The Importance of a Quality Garment Tan for Long-Lasting Fur Garments

At Westermans Fur Products, we’re passionate about crafting fur garments that stand the test of time, both in style and durability. A critical factor in achieving this is the quality of the garment tan—the process that transforms raw pelts into supple, workable leather ready for sewing. A well-executed tan not only enhances the beauty of the fur but also ensures the garment’s longevity and ease of construction. Let’s explore why a quality tan is essential and how proper tanning techniques, like hide thinning, make all the difference.

Why a Quality Tan Matters
The tanning process stabilizes the hide, preventing it from deteriorating over time. A poorly tanned hide can become brittle, stiff, or prone to cracking, compromising the garment’s lifespan. On the other hand, a high-quality tan results in leather that is soft, flexible, and resilient. This allows the fur garment to drape beautifully, feel comfortable, and withstand years of wear.
A quality tan also protects the fur’s hair follicles, ensuring the pelt remains securely attached to the leather. If the tanning process is rushed or uses inferior chemicals, the fur can shed or loosen, leading to bald patches that ruin the garment’s appearance. At Westermans Fur Products, we prioritize pelts tanned with precision to deliver garments that retain their luster and integrity for decades.

The Role of Hide Thinning in Fur Garment Production
One of the most important steps in tanning, especially for thicker hides like beaver, is shaving the leather side to achieve a uniform thickness. Beaver pelts, known for their dense, luxurious fur, naturally have thick leather that can pose challenges during garment construction. If the leather is left too thick, it becomes rigid and difficult to manipulate, making it harder to sew and resulting in a heavier, less comfortable garment.
A skilled tannery will carefully shave the leather to a consistent thickness, ensuring the hide is pliable and lightweight without compromising its strength. This process is particularly crucial when working with fur sewing machines, which require smooth, even leather to produce clean, precise stitches. A well-thinned hide allows for seamless construction, creating garments that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

A Tale of Two Beaver Pelts: Quality Tanning vs. Poor Tanning
To illustrate the impact of proper hide thinning, let’s compare two beaver pelts. In the image below, the upper left picture shows a beaver hide tanned by Tubari, a now-defunct tannery renowned for its craftsmanship. The leather side of this pelt is expertly shaved to a uniform, thin layer, making it soft, flexible, and ideal for fur sewing machines. This level of precision results in a lightweight garment that moves naturally with the wearer.
In contrast, the picture on the right shows a beaver pelt tanned by a tannery that does not prioritize thinning. The leather is noticeably thicker and uneven, creating a stiff, bulky hide that’s challenging to work with. Sewing this pelt through a fur machine is a struggle, often leading to uneven stitches or machine jams. The resulting garment is heavier and less comfortable, and the thick leather can strain seams over time, reducing the garment’s durability.

The Westermans Fur Products Commitment

At Westermans Fur Products, we understand that every detail matters in creating heirloom-quality fur garments. That’s why we source pelts from tanneries that uphold the highest standards, ensuring each hide is properly tanned and thinned for optimal performance. While exceptional tanneries like Tubari may no longer be in operation, we continue to partner with skilled professionals who share our commitment to quality.
A quality garment tan is the foundation of a fur piece that lasts a lifetime. By prioritizing expertly tanned and properly thinned hides, we craft garments that are not only beautiful but also practical, comfortable, and built to endure. Whether you’re investing in a beaver coat or another fur creation, trust Westermans Fur Products to deliver craftsmanship that honors the timeless elegance of fur.