Leather 101

Expect only the best leather from The Leather Image

When it comes to choosing a fine leather jacket, accessory or sportswear piece you want nothing but the best. The best quality. The best styles. And of course, the best value. You've come to the right place because you've come to The Leather Image. We know leather, and we know how to match individual needs with the right leather types and styles. So you get the look you want. And the quality you demand. It's something The Leather Image has taken pride in since our inception over 20 years ago. A pride and uncompromising set of standards that go into every garment and accessory we make. Leather that ranges from various textures and looks that work well and wear well, not only for fashion, but for function.

Choose a leather for durability and versatility:

Versatile leather pieces are available in a variety of textures and finishes. Heavy and durable by nature, it's the leather-of- choice for motorcycle jackets. The latest techniques in tanning and finishing also are creating lightweight versions of leather that are popular for year-around wear. It's easy to care for, water- and dirt-resistant, and the perfect match for any lifestyle.

Choose a leather for beautiful finish options:

Strong, yet lightweight leather is ideal for gloves and jackets. It responds beautifully to tanning techniques and color finishes, giving it wonderful dimension and rich hues. It's soft-to-the-touch, durable and a favorite among the world's top designers.

Choose a leather for elegance and luxury:

Soft, smooth, and luxurious, lamb is the ultimate leather indulgence. It's lightweight nature and buttery texture give it a sophisticated appeal, which makes it the perfect choice for dressier jackets. Although lamb is the most delicate of all leather types, it's also very wearable and transforms beautifully into today's most-fashion forward designs.

Choose a leather for affordability with innovative ideas:

Leather that is soft, durable and stain-resistant. It transforms easily into today's most current looks, making it a popular choice for leather jackets. New tanning techniques have created innovative surfacing like subtle sheens and matte finishes, in beautiful colors. This affordable, functional leather offers fashion, value and endless style.

Learn More About Leather

Leather is one of nature's most versatile and sensual materials. It offers comfort and durability in a variety of beautiful finishes, textures and colors. The Leather Image's apparel and accessories are designed with the quality and pride that have made us a leader in leather fashion. We know leather. Its characteristics. Its value. The way it makes you look good and feel good like any luxurious item should. Our remarkable leather fashions provide years of pleasure and long-lasting use. Through our experience we've learned the best methods for maintaining leather. The following information explains how leather is made and the best ways to keep your leather looking its best for years to come.

The History of Leather and How it is Made:

Leather has been made in various locations around the world for more than 5000 years, and the first tanners guilds have been traced as far back as twelfth century England. Although tanning methods have changed with new technologies, the end result is a product that has been valued for centuries.

The first step in the modern tanning method is to apply a protective treatment to the hides (whole pelts from cattle) or skins (the pelts of younger or smaller animals). Next they are put through a chemical process to keep them soft and flexible. Now the tanners can work with the leather to adjust the thickness, color and apply a variety of finishes. The end product is sent to manufacturers, who cut and sew the leather into apparel and accessories.

The Look and Feel of Leather:

When most people see leather, their first reaction is to touch it. The way leather feels is called its hand. In general, the softer the hand, the higher the cost. The raw material, which is a determined by genetics, greatly influences the quality of leather. Every hide and skin has sections that are naturally wrinkled, softer or thinner in certain areas. Environmental factors, including climate and food supply, also affect the final product. Since leather is a natural material, it is never uniform. Its small surface imperfections create a unique beauty that can never be duplicated.

Shopping Tips:

• Consider the cut, style and lining that work best for your lifestyle.
• The price of leather is mostly determined by the quality of the raw materials and style of the apparel or accessory.

Leather Facts:

• Leather is tear and puncture-resistant.
• Leather protects from heat, cold and wind; and it repels moisture.
• Leather items are available in a variety of weights and made with different linings for comfort in warm and cold weather.
• Leather apparel stretches and molds to your body, yet at the same time retains its shape.
• Leather breathes -- that's what keeps it soft and supple.
• Leather is an agricultural by-product of the food industry. We purchase the hides and transform them into beautiful leather apparel and accessories.

Leather Protection and Care

• Use a high-quality water and stain repellent product to help prevent water stains and soiling.
• Use a high quality leather lotion on a soft cloth to moisturize your finished leather.
• Avoid using cleaning fluid, shoe cream, saddle soap and mink oil. These products contain ingredients that may damage leather.
• We recommend that you test any protection and cleaning products on a hidden area of the leather.
• Don't keep heavy objects, such as key chains, in your pockets. Doing so will stretch the leather.
• Avoid applying hair sprays and perfumes while wearing leather.
• Don't attach pins, adhesive badges or tape to leather.
• Repair hems with a small amount of rubber cement.

Cleaning:

• Gently blot liquid stains with a clean cloth.
• Winter salt stains your leather, wipe with a clean, damp cloth and dry naturally.
• Visit a professional leather cleaner for more serious stains. Normal dry cleaning methods will remove essential oils, causing the leather to crack, fade and shrink. A cleaner who specializes in leather care will use a different method to clean and condition the leather. Even this special process may cause slight variations in color, texture, and shape; so it is important to clean matching garments together.

Care When Wet:

• If your leather becomes wet, allow it to dry at room temperature. Never put leather in the dryer.
• If your garment has faux fur trim and the fur gets wet, dry it with a hair dryer set on the lowest temperature. Shake fur during the drying process, and periodically during wear to maintain loft and maximize appearance.

Storage:

• Store your leather coat or jacket on a wide wooden, plastic or padded hanger to help maintain its shape.
• Store leather in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place. Avoid hot areas, such as attics; or damp areas, such as cellars.
• Cover your leather with breathable cloth, like cotton sheets, when storing. Plastic bags or coverings will cause excessive drying.
• Wrinkles and creases in leather should hang out. If ironing is necessary, place heavy brown paper over the leather and use a cool to medium iron. Take care not to overheat the leather, which will cause it to shine.
• Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight or heat for prolonged periods of time.