What is Vegetable Tanned Leather?

Vegetable tanned leather is the oldest and most traditional way that cowhide is turned into leather. It is a chemical-free process that uses natural tree bark to tan the hide. The word “vegetable” refers to this process because of its chemical-free nature.

It’s called vegetable tanning because it uses organic materials like tree bark, which are considered vegetables in botany. While it’s one of the oldest methods of tanning known to man, less than 10% of the world's leather is tanned this way today.

Vegetable tanned leather can be used to make thicker leather and results in more body and character — perfect for bag making! Vegetable tanned leather also tends to age better and develop a rich patina over time, becoming even more beautiful with age! And it has that awesome classic leather smell that comes from being tanned with natural materials like tree bark or soybeans instead of harsh chemicals.

All bags made by Madison Stitch use vegetable tanned leather made by Hermann Oak Leather in St. Louis, Missouri. Hermann Oak has been making leather since 1881 — they know a thing or two about leather!