Why Are Real Leather Jackets Expensive

Why Are Real Leather Jackets Expensive

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Have you ever wondered why real leather jackets are so expensive? Most people think it is just because of the material, but it's much more than that. There are several reasons why real leather jackets are expensive. It's about the process, the type of leather, accessories, the brand, and marketing costs. A skilled tanner handcrafts the highest quality leather with precision and an eye for detail.

different type of animal leather

The different types of animal leather?

There are many different types of animal leather. Cowhide is the most popular and least expensive leather in the industry. This is because it is a byproduct of the dairy and meat industry. Sheep, Pig, and Goatskin are also among the top 5 most common types globally.

Crocodile leather is the most expensive animal leather in the world. Crocodile leather makes up less than 1% of the leather industry and needs a very high degree of craftsmanship. Leather can be used for clothing, footwear, furniture, handbags, sports equipment, and tools. Different types of leather are used for different items in the industry. Not all leather is the same!

Types of leather

It is not easy to understand and see the difference between all the types of leather, especially for people new to the industry. The layer of the hide, the tanning method, and the material mix all influence the leather grades.

Here are the five main types of leather:

full grain leather
  • Full-grain leather

For a finer grain, full-grain leather is made from the outer layer of the hide, which has densely packed fibers. Typically, only the hair on the hide was removed, leaving the material with natural flaws. In the leather goods industry, full-grain leather with no flaws is acknowledged to be unusual and consequently highly valued.

top grain leather texture
  • Top-grain leather

A top-grain leather cut is nearly equivalent to a full-grain leather cut. The hide's top layer is also used to make a top-grain leather cut. The main distinction is that top-grain leather has been polished or buffed to remove any flaws. The sanding technique produces leather that is easy to color and shape.

genuine leather texture jacket
  • Genuine leather

Genuine leather can be made from any layer of the hide, and there are no specifications for it. The leather is sanded or buffed to remove any defects in the hide. Belts, clothes, footwear, and other fashion accessories are commonly made of genuine leather.

split grain leather texture
  • Split-grain leather

Split-grain leather is made from the hide's lowest layers. Because you use the bottom material after separating the hide, it's termed "split-grain." While not as strong as top or full-grain leather, Split-grain leather can nevertheless be helpful in leather products. This material's versatility provides you with more color and embossing options. Split grain leather is commonly found in shoes, handbags, and sofas.

bonded leather
  • Bonded leather

Bonded leather is made up of 10% to 90% leather scraps. Typically, it's utilized as a filler. Polyurethane or latex are used to bind the fragments together. Because the amount of leather in each bonded leather material varies widely, there is no assurance of quality as there is with other grades of leather.

Now that you know all the different types of leather, how can you tell whether it is real or not?

how leather jacket is made

How is leather made?

The process of how leather jackets are made is one of the reasons why it is so expensive. Learn why it is better to buy a genuine leather jacket as opposed to buying a faux leather jacket. Crafting leather items is a technical and lengthy process requiring a skilled tanner with precision to get the best results.

Let's take a look at the leather making process from start to finish:

  • The hide needs to be prepared, and they do this by removing the skin and flesh either by hand or a fleshing machine. This needs to go quickly as the material can dry out easily.
  • Next, the hide should be salted. This is a very delicate process as the salt is what keeps the leather from decomposing.
  • Suppose there is still any hair left on the hide that needs to be removed. This can be done with chemicals such as Calcium Oxide or by hand.
  • The hide will now start with the tanning process. It will be loaded into a tanning drum with a unique tanning solution.
  • The excess moisture needs to be removed, and this can be done by applying a lot of pressure to the hides and pushing them through rollers.
  • The tanning process can occur again to get a smoother leather, or if it is not required, the dyeing process can start.
  • Color is added to the leather for that beautiful final design in the dyeing process!

When your beautiful handcrafted leather jacket is finished, you need to pair it with great style!

leather jacket accessories and hardware

Accessories of the leather jacket

High-quality accessories of your leather jacket do add up to the overall price. Accessories of leather jackets include zippers, inner lining, buttons, pockets, and the brand logo. Depending on the quality of the leather and all of your jacket's accessories, you can pay anywhere from $300 all the way up to $2000 for a high-quality jacket. Find out what other leather accessories to pair with your leather jacket!

the brand and marketing leather jacket cost

The brand and marketing costs

Even though leather jackets are a luxury item, several companies are attempting to sell them, and this is one of the biggest reasons why leather jackets are so expensive. Because of the severe rivalry, each company spends a significant amount of money on marketing.

Businesses frequently employ the same marketing strategies to persuade individuals to buy their products. Because leather coats are luxurious, their advertisements often represent extravagant situations.

There's no denying that the brand name heavily influences the leather jacket's price.

You can have two identical leather jackets, but you can expect them to be more expensive if one is labeled with a well-known brand name. Brands invest a significant amount of time and money in developing their reputations.

They want their identities to be connected with the luxury market regarding leather jacket brand names. As a result, they like to spend a lot of money on the best materials to produce the best jackets.

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