Can You Wear Patent Leather Shoes With a Suit

When considering types of leather that are water resistant and take a loftier-polish, patent leather is oftentimes kickoff to listen. Information technology adds a classy bear upon to a wide diversity of leather goods.

Patent leather originated in the late 1700s when layers of oils were applied to dyed leather, and dried. The resulting surface was durable and water resistant. Oils accept since been replaced with constructed materials, and this high-gloss leather is usually used in shoes, wallets, numberless, & accessories.

I learned some interesting things about where patent leather came from, how information technology is made, and fifty-fifty how it got its name. Let'southward explore some more.

What is Patent Leather?

Patent leather is a type of leather characterized by having a very articulate, shiny, polished surface. The surface is generally water resistant, or water proof, and helps provide durability past protecting the leather underneath.

Due to it'south shine, patent leather is ofttimes used in more formal and dress leather appurtenances including shoes, handbags, and belts. The glossy surface is decumbent to scratches and must be cared for well. Originally, this blazon of leather was made from natural leather coated in various oils. Over time, it has become much more than common for it to be fabricated from simulated leather with synthetic coatings. It is sometimes referred to as "enameled leather". Here is a video that talks through some of the fabric characteristics.

The lower production costs of imitation synthetic materials immune patent leather to surge in popularity in the 1960s. Today, it tin exist made in virtually any color, and is used across all sorts of leather appurtenances including boots, handbags, purses, pants, skirts, costumes, belts, watch bands, hats, backpacks, glasses cases, wallets, and personal accessories.

History of Patent Leather

The history of patent leather spans thousands of years, though the most significant advancements accept happened in the terminal few centuries. Permit's swoop in!

Mesoamerica

Patent leather has its roots in, believe it or not, condom. Natural latex from the Hevea tree was first used thousands of years ago by the Olmec civilization in the Mesoamerican region (mod-24-hour interval United mexican states). And then, in 1736, Charles Marie de La Condamine brought samples to France's leading Scientific Society. Noesis of safety began to spread around Europe and England.

Uses for Safety

In 1770, Joseph Priestley in England observed that the material worked very well for rubbing pencil marks off of paper. Thus, it gained its nickname, "safety". Tests and discoveries with the condom fabric connected, and information technology was as well referred to every bit "rubberband glue" and "caoutchouc". Caoutchouc in liquid grade was showtime available in England, before information technology reached Europe.

Hand's Patent Leather

Then, in the 1790s, a gentleman named Manus from Birmingham, England (a city in England'southward W Midlands region) obtained a patent for preparing leather in such a manner that it is h2o proof. I researched and checked for the original patent on the British Library website, though discovered via the Library'south link to a detailed list of all British documents that the patent is only available for viewing, physically, at the British Library in London. That would be a long trip from the United states of america, though if you're nearby London, try a visit!

Later on beingness granted the patent, Hand'due south method was discussed, in 1793, in a British publication. The publication covered all sorts of topics at the time, ranging from news, major events, scientific inquiry, travel stories, and about anything that would exist of general interest. Here is a link to read nearly Hand'due south Patent Leather in The Bee, Or, Literary Weekly Intelligencer (Volume 17, folio 299).

The Bee – Or – Literary Weekly Intelligencer

Description of Hand's Patent

The Bee describes the new leather finishing method as:

"A gentleman of the name of Mitt in Birmingham, equally I am informed, has of tardily obtained a patent for preparing leather in a certain way that he has discovered, past ways of which, leather is said to exist rendered perfectly impervious to h2o, and when soiled, requires only to be wiped with a sponge to restore it to its original lustre.

The glaze and polish of that leather is indeed surprisingly fine, and far exceeds any thing of the sort nosotros have seen where the flexibility of the leather is preserved. This glaring we are assured consists of nothing else than a varnish fabricated of caoutchouc in oil of turpentine or some other oil, and then exposing it to the air until the oil be entirely evaporated. This, though a much more expensive process than the employing the native juice past itself, and probably much less perfect too than that would be, may withal be of use in many cases."

As with near new technologies, The Bee goes on to talk about the increased toll of this new material and it'south probable exclusivity to higher social classes and more formal and apparel uses.

