April 12, 2025 | Learn Everything Leather

How Are Leather Jackets Made? From Rawhide to Stylish Jacket

Ever wonder what goes into making a leather jacket? It’s not just cutting fabric and sewing seams. A lot happens before that slick, stylish piece lands in your closet.

At Arcane Fox, our primary concern is to deliver quality leather jackets that offer perfection, natural fit, and style. Each order goes through multiple production departments before it arrives at your doorstep—crafted with precision, packed with care.

It’s important for our customers to know how it’s all done—what type of leather hide we use, how we make, process, and ship our leather jackets around the world.

This blog breaks it down step by step. No fluff—just real leather, real craftsmanship, and a whole lot of heart stitched in every piece.

1. Why Knowing This Matters for Buyers

When you invest in a leather jacket, you’re not just buying a fashion piece—you’re buying craftsmanship, time, and tradition. In fact, knowing how a jacket is made helps you understand its true value, not just its price tag.

At Arcane Fox, we believe informed buyers make better choices. From start to finish, the quality of cowhide or lambskin, along with the precision of tanning and finishing, shapes how your jacket feels, fits, and lasts.

After all, it’s not just about style—it’s about longevity, fit, and function. And let’s be honest, it’s pretty cool to know what’s behind that jacket you love to wear.

2. The History of Leather Jacket Manufacturing

Leather jacket production took off in the early 20th century, originally crafted for military purposes. These jackets shielded pilots and soldiers from extreme weather. As a result, after World War I and II, they came to represent bravery and resilience. People admired them for their toughness and warmth.

Over the decades, leather jackets transformed alongside pop culture and evolving style. For example, the 1950s saw the rise of the “biker jacket,” thanks to Marlon Brando’s iconic role in The Wild One—a symbol of youthful defiance.

Later on, in the ’60s and ’70s, rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and punk bands wore them as badges of rebellion.

Interestingly, back in the 1920s, the addition of zippers improved both style and function. Furthermore, new silhouettes like bomber, racer, and flight jackets grew in popularity.

To this day, culture and fashion continue to influence leather jackets. Today, they’re timeless staples and creative playgrounds for modern designers.

3. Step 1 – Sourcing the Right Raw Material

The journey of a leather jacket begins with choosing the right leather. At Arcane Fox, we focus on ethical sourcing and premium-quality hides. The material you start with determines everything—from how the jacket drapes to how long it lasts.

We work only with trusted partners who follow animal welfare standards and ensure traceability. Whether it's cowhide for toughness or lambskin for softness, every hide we select goes through strict quality checks before it moves into production. Because great jackets start with even greater materials.

3.1 Types of Leather Used in Leather Jackets

Different types of leather serve different purposes. Cowhide is durable and thick—great for biker jackets and heavy-duty outerwear. Sheepskin and lambskin offer a softer, lighter feel, ideal for everyday fashion. Goatskin brings a balance of strength and flexibility, while buffalo leather adds rugged charm.

Moreover, we also use full-grain leather for its rich texture and longevity, and top-grain leather when a smoother surface is preferred. For a unique look, materials like nubuck, suede, and Nappa leather offer distinct finishes.

Each type is chosen based on the jacket’s style and function—because no two jackets, or customers, are the same.

Read More: Leather 101 - The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Leather

4. Step 2 – Tanning the Hide

Tanning is a vital step in leather jacket production. It stabilizes the hide, preventing decay and making it flexible, soft, and wearable. At Arcane Fox, we prioritize high-quality tanning methods that combine tradition and innovation. Whether we use vegetable tanning or chrome tanning, each hide is treated to bring out the best in feel, strength, and finish.

4.1 Chrome Tanning vs Vegetable Tanning

There are two main types of tanning: chrome tanning and vegetable tanning. Both have their advantages, but the difference lies in how they’re done and what they offer.

Chrome-tanned leather is treated using chromium salts. It’s faster, more flexible, and resistant to water. However, This method is common in mass production and produces softer, more uniform hides like chrome-tanned leather used in fashion pieces.

Vegetable-tanned leather, on the other hand, uses natural tannins from tree bark. It’s more environmentally friendly, with a firmer feel and a rich patina that ages beautifully. Moreover, We often use vegetable-tanned leather for timeless designs that get better with age.

Read More: How is Leather Made? A Step-by-Step Guide of the Leather Tanning Process

4.2 Why Tanning Is Essential?

Tanning prevents the hide from rotting and gives it the strength to last for years. Without it, the material would be stiff, smelly, and unusable. The process includes important steps like pickling, liming, deliming, and bating, which clean and prep the hide. Moreover, Techniques like neutralization, fatliquoring, and retanning improve texture and flexibility. At Arcane Fox, we ensure every hide undergoes precise tanning to maintain beauty, softness, and durability in every leather jacket we create.

5. Step 3 – Conditioning, Coloring, and Softening

Once the tanning process is complete, it’s time to give the leather its character—its color, softness, and strength. At Arcane Fox, we treat every hide with care to ensure your jacket feels as good as it looks.

Below are the three major stages that make this transformation possible:

5.1 Conditioning the Leather

Drying removes excess moisture after tanning without making the leather brittle.
Conditioning restores natural oils lost during earlier stages, improving feel and flexibility.
Softening helps the hide become pliable, making it easier to shape and wear.
Stuffing fills the fibers with essential oils and waxes for long-lasting strength.

