Veg-Tan Leather Care & Info

Marlondo's standard leather is a full grain, vegetable-tanned cowhide leather from the United States. Vegetable tanned leather (often abbreviated as veg-tan) has been produced for thousands of years. Turning animal skins into leather requires the use of tannins to remove moisture and prevent the skins from decaying. Tannins are natural compounds that can be found in tree bark, leaves, and other plant material. Hides are soaked in this solution for over a month, producing a strong, stiff leather beloved for its durability, earthy smell, and rich color.

It can be stiff and inflexible at first, but with time and use the leather will soften and gain a darker and more complex color with time and use (called patina). Due to the amount of time and care required to produce veg-tan leather, it is more expensive than other types, but well worth the price for its strength and durability. 

Vegetable tanned leather is a beautiful, environmentally friendly leather that will last a lifetime, especially with proper maintenance. Investing in and caring for your leather satchel will ensure that it continues to be a dependable companion on life's adventures for many years to come. Our most popular veg tan leather bags include the Businessman Briefcase, Leather Backpack, Wing Briefcase, Double Space Briefcase, and more! Learn more about Marlondo's materials on our main Leather page.

Maintaining Your Veg-Tan Leather Bag

Veg-tan leather can dry out if exposed to too much heat or light. Condition your leather bag on an annual basis, or quarterly if it's exposed to the elements frequently. If the leather is beginning to feel dry or hard, or developing superficial cracks or ridges, condition it to avoid permanent damage. Marlondo Leather's all natural conditioner is made with natural oils and beeswax— a great choice for keeping your leather hydrated and nourished. A free 1-ounce tin of this leather cream comes with every Marlondo bag!

Apply a light coat of conditioner with a soft cloth. We've actually found that a mismatched sock works perfectly! Use another clean cloth to wipe off any excess conditioner after soaking for several minutes. Your messenger bag will likely appear darker for the first few hours after conditioning. 

Cleaning veg-tan leather is very easy! Simply use a dry or very slightly damp cloth to wipe down the bag. We also love the leather cleaner from our friends at Dropforge Leather Care.

Vegetable tanned leather is not scratch-resistant, but small scratches on veg-tan leather will usually buff out easily with a horsehair brush, buffing cloth, or even a sock if need be.