"Leather prepared as higher up is then much enhanced in cost, as to render a pair of shoes made of information technology nearly nine shillings dearer than if made of common leather, which must necessarily confine the use of information technology to a very few but."

And it is due to Mitt's work and his patent on this leather production method, that it got its name, and glossy, waterproof leather is commonly referred to as "patent leather".

Related Advancements

Following Manus's patent, additional advancements were made by others that helped atomic number 82 to the patent leather we're near familiar with today. They included:

Edmund Prior – Painting & Coloring of Leather

In an 1800 result of The Repertory of Arts, Manufacturers, and Agriculture, a London publication relating to useful information and advancements from effectually the world, describes a patent granted to Prior every bit:

"Edmund Prior, of Beck-street, Holborn, Leather-feller; for a method of painting and coloring all kinds of leather. Dated November four, 1799."

Charles Frederic Mollersten – Leather Coloring & Gloss

On January 23rd, 1805, Mollersten describes his invention in The Repertory of Arts, Manufacturers, and Agronomics, a London publication relating to useful information and advancements from around the world. It covers the coloring and gloss of leather, and is introduced every bit:

"Specification of the Patent granted to Charles Frederic Mollersten, of Hackney Wick, in the Canton of Middlesex, Admirer; for a Chemic Composition and Method of applying the same in the Preparation of Hides, Skins, and Leather, Silks, Taffetas, and Linen, and to all Manufactures already made of Skins and Leather, thereby coloring and giving a beautiful Gloss to the same, rendering them Water-proof, and impenetrable to hot to corroding Liquids, and at the same time preserving them from Decay, and keeping them soft and pliable."

Seth Boyden – Introduction of Patent Leather to America

Seth Boyden was born in Foxboro, Massachusetts on November 17, 1798. He would be a farmer, sentinel repairer, and inventor. In 1815, he moved to Newark, New Bailiwick of jersey. In the later half of 1818, by happenstance, he came in possession of a piece of patent leather from Europe. Supposedly, it was a front end piece from a German military cap. Intrigued by this, he set out to make his own type of patent leather.

Seth Boyden

Seth was able to figure out a process based on analysis of the military cap front piece, and he began selling patent leather in America. By 1824, his patent leather sales totaled $9,703.06, quite a big sum of coin for the fourth dimension. A mod method to produce glossy, h2o-proof leather now existed in the United states of america. The book, The History of Essex and Hudson Counties, New Bailiwick of jersey dives more securely into his history.

1960s Surge in Popularity

Afterwards World War II, industrial production levels were high, many advancements had been made in materials engineering, and there was increased demand for consumer goods. The Space Race was on and infinite-historic period fashion was on the rise.

Shiny, glossy leather looks futuristic and quickly became popular. Patent leather was made in a variety of colors and apply extensively to make outerwear, shoes, boots, and numberless. Additionally, more and more than synthetic materials were existence used. This included imitation leather instead of real leather, and synthetic articulate coatings to give it the patent leather look.

With higher book and lower cost patent leathers available, it became an instant classic in use all effectually the world. Later on the surge in the 1960s, information technology is yet popular today.

Patent Leather Shoes

Why It'south Chosen Patent Leather

One of the first inventors to produce a leather that was waterproof also obtained a patent covering the method of production. Thus, because this new type of leather was made through a patented procedure, it was hands, and normally referred to as "patent leather".

Natural Patent Leather vs False Patent Leather

When considering the departure betwixt patent leather and leather, originally, when the first types of patent leather were produced in the late 1700s, genuine leather was the type of material worked with. Information technology would exist colored or dyed, and covered with a protective finish to requite it the patent leather look and h2o resistance.

Once imitation leather became available (and relatively inexpensive) in the 1900s, information technology became a very popular selection for the base of operations of patent leather. Also, since patent leather involves a thick protective coating on it, the quality grains of natural leather were covered and hidden. Thus, covering fake leather led to a very similar, and much less expensive result.

Due to that, most patent leather today is made from faux leather. Additionally, the sleeky coatings on patent leather are generally synthetic besides. The combination of cheap faux leather and cheap coatings has seen it become a widely bachelor fabric. It is used at all quality levels and across many types of fake leather goods.

