Thursday, February 5, 2009

Indian Leather Market

Indians have given western manufacturers a run for their money when it comes to design and detailing in leather garments. Indian manufacturers tend to use best available accessories, machines and leather. Indians use two treatment methods for leather; one being chrome tanned and other is vegetable extracts. Both treatments involve usage of aniline dyes which gives garments rich look and feel. The leather is sold on the basis of per square foot. Vegetable extracts are usually more rough and tough. Aniline finish is used for manufacturing top class soft garments and it also boasts of a wonderful drape. Waxy finish uses more natural dyeing and little pigment.

If we talk fashion-wise, cropped jackets and slim line skirts are quite popular in Indian market. Younger generation is crazy about mobike jackets whereas females prefer multipanelled skirt fitted at the hips. Mobike jackets use various buttons and zips. Fashion conscious population also uses leather trousers in the coldest parts of north India. Another popular garment is oversized poncho or cape coat with a soft rolled collar. This dress has amazing leather finish.

India, in earlier days focused upon export of finished leather but now things have changed a bit. The emphasis is now on leather products that sell at handsome prices. Indian leather products are growing at the rate of 40 percent per annum. World wide, USA is more into medium range leather jackets and skirts whereas Europe prefers the very high fashion leather garments that must be exclusive in nature. India has become a major source of leather fabrication. The future of the leather industry is indeed very bright.