Oil Tanned | The Leather Guy

Oil Tanned

Oil Tanned leather is a strong and workable leather that can be used to make products rugged enough to stand up to the outdoors or sleek and stylish enough to make high-end bags and shoes. 

Oil tan leather has a semi-soft and semi-flexible temper and due to the oil finish of the leather its durability, water resistant properties and its rustic look is unmatched. For this reason oil tan is commonly referred to as “Boot Leather” due to the high quality boots that are made using it by popular brands. On average hides come in a smooth 4-5 ounce thickness which is perfect durability for work boots. 

The utility of this leather is not just limited to boots, it’s also great for journals, wallets, backpacks, satchels and chaps. Some oil tan leathers will have a pull-up which means when the leather is pulled or stretched a lighter color can appear giving it a rustic look and put an emphasis on bends, folds or creases. This wonderful leather will be available in many colors and sizes so you can find the perfect piece for your project.

Oil tan is easy to treat with leather care products that can be applied with a sponge, rag or just simply with the tip of your finger. Through heavy use, rugged terrain and high moisture areas your oil tanned products will stand the test of time with proper care.

This is one of our most popular leathers! It starts out as Veg Tanned but then goes through a re-tannage where the hide is packed with oil and wax which gives it its distinctive hand feel. The process also softens the leather, making it more pliable and supple than the veg tan it started out as. The re-tannage is typically done with chrome tanning.