Genuine Leather Labels with Your Logo

Genuine leather labels: authenticity you can see

Genuine leather labels have something synthetic materials struggle to imitate: a natural grain, a pleasant feel and a patina that makes every item unique over time. That is why they are the traditional choice for denim collections, heritage-style workwear, jackets, bags, belts, footwear and high-end furniture.

Polkom manufactures custom genuine leather labels with the customer's logo. We choose the type of leather, thickness, colour and marking technique according to the item and how it will be used and cared for.

Types of genuine leather for labels

Vegetable-tanned leather

Tanned with vegetable tannins, dense and fairly firm. It takes debossing and laser engraving very well, and over time it darkens and develops a characteristic patina. This is the classic leather for jeans labels.

Chrome-tanned leather

Softer and more supple, with a more even colour and better resistance to moisture. Suitable for jackets, bags and items where the label needs to follow the shape.

Split leather and full-grain leather

Full-grain leather keeps the top layer with its natural grain and is the most durable. Split leather is more affordable and suits larger runs. The choice depends on the positioning of the brand.

Marking techniques

• Debossing – the logo is pressed in with a heated die; a classic, discreet and very durable effect.
• Embossing – the logo is raised above the surface.
• Hot foil stamping – gold, silver or coloured foil for contrast and a luxurious accent.
• Laser engraving – the laser burns the top layer and leaves a darker, precise mark; suitable for fine lines, small text and numbering.
• Printing – for coloured logos when debossing is not enough.

Comparing the techniques

Edges, shapes and attachment

The edge is the detail that reveals the quality of a leather label. We offer several options:

• Raw edge – a natural look, suited to vintage and denim styles.
• Painted edge – the edge is coloured to match the leather or in a contrasting colour.
• Burnished edge – smoothed and sealed, for a more finished look.
• Decorative stitching – the label is stitched around the edge with visible stitching.

The shape can be rectangular, with rounded corners, oval or cut to the outline of the logo. The label can be sewn on, fixed with rivets or eyelets, or made with pre-punched sewing holes.

Thickness, feel and colour

The thickness of the leather determines how the label sits on the item. Thicker leather holds its shape and gives a clear, deep relief – which is why it is preferred for jeans waistbands, bags and belts. Thinner, softer leather follows the curves of the item and is better suited to hats, jackets, pockets and sleeves. Colours range from the natural light tone of vegetable-tanned leather through cognac and dark brown to black and dyed shades. Because leather is a natural material, there may be slight differences in tone and grain between hides; in denim and premium collections this is accepted as a mark of authenticity. When you approve the sample, you will see the real appearance of the material.

Genuine or faux leather

Genuine leather is for brands looking for authenticity and items that age beautifully. If you need an identical colour in every batch, a wide palette or a material with no ingredients of animal origin, faux leather labels are the better choice.

Caring for genuine leather labels

Genuine leather reacts to water, heat and detergents. When washed, the label may darken, soften or change shape slightly – on jeans this is often a desired effect, but it is worth taking into account when choosing. We recommend:

• washing items inside out at a low temperature;
• not ironing the label directly;
• not drying on a radiator or in a tumble dryer at high heat;
• caring for the leather on bags and furniture with a suitable conditioner.

If the item will go through stone washing, bleaching or dyeing, let us know in advance so we can test the sample under the same conditions.

How to order

Send us your logo in vector format, the size, shape, colour and type of leather, the marking technique, edge finish and approximate quantity. We prepare a mock-up, a quote and a physical sample if needed. Minimum quantities and lead times are available on request. The steps are described in How to order labels, and the full range is in leather labels.