From prehistoric times, people have already worn leather clothes. They remove the animal’s skin and use it as coverings to protect themselves. Leathers are worn by different people from soldiers to wood workers, blacksmiths, and even cowboys.
They were able to use leather because of leather tanning, a process that was practiced thousands of years ago. The skins used as clothing and tents would become stiff when exposed to low temperatures and with heat they deteriorate. It was then when people find ways to make them pliable and sturdier by applying animal fats; hence the first tanning process was conducted.
Another process that was discovered by accident is smoking. Ancient people found out that the decaying progression is slowed down when the material is dried or when applied with salt then dried under the heat of the sun. Vegetable tanning was also used and known during the old times as well as tanning with the use of alum.
Later on, all the tanning methods that were discovered and practiced by ancient people slowly became polished thus making it more effective. Prehistoric people used skins to make clothes, gloves and even shoes. Through centuries, manufacture and demand for leather increased and by medieval, majority of the people are using leather products. Because leather is such a versatile and durable material, until now it is widely used for different products.
The earliest productions of crude leathers were made primarily by submerging the hides and skins in a fermenting solution. The fermenting solution contains organic matter rich in bacteria which matures and attacks the raw material thus it loosens the hair or wool. The hair and wool that is still stuck to the hide after fermenting, is manually removed by scraping. Once fermenting is completed, the material then undergoes tanning process where mixture of chemical is applied to the hide or skin. The tanning solution is given a specific time to penetrate the material.
The processing of leather has come a long way and today there are various modern ways to make the process faster and more effective. Now, there are countless manufacturers who utilizing leather in their products and although it is used for centuries now, leather is still preferred by most consumers.
Now, leather is used for furniture such as sofa. With its elegant look and feel, it creates a particular aura in a room. It can be used for modern or conventional look hence it is a very flexible material. In today’s houses we would often see leather furniture be it a couch, an ottoman or a settee. There are still clothes made from leather such as jackets and also shoes. These items made of leather are one of the most expensive materials ever used.
In addition to all those leather pieces, leather bags are manufactured. You can find all kinds of leather bags in the market with different style and sizes. There are also leather accessories created to complement your leather bags. With good quality leather you will not only look good but feel confident as well.
References: Leather Products – Men > What to Look For in a Leather Wallet