Alternative to Patent Leather

Over the years, some material types have been made that take a similar appearance and functional properties as patent leather. One of the most popular is Corfam.

In 1963 at the Chicago Shoe Show, DuPont introduced a type of "poromeric" leather substitute. It's goal was, to by 1984, have Corfam comprise about 24% of the United States shoe market. While it was shiny and water repellent, the material was not very breathable and as comfortably flexible every bit existent leather. Also, the low cost and high-performance of PVC leather made information technology a more appealing product.

By 1971, DuPont had stopped selling Corfam. While their hopes and goals for information technology were optimistically reasonable, the marketplace did not respond. The c&en archives provided a detailed expect into the rise and autumn of Corfam (click here the visit their site).

What Patent Leather is Used For

Blackness Patent Leather High Heels

Today, patent leather is used in many types of commercial appurtenances. The most popular uses include belts, handbags, backpacks, purses, clutches, wallets, boots, formal shoes, casual shoes, sneakers, pants, costumes, outerwear, lookout man bands, and personal accessories.

Popular Manufacturers That Use Patent Leather

Many popular brands use patent leather in their finished appurtenances. Some examples include:

Chanel makes purses and clutches
Hermes uses it in bags
Christian Louboutin uses it for shoes
Allen Edmonds makes shoes
Prada too uses the material in their shoes
Valentino makes shoes
Autobus makes totes and bags

How Patent Leather is Made

Patent leather is mostly made during the "Finishing" phase of leather product. For more details on how leather is fabricated, click to view this article I wrote about the entire leather tanning procedure. Since what makes leather "patent" leather is the surface finish, it tin exist washed with different materials, and in unlike ways. In all methods the resulting leather is flexible, durable, and water-resistant.

Here is a video of the coating being applied:

Coating Type

In one case leather is tanned and set up for the patent finish, the shiny coating it can be applied. Centuries ago, this was ofttimes a mineral oil or linseed oil applied equally a lacquer stop. The leather would exist dyed and the coating applied on top. sometimes, the lacquer would be dyed and practical onto the leather surface.

In more modern manufacturing, the blanket is most often a polyurethane or acrylic coating. They are both plastics that allow the material underneath to exist flexible. They tin both also exist practical clear, or dyed to include a color that shows through on the finished product's surface.

Layers

Depending on the production process, the sleeky coating might be applied in layers. This tin can be done to make the surface thicker and stronger. It also might be done to introduce colors and color variations into the finished products. Additionally, layers of different finishes can be applied to introduce different characteristics into the finished cloth; for example, protective layers, high-gloss layers, and UV protectant layers.

Application Methods

The blanket on patent leather can be applied in different ways depending on desired finish results, and scale of production. For small projects or samples, it can be done by manus and applied with brushes.

For larger production processes, it'south usually done either by spray awarding, or coated by pouring the coatings over material passing through conveyors.

In spray awarding, the coatings are sprayed onto the base cloth (natural or faux leather) and immune to dry. The next coating is so sprayed on acme. These layers of coatings are applied until the concluding, protective surface coating dries and the patent leather is ready.

Hither is a video showing surface application:

In conveyor applications, the coating material is poured onto the base material, then passed through dryers to advance the drying procedure. Next, another layer is poured on, and and so dried. This continues until all the layers are added, and the final, protective surface is practical.

Pop Questions About Patent Leather

Is patent leather skilful quality?

Patent leather is, generally, plastic covered leather. In many cases, it is plastic covered fake leather, which is likewise plastic, thus making it plastic covered plastic.

When because information technology as a leather, information technology is not a great quality leather as the plastic coating covers upwards the natural qualities of leather. However, when because it as a plastic coated material that is shiny and water resistant, it can exist a quality option if those features are preferred.

Due to the outer coating being plastic, it will degrade over years, and possibly discolor if exposed to UV rays. It can also stain if in direct contact with darker colors/plastics. It is a slap-up-looking and very eye-catching material, though not extremely durable.

What is the coating on patent leather?

