Leather info
Living with Genuine Leather
About Genuine Leather
Characteristics of Leather
Re:ne leather goods are handmade using natural leather. As such, each piece features unique characteristics inherent to genuine leather, including natural marks, color variations, minor production imperfections, and differences in shade depending on the time of arrival.
These elements form the one-of-a-kind personality of genuine leather, revealing its distinct character only to you. We invite you to enjoy living with this genuine leather and savoring the aging process that reflects your life.
※Please note that we cannot accept returns based on the characteristics of the leather or minor scratches incurred during production.
Itchy wound
These marks are the result of contact with other cattle, scratches, or insect bites sustained during the animal's lifetime, which remain visible once the hide is tanned. Similarly, we too will inevitably bear scars throughout our lives, and these can be seen as proof of our natural state.
Bloodline
Scars from iron railings or thorns (rose scars), battle wounds, insect bites, and even blood vessels—which appear like lightning bolts—can be visible. When the leather is skived, these scars may become holes, and the blood vessels may become more prominent.
Wrinkles (Tiger)
The leather surface displays tiger-like stripes. These are patterns left behind from wrinkles formed during the animal's lifetime, most commonly seen on areas like the neck and shoulders. These markings are unique to natural leather and can be considered proof of its origin.
The tiger pattern does not indicate any issue with the leather's quality. In fact, because these were areas that moved frequently, they tend to be more flexible and durable than other parts. Personally, I find items where the tiger pattern is used as an accent on leather goods quite appealing.
Differences in texture, uneven dyeing
Leather varies from hide to hide, and even within the same hide, differences in fiber density and tightness across sections mean that identical processing won't yield uniform results. Grain patterns result from shrinkage and appear differently depending on the section; even grain patterns created by air-tightening are irregular. Furthermore, dye absorption varies from hide to hide and due to climatic conditions, leading to color variations.
Bloom
Occasionally, wax and oils contained within the leather may appear on the surface as a white powder. As these components gradually permeate the leather with use, this is generally not a problem. If you find it bothersome, gently warm the area with a hairdryer before wiping it away for a clean removal.
Pull-up
Leather rich in oil may show a lighter color in bent areas due to the internal oils shifting when flexed. This is called a pull-up finish, and it can occur in oil-rich leathers even when no specific finish is mentioned.
Markings from skiving/Skiving irregularities
Leather thickness is adjusted through manufacturing processes, finishing, and skiving. However, the use of skiving machines may leave marks on the flesh side (the underside of the leather) or cause unevenness. Since leather thickness varies by individual piece and body part, unevenness may occur.
Stamp/Write
During the manufacturing process, color variations may occur on the flesh side (the underside of the leather), and markings such as stamps or notes regarding the leather type may be applied as part of the quality certification process.
