Why We Use Leather at Jekyll & Hide

The short answer

Because quality matters. Full-grain leather is strong, ages beautifully, and lasts for years with simple care — meaning fewer replacements and less waste. It’s also a natural by-product of the food industry, and much of ours is traditionally vegetable-tanned. Jekyll & Hide

The long answer

Timeless materials beat throwaway fashion

Fast fashion is built to be replaced. Our pieces are built to live with you. Full-grain leather doesn’t just survive daily use; it develops a rich patina that looks better the more you carry it. That evolving character is why leather has remained relevant for centuries.

Full-grain leather: the strongest cut

Not all leather is created equal.

Full-grain keeps the hide’s natural grain, making it the most durable and naturally moisture-resistant.
“Top-grain” and “genuine leather” are typically sanded or corrected, trading some strength for uniformity.
We choose hand-picked full-grain cow leather for toughness and beauty, crafted to age well with everyday wear. Jekyll & Hide

Leather types at a glance

Type	How it’s made (high level)	Pros	Cons	What we use
Full-grain	Surface left intact	Strongest, most durable; rich patina	Natural markings visible	Yes Jekyll & Hide
Top-grain	Lightly corrected/sanded	Sleeker, more uniform look	Slightly less durable	Select styles in market (context)
Split/bonded	From lower layers/bonded	Low cost	Least durable, can peel/crack	No (not our standard)

We prioritise full-grain because it lasts longer and looks better over time — which is the sustainable choice in practice. Jekyll & Hide

Traditional vegetable tanning

The majority of our leather is tanned using traditional vegetable tanning — a time-honoured process using plant tannins (e.g., tree bark) rather than harsh chemicals. It yields leather with a warm, natural feel that develops depth with age. Jekyll & Hide

Sourced with care

Our leather is sourced from approved and vetted locations in Argentina, Italy and South Africa. That oversight helps us maintain consistent quality and traceability across ranges. Jekyll & Hide

Built to be used daily

We don’t mass-produce. Each piece is meticulously hand-crafted, with components tested for strength and reliability — from stitching tension to hardware durability. It’s why so many of our customers carry the same wallet or bag for years. Jekyll & Hide

Longevity is sustainability

Every item that lasts years instead of months is one less item in landfill. All our leather is a by-product of the food industry, and our move toward recycled linings further reduces virgin material use. The upshot: durable materials + mindful construction = fewer replacements. Jekyll & Hide+1

Simple care, huge payoff

Leather loves a light touch: keep it clean, condition a few times a year, dry it slowly if wet, and store away from heat. That’s it. Treat it right and it will travel with you for a decade or more. (Full care tips here.) Jekyll & Hide+2Jekyll & Hide+2

Why leather over synthetics?

Strength & repairability: Full-grain stands up to daily knocks and can be reconditioned.
Aging gracefully: Synthetics tend to scuff and look tired; leather develops patina.
Comfort: Leather softens to you, without losing structure.
Lower replacement cycle: Longevity means you buy less, waste less.
Natural origins: A meaningful use for a food-industry by-product. Jekyll & Hide

How to choose leather that lasts

Look for full-grain in the description.
Check the craft: tight, even stitching; robust zips; reinforced stress points. Jekyll & Hide
Prefer traditional tanning (like vegetable-tanned) for depth and feel. Jekyll & Hide
Match to use: laptop sleeves need padded pockets; travel bags need strong handles and smooth wheels.
Plan for care: a simple conditioner 3–4 times a year goes a long way. Jekyll & Hide

Jekyll & Hide picks (start here)

Leather Backpacks: daily carry with padded laptop sleeves and organised pockets.
→ /collections/leather-backpacks
Wallets & RFID wallets: slim, secure, and built to wear in — not out.
→ /collections/mens-wallets and /collections/slim-your-wallet
Handbags: work-to-weekend styles with timeless lines.
→ /collections/handbags
Luggage & Travel Bags: from leather holdalls to modern trolleys with recycled linings.
→ /collections/luggage and /collections/recycled Jekyll & Hide
Care & Repair: everything you need to keep leather in prime condition.
→ /pages/leather-care Jekyll & Hide

FAQs

Is leather eco-friendly?
Leather is a durable by-product of the food industry, and the majority of our leather is vegetable-tanned. Because well-made leather lasts many years, it’s replaced less often — which reduces waste over time. Jekyll & Hide

What is full-grain leather?
It’s the highest-grade cut, with the hide’s natural grain left intact for maximum strength, breathability and patina. That’s why we use it. Jekyll & Hide

Where do you source your leather?
From approved and vetted suppliers in Argentina, Italy and South Africa, to maintain quality and traceability. Jekyll & Hide

Does leather need lots of maintenance?
No — clean lightly, condition a few times a year, dry slowly if wet, and store away from heat. Simple care dramatically extends life. Jekyll & Hide+1

Why not use synthetics instead?
Synthetics can be uniform and inexpensive, but they don’t age like leather and are often replaced sooner. We prefer materials that last and can be cared for, not discarded.

Leather story: /pages/our-leather-explained Jekyll & Hide
Care guide: /pages/leather-care Jekyll & Hide
Backpacks: /collections/leather-backpacks Jekyll & Hide
Wallets: /collections/mens-wallets, /collections/slim-your-wallet Jekyll & Hide+1
Handbags: /collections/handbags
Luggage & recycled: /collections/luggage, /collections/recycled Jekyll & Hide
About: /pages/about-us (craft/testing) Jekyll & Hide