Jump to content
BikerMike

Leather For Vests And Clothing

Recommended Posts

I have been doing some tooling around with veg-tanned leather for small items. But I have acquired an interest in creating vests and jackets and such. Specially since the purchase of my 29-4 Patcher. I've also got an Emdeko industrial sewing machine. So my interests are turning a bit in that direction.

My question, and this may sound dumb, but, what is the best leather weight for such items. When looking at leather online, I see adverts for lighter weight leathers, but it is usually called upholstery leather. Chap leather may be to thick. Or not.

Any advise, anyone?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You'll likely want to stay in the 2-3oz range for most types of vests or heavy jackets. Light jackets would be even thinner. Chaps...yeah, you'll want heavier leather for that. Look for "deer tanned" or some other chrome tanned leather for garments, and call (not online order) the distributor you're purchasing from and tell them what you're wanting to do. A person you talk to *should* know enough about the leather to give you a suggestion.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I recommend 2-3 oz for leather shirts (.7mm-.9mm) Optimum

3 -4 oz for Vests, Jackets, and Pants (1.2mm-1,3mm) Optimum

4- 5 oz for Chaps (1.4mm-1.6mm) Optimum

All Full-Grain Leather...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mike D Loach and Tramp

Thank you both. I was sure I was looking in the right direction, but it is good to get confirmation. I'll post my first items.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You're welcome, looking forward to seeing your work...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

you could even consider the milled veg tan from tandy. i saw this stuff and it is really cool. it's got the feel of a heavy weight chrome tanned skin, but it's veg tanned. it would make a real nice skin for chaps and vests. i am not recalling the weight of the stuff i saw.....might have been 4-5 oz.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What do you all think is the best for vest making. Veg-tan or Chrome tanned? I am wanting to start making vest also.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think that any type of clothing would be best in chrome tanned, and you can add pieces or patches of tooled leather as needed. The CT won't harden or wet form like VT will, and the Ct is commonly drum dyed and struck through......in a nut shell, it wears better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mike is absolutely spot on --- Chrome tanned is best for vests, jackets, motorcycle chaps, pants, etc...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

....bras, corsets, boustiers.....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

....bras, corsets, boustiers.....

Yeah, especially those items... :thumbsup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What is the difference between chrome tan an chrome oil tan ?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...