1. The Secret Behind Every Leather Jacket that'll make you feel all the feels
Running your fingers across a leather jacket is a sensory experience that brings together centuries of craftsmanship with modern chemistry. The texture, the smell, the strength it's all the result of some serious expertise when it comes to leather. And it all starts with how that leather is tanned.
And let's be honest, in Australia in 2025, where high-quality fashion is becoming more and more important to people who care, shoppers are starting to figure out what really makes leather so special not just how it looks, but how it feels when you put it on, smells when it's new, and lasts over time. Brands like Glory Store AU are really pushing the boundaries on what 'premium leather' means in looks, but also in how it makes you feel, and lasts for you.
This article is going to take you on a journey through the 3 most influential tanning methods vegetable, chrome and synthetic tanning explaining how each process turns raw animal hide into a wearable work of art that you can be proud to wear. You'll learn how tanning not only affects the way your jacket looks, but also its impact on the environment, and how long it will last.
2. What is Leather Tanning, exactly?
Leather tanning is the bit of magic that turns raw animal hides into soft, durable leather that will last you a lifetime. Without it, the hide would just rot away or harden up, making it useless.
Tanning is the step that stabilizes the collagen fibers in the hide, stopping it from rotting away while making it nice and flexible. It's the bit that turns animal skin into something strong enough to last decades or even generations!
Tanning agents bind with the proteins in the hide, replacing the natural moisture and oils with something more stable, and longer-lasting. The chemicals used whether natural stuff like plant extracts, chromium salts, or synthetic resins - all affect how the leather feels, smells, and performs.
The bottom line is this:
The way leather is tanned determines what the leather will be like - how it feels, how long it lasts and just how much character it has.
3. From Hide to Heirloom: The Magic of How Leather Is Made
Before we get to tanning, hides have to be painstakingly prepped - and that means getting them good and wet in a tank to squelch out all the dirt. Then they get a dose of lime to loosen up the hair and all that other stuff you don't want in there. Next up, deliming and pickling to get the pH just right that's the trick for getting the hide in top shape to take the tanning.
Once they're ready, the hides get dunked in these big rotating drums or vats and depending on the tanning method - it can take anything from just a few hours to go through with the chrome tanning or maybe even weeks with the veggie tanning.
After that tanning is done the hides get a whole lot of TLC: they get dyed to the right color, slathered in lubricant, stretched to perfection and then finished off to a shine. All that fuss and bother is what gives leather its silky softness and depth of color and all that.
The end result well, you get a material that strikes a perfect balance between being strong, beautiful and comfortable and that's what's going to be your new go-to jacket, bag or pair of boots.
4. Vegetable Tanning: The Time-Tested Art of Leather Making
Vegetable tanning is one of the oldest - and arguably the most respected methods of getting leather just right. They use tannins that come from natural materials like oak bark, chestnut wood and mimosa all extracted from trees.
This really is a slow burn of a process, taking weeks for the hides to soak up all those lovely plant compounds. The upshot is firm, long-lasting leather that smells like the great outdoors and gets a rich, earthy tone that deepens with age.
Vegetable tanned leather feels put-together and solid when it's new but it really develops a personality over the years - gets more pliable and fuller of character. And as it ages, it develops a patina that tells you the story of how well it’s been looked after.
Why choose vegetable-tanned leather?
· It’s eco-friendly and biodegradable.
· It develops a unique patina over time.
· It has a natural aroma and firm hand feel.
Brands like Glory Store AU love vegetable-tanned leather for customers who value craftsmanship and longevity not just style.
5. Chrome Tanning: Fast, Flexible and Fashion-Ready
If vegetable tanning is tradition, chrome tanning is innovation. Introduced in the 19th century, it revolutionized leather production by speeding up the process. Instead of taking weeks, chrome tanning can be done in a day using chromium (III) salts.
The result is leather that’s soft, smooth and supple, perfect for modern fashion like women’s jackets, handbags and gloves. Chrome-tanned leather takes dyes well, so you can have an endless color range that’s why it’s the most used leather in the world today.