5.2 Coloring the Leather

Dyeing gives leather its rich, even tone using either surface or penetration methods.
We use vegetable-based dyes when possible for safer, eco-friendly tanning results.
Padding, spraying, or roller coating apply color with precision and depth.
Fixation locks in color to reduce fading and ensure lasting vibrancy.

5.3 Softening and Finishing Touches

Fatliquoring replaces moisture lost during drying and improves flexibility.
Buffing smooths the surface and removes minor imperfections.
Glazing, polishing, and ironing create that signature leather sheen.
Finishing steps like embossing, plating, and combing enhance texture and style.

Each jacket goes through this refined process to ensure it carries the comfort, color, and charm that define the Arcane Fox standard.

6. Step 4 – Pattern Making and Cutting the Jacket

This step shapes the leather into wearable art. At Arcane Fox, we rely on expert pattern making and precise cutting to ensure every jacket fits like it was made just for you.

6.1 How Is the Pattern Created for a Jacket?

Creating a leather jacket begins with a detailed pattern, which acts as the blueprint. First, designers draft each section—sleeves, collars, back, and chest—to match specific sizes and styles. Moreover, this step involves pattern making software or hand sketches, followed by mockups on muslin or similar materials.

At Arcane Fox, we carefully refine every curve and seam to balance comfort and structure. In addition, even the space for hand-sewn buttons and zippers is thoughtfully planned during this phase.

Ultimately, a good pattern ensures the leather flows naturally around the body—no awkward fits, no guesswork.

6.2 Hand-Cut vs Machine-Cut Leather

Cutting the leather is where the blueprint becomes real. Hand-cut leather allows artisans to work around natural imperfections in full-grain leather, preserving its beauty. It takes more time and skill but gives each jacket a personal touch. Tools like a leather punch, awl, edge beveller, and cutting table are used to shape every piece with precision.

Machine-cut leather, on the other hand, is faster and more uniform. It’s ideal for large batches and uses techniques like die cutting and laser guidance. While it offers consistency, it may waste more leather due to rigid templates.

At Arcane Fox, we often use hand-cut methods for premium pieces and machine-assisted techniques for bulk orders—balancing craftsmanship with efficiency. Either way, we never compromise on fit, feel, or finish.

7. Step 5 – Stitching and Assembly

Once the leather is cut, it’s time to bring the jacket to life. At this stage, stitching and assembly combine all the prepared pieces into one cohesive form. This is the point where precision and skill truly shine.

At Arcane Fox, we use high-grade poly-core thread and industrial sewing machines for strong, clean seams. Meanwhile, elements like collars, sleeves, linings, and zippers are carefully stitched together—no shortcuts allowed.

For added distinction, we also include hand-sewn buttons, decorative topstitching, and use specialty tools like the buttonhole machine, stitching pony, and spearpoint needle for refined details.

However, it’s not just about sewing—it’s about shaping the jacket’s identity. Each detail counts. Every curve, seam, and panel adds to its structure and fit. Additionally, proper skiving ensures the leather isn’t bulky at the joins.

In the end, every piece we craft reflects our promise: a leather jacket built with intention, care, and timeless craftsmanship. That’s what makes an Arcane Fox jacket truly stand out.

8. Step 6 – Final Finishes and Quality Checks

The finishing stage is where everything comes together. At Arcane Fox, we believe the little details make the biggest difference. Our team carefully performs buffing, polishing, and glazing to create that flawless surface and rich, smooth touch that high-end leather is known for.

We also add final elements like embossing, plating, and edge brushing to highlight the jacket’s texture and lines. Techniques such as oiling, ironing, frizing, and even curtain coating help protect the leather while elevating its look. The result? A jacket that feels as luxurious as it looks.

Before anything leaves our studio, it goes through strict quality checks. We inspect the stitching, symmetry, softness, and structure. Only jackets that pass our multi-point inspection make it to your door. Because when you wear Arcane Fox, you're wearing more than leather—you're wearing excellence, experience, and edge.

9. Common Myths About Leather Jacket Production

Myth 1: All leather jackets are made the same way.

Not true. The type of leather, tanning process, and cutting method all affect quality. A full-grain leather jacket made with care is worlds apart from mass-produced alternatives.

Myth 2: Machine-made jackets are always better.

While machines help with consistency, hand-cut leather and hand-sewn buttons offer more precision, especially around custom fits and finishing touches that define Arcane Fox jackets.

Myth 3: Tanning is harmful to the environment.

Not always. Vegetable tanning, eco-friendly tanning, and the use of biodegradable chemicals make modern leather production far more sustainable when done right.

11. Final Thoughts

A leather jacket isn’t just clothing—it’s a reflection of craft, process, and purpose. From the very beginning, starting with rawhide to the final finish, each step adds value to the piece you wear.

At Arcane Fox, we treat every leather jacket like a work of art. With this in mind, our focus on ethical sourcing, expert tanning, and meticulous pattern making ensures each product delivers lasting quality and unmatched style.

By understanding the process, you begin to appreciate what you're really wearing—a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Ultimately, when you choose Arcane Fox, you're not just buying leather jacket. Instead, you're choosing confidence stitched with care.

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