Vegetable-Tanned Leather by Horween Leather Company
The Horween Leather Company is a renowned American tannery, founded in 1905 by Isadore Horween. Located in Chicago, Illinois, it is one of the oldest continuously running tanneries in the United States. Horween Leather Company is celebrated for producing some of the highest quality leathers worldwide, including Shell Cordovan, Chromexcel, and professional sports leathers used in footballs and basketballs.
Horween Vegetable-Tanned Leather is renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This leather is produced using traditional, old-world tanning techniques that have been perfected over more than a century. The tanning process involves using natural tree extracts, which impart a rich, natural color and a durable finish to the leather. The result is a beautifully textured leather that ages gracefully, developing a unique patina over time.
The vegetable-tanned leather from Horween is amongst the highest quality leathers available worldwide. With over a century of expertise, Horween Leather Company produces this premium leather using time-honored techniques and the finest natural materials. The result is a durable, richly textured leather that ages beautifully, developing a unique patina over time. It is highly sought after for its superior strength, flexibility, and timeless appeal, making it a top choice for discerning leather enthusiasts and artisans
Key Features
- 100% vegetable-tanned using Horween’s proprietary bark extracts
- Full-grain hides with natural markings that add depth and character
- Warm, rich hues that evolve with use
- Heavy temper for excellent form retention and edge definition
- Proudly made in the USA at Horween’s historic Chicago tannery
Ideal Applications
- Belts, wallets, and journal covers
- Keychains and small leather goods needing structure
- Watch straps, card holders, and desk accessories
- Any project where a leather’s story—its scratches, gloss, and patina—becomes part of its charm
Care & Maintenance
- Condition sparingly with a quality leather balm
- Wipe spills promptly; avoid full immersion in water
- Welcome the patina process—each mark and sheen reflects the life you live with it
Tannery: Horween, Chicago IL
Characteristics: Rustic feel, high contrast, rugged look
Hide Type: Bovine – US Steer Hides
Tannage: Vegetable Tanned
Cut: Side
Firmness: Medium-Firm
Finish: Infused with a rich blend of oils and natural waxes
Grain: Burnished Grain