But chrome tanning gives leather a slightly metallic or chemical smell, unlike the woody smell of vegetable-tanned hides. Environmentally responsible tanneries are finding ways to manage chromium waste, especially in Australia 2025 where sustainability regulations are getting tougher.
Benefits of chrome-tanned leather:
· Lightweight and flexible
· Water and heat resistant
· Many color options
6. Synthetic and Aldehyde Tanning: The New Frontier
Synthetic tanning (also known as syntan or aldehyde tanning) is the latest in leather innovation. It uses synthetic resins, glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde derivatives instead of metals or plant extracts.
This produces leather that’s lightweight, color consistent and water resistant. It’s often smoother and more even, making it popular for upholstery, footwear and even ethical fashion brands looking for chrome free alternatives.
Synthetic tanning also minimizes the environmental impact of heavy metals. Some modern tanneries combine synthetic and vegetable methods to create hybrid leathers that balance durability, flexibility and eco-friendliness.
Benefits of synthetic tanning:
· Hypoallergenic and metal free
· Ideal for chrome sensitive users
· Color and texture consistent
In the Australia 2025 landscape, these innovations help brands like Glory Store AU align quality with sustainability.
7. The Feel Factor: How Tanning Affects Texture
Touch is often the first sign of quality. Each tanning method produces a unique “hand feel”:
|
Tanning Type |
Texture Feel |
Best Use |
|
Vegetable |
Firm, structured, slightly coarse |
Belts, wallets, premium jackets |
|
Chrome |
Soft, smooth, and flexible |
Everyday jackets, handbags |
|
Synthetic |
Even, lightweight, uniform |
Upholstery, travel accessories |
Vegetable-tanned leather holds its shape and stiffness, perfect for items that should keep their form.
Chrome-tanned leather drapes and molds to the body.
Synthetic-tanned leather feels manufactured consistent but less “alive”.
Experts at Glory Store AU call vegetable-tanned leather “the leather that tells your story” because it develops unique creases and texture patterns with wear.
8. The Scent Story: What Your Leather Should Smell Like
Leather lovers know the smell is everything.
· Vegetable-tanned leather has a woody, earthy scent.
· Chrome-tanned leather has a sharp, metallic smell.
· Synthetic-tanned leather smells neutral or slightly plastic.
The undeniable scent of a well-made leather item comes from the way tannins & organic oils interact with the hide. It's a dead giveaway that it's the real deal something that fake leather just can't even begin to fake.
When you're on the hunt for a new jacket, listen to your nose. At Glory Store AU, real leather is as unmistakable in its smell as in its quality. If it gives off a whiff of synthetics or chemicals, it's probably a fake.
9. Longevity: Built to Last for Decades
Durability is what separates great from mediocre especially when it comes to leather goods. A good leather jacket will just keep getting better looking, for years on end.
Vegetable-tanned leather is the real MVP when it comes to toughness it's like it just gets stronger and more gorgeous with age. It resists stretching and develops that gorgeous aged look that only comes from years of love and use.
Chrome-tanned leather is a good fit for anyone after flexibility & moisture-resistance. Not bad if you're planning on tossing that jacket in a washing machine from time to time.
Synthetic-tanned leather is the winner when it comes to repelling moisture and cracking, but you can't beat the organic resilience of real tanning.
If you're counting on that jacket to last all year round in Australia's crazy climate and you might as well be then Vegetable-tanned leather is your safest bet it's the most durable & repairable of the bunch. Chrome-tanned is great if you want something super comfy & on-trend, while Synthetic tanning is perfect for anyone after something lightweight & low-maintenance.
10. Environmental Impact: Beauty and Responsibility go Hand in Hand
The beauty of leather should never come at the expense of our planet.
· Vegetable tanning is the way to go its kind to the earth using natural tannins that are not only renewable, but biodegradable too - all it needs is a lot of water and time.
· Chrome tanning is actually efficient but it does come with its own set of problems: waste disposal challenges. Some of the more responsible Australian tanneries however have now got it sorted out recycling chromium to stop it causing any more pollution.
