What is Pigmented Leather? (Pigmented vs. Aniline)

When a layer of a pigment based color is added to the leather, it is called the pigmented leather. Opaque pigments are used in the process to get a consistent color across the surface of the leather. This method is different from dying the leather in which the color gets absorbed into the leather keeping its natural texture and color variations visible.

The purpose behind the pigment based layering is to provide a uniform appearance and extra protection to leather against wear and tear. Pigmented leather is very useful to protect the leather jackets from fading, scratching, and staining because they are highly sensitive to harsh weathers and constant use.

How Pigmented Leather is Made?

The process of creating pigmented leather starts from tanning the raw hides and involves several steps further. After tanning, the hide goes through the last stage in which the pigmented coating is applied to the surface. Here’s the simple breakdown of the process:

Tanning:

Raw animal skins are processed through tanning, most of the time which are cowhide or lambskin. This process is to soften the leather and to make it strong and supple.

Buffing or Sanding:

After tanning, the leather can be buffed or most of the time sanded to remove irregularities on the surface of the material.

Pigment Application:

A layer of one or more opaque pigments is then applied to the surface of the leather either by spraying or painting. These pigments impart the color and the finish of the leather as well.

Sealing:

After that, a protective layer or sealant is added on the pigments to eliminate further changes in color and protect pigments from the various negative effects like moisture and UV light.

This finishing step is important for a smooth and consistent look of the pigmented leather. It also makes the leather more durable and prevents from daily wear and tear in comparison to aniline leather and other natural forms of the leather.

Benefits of Pigmented Leather for Leather Jackets

Pigmented leather provides several significant benefits to leather jackets. These are some of the main reasons why manufacturers and consumers of leather jackets prefer pigmented leather equally:

Durability

Pigmented leather makes the leather jackets highly durable and resistant to damage. It adds a protective surface to the leather which makes it more tough against scratches, scuffs, and stains. Due to this reason, pigmented leather is an excellent choice for jackets that will be worn regularly, especially in outdoor environments.

For example, biker jackets specially benefit from the increased durability that pigmented leather provides because they are more prone to rough conditions and constant movement. Riders can wear the leather jackets enjoying its aesthetic appeal and without any worries of damages during rides at the same time.

Uniform Appearance

Consistent appearance of pigmented leather makes it stands out among others. Even layer of pigments give leather jackets a smooth and uniform look. On the flip side, aniline leather shows natural markings and imperfections of the hide.

Fashion-oriented people who like a sleek and polished look, prefer pigmented leather jackets for their flawless, pristine appearance. Pigmented leather is also favorite of the brands that specialize in modern and minimalist designs to achieve that perfect, even finish.

Resistance to Fading

Untreated leather can fade due to exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors with time. However, pigmented leather is more resistant to fading due to its UV protectant level. It maintains the jacket’s radiant color even after several years of using it.

Specially, the bold colored leather jackets such as red, navy, white, or others which are subjected to noticeable fading, can benefit from this. Pigmented leather guarantees that their original color will last long.

Easy to Clean

Moreover, pigmented leather is easier to clean than untreated or semi-treated leather types due to its protective coating. Spills and dirt are easy to be wiped off because they don’t absorb into the leather which make this a low-maintenance choice for those who prefer the luxury of a leather jacket without doing extra care for it.

This is ideal for casual and frequent use, whether for commuting or outdoor activities. It needs as little effort as a quick wipe to keep the jacket looking fresh and new.

Drawbacks of Pigmented Leather

Besides its numerous benefits, pigmented leather does have a few drawbacks that leather enthusiasts must consider who prioritize the natural qualities of the material. Some potential drawbacks of pigmented leather are mentioned below:

Reduced Breathability

Reduced leather’s breathability is a major downside of pigmented leather. Breathability is the reason for which natural leather, especially full-grain leather, is valued for which makes it more comfortable and long lasting. The additional coating on pigmented leather makes it less breathable and less comfortable in warmer climates.

Less Natural Feel

The opaqueness of pigmented leather hide the natural texture and grain of the leather which gives the jacket a more uniform but less organic feel. Though some like it this way but true leather purists may prefer a more authentic leather experience with rich texture and visible imperfections of full-grain or aniline leather.

Stiffness

Additional layers of pigment and protective coatings can sometimes make pigmented leather look stiffer than more natural types of leather. This stiffness can prevent jackets to mold to the wearer’s body with time—the main reason for many people to love natural leather jackets even more.

Pigmented Leather vs. Aniline Leather

Pigmented leather can be better understood by comparing it with other common types of leather used in jackets, such as aniline leather.

• Aniline Leather: The color of this leather is obtained by dying it through soluble dyes that penetrate the leather without covering its surface. The result is an aniline leather with all the natural texture, scars, and variations of the hide. Though aniline is liked for this softness and luxurious feel, it is also more vulnerable to stains, fading ,and gets damaged easily.
• Pigmented Leather: On the other hand, pigmented leather is protected with a layer of pigments which are put on the upper part of the skin and give even coloring and increase resistance.  While it is not as soft or natural-looking as aniline leather, pigmented leather comes with superior durability and ease of maintenance.

The choice between pigmented and aniline leather for a jacket is often a matter of individual preference. The pigmented leather is ideal for those who prefer appearance and durability, but those who are interested in having a genuine, natural looking  stuff may consider aniline leather.

Pigmented Leather in Popular Leather Jacket Styles

Pigmented leather is used to make different kind of jackets ranging from bomber jackets to contemporary blazers. Here’s how pigmented leather improves some of the most popular jacket designs:

• Biker Jackets: Pigmented leather is ideal for biker jackets due to its durability. Pigmented leather offers the toughness and resilience necessary for this rugged style which riders need to resist the harsh conditions.
• Bomber Jackets: For bomber jackets, pigmented leather ensures the jacket retains its color and quality even after repeated use providing a sleek and polished look forever.
• Leather Blazers: More formal and fashion-forward leather jackets such as leather blazers get a polished and refined appearance when made from pigmented leather and are suitable to wear both casually and professionally.

Conclusion

Pigmented leather is a versatile and practical material for leather jackets because it offers durability with a sleek, uniform appearance. While lacking in the natural texture and breathability of untreated leather, pigmented leather has protective qualities which make it an excellent choice for those who want a jacket that is resilient and lasts for long periods of time.

If you are looking for a biker studded jacket for its durability or a fashion bomber jacket, understanding the strength and weaknesses of pigmented leather will enable you choose the right leather jacket.