The coating on modernistic patent leathers is normally a polyurethane or acrylic coating (plastic). They can be clear, result in a high shine, and remain flexible once dried. Paint can also exist added to the resin coatings to add together color. Additionally, additives tin be put into the coatings to increase desirable performance factors such as scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, and UV resistance.

Is patent leather more expensive?

Patent leather is generally less expensive than natural leather. Since it is substantially a plastic coating over a leather or faux leather base, information technology can be produced much less expensively. This often results in lower costs for patent leather goods.

Does patent leather crack?

Aye, patent leather cracks. Since it is composed of a plastic blanket, over time the plastic begins to weaken and dethrone. Due to the flexing of these goods from habiliment (shoes while walking, bags from opening/closing and full general use, etc.), the plastic will begin to crack over fourth dimension.

Red Croaky Patent Leather Shoes

What kind of paint can I utilize on patent leather?

Acrylic paint is generally all-time for painting on patent leather. Since these appurtenances are usually exposed to flexing and bending during use, it'southward important to employ s pigment that will also be flexible when dry. High-gloss acrylic paints are good options.

How do you stop patent leather from scuffing?

Due to the high-gloss finish, patent leather is very prone to scuffing. While it can't oft be stopped (just from everyday wearable), it tin exist cleaned upwards sometimes with a damp material, or if needed, calorie-free use of nail smooth remover. This is ofttimes a style to fixed scuffed patent leather shoes.

Is patent leather h2o resistant?

Yes, patent leather is water resistant, and in well-nigh cases, waterproof. Since it is made by applying a plastic surface to the underlying textile, it is a very h2o resistant.

Does patent leather scuff easily?

Yep, patent leather scuffs very easily. Due to it having a shiny, smooth surface, it is very susceptible to scuffing and scratching. Here is a video showing how to easily remove scuffs:

Why is patent leather xanthous?

Patent leather is covered in a clear plastic layer. Over time, the plastic begins to degrade and takes on a xanthous tint to it. On lighter color patent leathers, such as white, the yellowing of the plastic is very visible. On darker patent leather goods, such as deep bluish or black, the yellowing of the plastic surface layer is not as apparent to the eye.

Is patent leather vegan?

Well-nigh newer patent leathers are vegan, aye. Patent leather used to made by applying layers of oil on top of natural leather. This would provide a smooth, shiny surface, though hide the natural surface qualities of existent leather.

Since the plastic surface covers the underlying fabric, which doesn't necessarily demand to be natural leather, in more contempo times patent leather is plastic coated simulated leather. As most faux leathers are made of plastic, it is essentially plastic coated plastic, which is vegan.

Is patent leather actually leather?

No, most patent leather is non actually leather. It used to fabricated (a century and more ago) by applying layers of oil on elevation of natural leather. Newer patent leathers are generally plastic coatings practical over plastic materials, thus making it a plastic material and not really leather.

Can patent leather exist restored?

Patent leather is a plastic material, and thus by and large challenging to restore. Some scuffs and scratches tin can be buffed out, and solutions used to polish the surface. All the same, strongly discolored, heavily scratched, or cracked goods are difficult to restore, if possible at all depending on the extent of the impairment/wearable.

How do you go on patent leather shiny?

Patent leather has a plastic surface, and is best to clean with a damp cloth and buff out any dirt to give it a shine. In cases of scuffs or scratches, light amounts of nail polish remover, or mineral oil can exist gently applied to buff out the surface. Always try on a small, inconspicuous surface area first to meet if the shining method is uniform with the specific cloth you're working with.

Here is a video showing how to make clean and shine patent leather shoes:

Does patent leather stretch with wear?

Since information technology is fabricated from plastic, information technology does non stretch like natural fibers (such as leather) do. It is flexible, though stretching will often crack or weaken the material. In some cases, oestrus tin be applied while wearing the material to endeavour to stretch it in very small amount. Overall though, patent leather does not stretch with vesture.

Patent Leather Intendance & Maintenance

If handled well, maintained properly, cleaned often, and stored safely, this cloth can look nice and perform well for a few years.

How to Clean Patent Leather

Due to it's finished surface, patent leather can be cleaned gently with a wet cloth. Ensure the textile doesn't accept loose fibers and lint that could transfer to the surface. A microfiber textile could piece of work well. Also, test in a small-scale area beginning to brand sure the cloth will not transfer any colour to the items surface (belt, purse, purse, etc.).

