It’s no myth that leather has been around for thousands of years. Leather has been one of human existence most coveted materials, as it was used for almost everything. Prehistoric people wrapped animal skins around their bodies for warmth. Sailors often brough brightly embroidered leather garments to the countries they visited. Even leather shoes were found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. It’s not surprised that leather, a material made from tanned animal hides, it’s still in use today. While we may have other resources that can keep us warm and offer protection from the elements, leather jackets are still coveted for their durability and fashion sense.

Before the Manufacturing

The hides most commonly used to make leather jackets consist of antelope, buckskin, lambskin, sheepskin, and cowhide. The animal skin is sent to the tannery where the skin undergoes a series of processes to preserve and soften the hides. The work at the tannery is extremely important to insure that your leather jacket will be at its highest quality.

The Manufacturing Process

Back before the invention of sewing machinery, leather jackets were traditionally sewed by hand, by one person, with the person working on the garment from start to finish. A lot of old-school leather stores, such as Jonval, still take pride in this classic, professional way of creating leather jackets. Leather jackets are known to be expensive and a luxury item, making highly skilled artisans of this craft sought-after by consumers.

The very first step involves jacket design. Whether you want to design your own or take a pre-made pattern, we can do it all. Typically, after you select a pattern and design, the manufacturer will need to measure you (if it’s a custom jacket) or assign you a size based on your body height and weight. After the pattern is selected, it’s time to start cutting the leather to shape. The pattern will be laid on top of the leather and cut out to size. WHen it comes to your jacket’s lining, it’s cut out in the same fashion.

After your pieces are cut out, we’ll start assembling your leather jacket. Assembly of your jacket starts with the sides being stitched to the back portion, sleeve underseams are stitched together, and then the sleeves are attached to the armholes. Finishing pieces such as collars, cuffs, buttons, zippers, and pockets depending on the design of the jacket. Lining material will be attached to each piece of your jacket before being sewn onto the jacket as a whole.

Once your jacket is essentially put together, pressing is imperative to making sure that the skins become a jacket. Heat application, steaming, and blocking are all different ways to get your jacket to start looking like a jacket. After your jacket is pressed into shape, it’s time for a final inspection. Each jacket is inspected by a professional, and by hand, to ensure that it was created exactly as it was supposed to be. Then, they’ll be wrapped in a plastic garment bag and will be ready for you to pick up!