· Synthetic tanning does reduce the waste of chromium but often still relies on making things out of petrochemicals
Sustainability is key in 2025 Australia, and it's especially true in fashion. Brands like Glory Store AU are doing their bit by working with eco-certified tanneries so that they only have to worry about lower carbon emissions, conserving water, and making sure their materials are sourced ethically.
When you do go out and buy a jacket start looking for labels that say "chrome-free," "vegetable-tanned" or LWG (Leather Working Group) certified. This way you can be sure that the jacket has been made with a bit of a social conscience.
11. How to Tell if the Leather Jacket you Want is the Real Deal: Tips for Spotting Fakes
Buying counterfeit leather jackets is a bit of an epidemic, but with a few insider tips you should be able to work out the difference.
1. Smell it: Genuine leather has that warm, natural smell fakes smell like plastic.
2. Give it a touch: Real leather feels a bit flexible and textured synthetic is smooth and a bit cold to the touch.
3. Have a look at the pores: Genuine leather has pores all over the place irregular patterns. Fake leather is a bit too uniform.
4. Have a squiz at the price and labels: Real leather usually carries specific terms like "full-grain" or "top-grain" if the price seems too cheap to be true, then probably it is.
5. The water test: Drop a bit of water on it and see how it goes real leather will take it in a bit, but fake will just let it bead off.
At Glory Store AU every women's leather jacket gets a serious going-over to make darn tootin it’s the real deal. If you're ever in doubt why not pop in and ask the in-store experts for their expert opinion.
Related Post: Spotting Authentic Women’s Leather Jackets: Tips for Detecting Fakes
12. What is Leather Jacket Packing?
Ever wondered why some jackets lose their shape or smell musty after being stored? It’s often because of bad leather jacket packing.
Proper packing means folding and storing leather garments in a way that prevents creases, moisture damage and odor.
· Always use breathable garment bags never plastic.
· Keep room humidity between 40–50% to prevent mold.
· Roll not fold your jacket when travelling to prevent creasing.
· Add a small packet of silica gel to absorb excess moisture.
By following these steps your leather will retain its natural grain and scent for years. When you buy from Glory Store AU every piece comes with detailed care and packing instructions.
Related Post: what is a leather Jacket Packing ?
13. Leather Care & Storage: Keep It Timeless
Even the best tanned leather needs care. Proper maintenance will enhance both its look and longevity.
Simple care routine:
1. Clean gently with a soft cloth and pH balanced cleaner.
2. Condition every 6–8 months with a natural balm or wax.
3. Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity.
4. Store in a dry, well ventilated area with a cotton dust bag.
Vegetable tanned leather benefits most from conditioning which keeps it supple and prevents cracking. Chrome tanned pieces need gentle wiping to maintain their smooth texture. With regular care your jacket won’t just last it will get better with age.
14. Expert Opinions: What the Pros Say
Australian leather experts say tanning is what defines a product’s soul.
“Vegetable tanned leather ages with character it’s like fine wine. Chrome-tanned leather is all about comfort and versatility,” says Daniel Rhodes, master tanner in Sydney.
The Australian Leather Council says hybrid tanning (combining vegetable and synthetic methods) is the future of sustainable leather.
Fashion consultants at Glory Store AU say consumer education is key buyers are more confident when they know how tanning affects performance, scent and longevity.
15. FAQs and Call to Action
Q1. Which tanning method makes the softest leather?
A: Chrome tanning.
Q2. Is vegetable tanning eco-friendly?
A: Yes. It uses natural plant tannins and produces biodegradable leather.
Q3. How do I spot fake leather quickly?
A: Trust your senses genuine leather smells earthy not synthetic.
Q4. How do I store a leather jacket?
A: In a breathable garment bag, away from direct sunlight and moderate humidity
Ready to Feel the Real Deal?
Glory Store AU has a curated selection of genuine leather jackets made from responsibly tanned hides heritage, comfort and sustainability.
Shop This Look and feel the real leather today.