If the item needs boosted cleaning, a very soft brush can be used to help loosen dirt and grime. Moisture it slightly and work it over the leather, being careful non to press to hard. The bristles of the castor should exist doing nigh of the piece of work. Afterwards this pace, going over it with a damp cloth tin can assist clean off any remaining dirt/dust. Permit the item dry out off earlier using or storing.

Microfiber Towels

If what you are trying to clean goes across grit/crud, and is a stain from something, boosted care might be needed. Commencement, consider what type of stain information technology is. Knowing the substance tin aid decide what the best method to make clean it is. If it is something common, and gentle cleaner might work.

If information technology's something more meaning, await into cleaners made specifically for patent leather. They will exist fabricated to treat the stain while helping to maintain the surface finish. As with most cleaners, ever test in a pocket-size, non-noticeable spot get-go to ensure it will not discolor the bag. Definitely don't want to make a second stain while trying to clean the first 🙂

How to Condition Patent Leather

Since patent leather has a protective surface end, it doesn't need to be conditioned. And functionally, it really can't. The surface finish protects the material underneath which is usually plastic. It besides serves as a bulwark that conditioner can not penetrate.

Thankfully though, the protective surface makes it'southward very easy to clean with a damp cloth. This is an easy way to always proceed faux leather products looking great. If the surface layer begins to wear away, additional protectant tin be practical to aid restore it.

Some of these products will exist applied with a material or applicator, and others sprayed on and wiped off. Brand certain to read the instructions on whatsoever cease you plan to utilise, and exam on a pocket-size area showtime (to make sure it will non discolor the surface) before applying to the entire item.

How to Fix a Scratch on Patent Leather

Fixing a scratch on a patent leather piece is usually equally easy as applying a leather repair kit. Since the material is a plastic mix, it will crave replacement of the fabric that was scratched away, and evening/smoothing of the glossy surface to a smoothen to lucifer the fabric around it.

Typically, leather repair kits have color-matched liquid that is poured into the crack. It might need to exist evened, heat pressed, a grain pattern practical, and/or allowed to dry out, and and so the scratch should exist filled.

How to Fix Tears in Patent Leather

Tears in patent leather are harder to fix than scratches. Since patent leather is a plastic-coated blend, fixing tears might require a repair kit that includes a filler. The space created by the tear might demand to be filled.

Depending on the size of the tear, this can be washed with fabric, flexible gum, or the color-matched liquid that comes in the repair kit. Since the item will probable be saturday or or used and need to flex, the textile used as a filler volition need to be flexible in one case dry too. Sewing the tear is an option too, depending on the size.

Once the tear is filled, simply fix the remaining scratch that is visible in a higher place it. Pour the color-matched liquid that is poured into the scissure. Information technology might demand to be evened, estrus pressed, a grain pattern applied, and/or allowed to dry out, and then the scratch should be filled. Also, evening/smoothing the repaired glossy surface to a smoothen to lucifer the material around it might be needed.

How to Store Patent Leather

Closet Leather Storage

Patent leather should exist stored in a cool, dry place. Keeping it out of direct sunlight is key, every bit the sun can discolor the protective finish.If yous have patent leather clothing or accessories, storing them in a closet or drawer works great. Keeping them away from extreme rut, and sunlight, are central.

Additionally, some lighter-colored ones, such as white, absorb colors from others good and garments. It is important to go along them abroad from sustained, direct contact with other materials. When storing them, it is all-time to place them in a storage handbag of a light, neutral colour, intended for the safe storage of patent leather.

Some specialized patent leathers are finished with protectants that reduce impairment from the sun. This allows them to be exposed to UV rays without becoming damaged equally quickly as those not treated with special finishes. Be enlightened of what types of finishes the leather yous're using might have, for optimal maintenance and utilise.

While well-nigh leathers offering an array of material benefits, a unique quality of this fabric is a finish that is smoothen, shiny, and water-resistant. Depending on what you're looking for in a future projection or purchase, patent leather might be a neat option.