows you to enjoy the unique characteristics of tanned leather, which changes over time.

By using tanned leather for an item that you touch every day, such as a bag handle cover, you will be able to feel the changes that occur over time and experience the joy of developing a bag that is uniquely yours.