The Unique Aroma of Floto Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather

When your Floto bag is brand new, it often carries a distinctive scent that combines a sharp, chemical-like note reminiscent of a Sharpie marker with a sweet, earthy undertone. This initial aroma is a natural characteristic of the tanning process and is not indicative of low quality.

The sharpness can be attributed to the presence of tannins—natural compounds derived from plant sources such as oak, chestnut, and quebracho. These tannins are integral to the vegetable tanning process and contribute to the leather's durability and unique scent profile. 

The sweetness emerges as the leather begins to oxidize and cure, a process that can take several weeks. During this time, the tannins continue to interact with the leather fibers, mellowing the initial sharpness and revealing a richer, more complex aroma.  

Some customers enjoy the distinctive, sharp scent that appears during the leather’s “gassing off” period, while others find it a bit strong. If you’re sensitive to this aroma, we recommend airing your Floto bag in a well-ventilated area for a day or two. For faster results, you can place a fan nearby to circulate air around the bag. Within a couple of days, the sharper notes will mellow, allowing the sweet, earthy fragrance of the Italian vegetable-tanned leather to shine through.

Why This Aroma Is a Sign of Quality

The presence of this sharp, sweet scent is a hallmark of high-quality vegetable tanned leather. Unlike chrome tanned leathers, which often have a more chemical or metallic odor, vegetable tanned leathers retain a more natural and earthy fragrance. 

This aroma not only signifies the authenticity of our Floto leather but also reflects the traditional, eco-friendly tanning methods employed. It's a sensory testament to the craftsmanship and natural materials that define our products.

Caring for the Aroma

As your leather ages and develops its signature patina, the sharp top notes of a new bag gradually soften into a warm, sweet, and earthy fragrance. This transformation is a natural part of the leather’s life — a reflection of time, use, and craftsmanship that makes every Floto piece uniquely yours.

To help preserve and enhance this natural aroma:

Store leather products in a well-ventilated area to allow natural airing.

Avoid exposure to strong chemicals or perfumes that can alter the leather's natural scent.

Use leather conditioners that are free from synthetic fragrances to maintain the integrity of the aroma.

Floto vegetable-tanned leather is made from full-grain Italian calfskin, celebrated for its rich character and open surface pores. These pores readily absorb the environment around them — both its scents and its stories. To keep your leather smelling as beautiful as it looks, apply a natural beeswax cream or conditioner. This helps protect the surface from outside odors while sealing in the subtle, sweet aroma that defines authentic Italian craftsmanship.

American Vegetable Tanned Leather: A Different Aroma

At Floto we work exclusively with Italian vegetable tanned leather but we have made some wallets and small items over the years with American vegetable tanned leather and I have noticed a slightly different smell profile.

While both Italian and American vegetable tanned leathers undergo similar tanning processes, subtle differences in regional practices can influence the scent. American vegetable tanned leather often utilizes tannins from local sources, which can impart a slightly different aroma. Some enthusiasts (including me) note that American vegetable tanned leather may have a more pronounced woody or resinous scent, depending on the specific tannins used.
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These variations are natural and reflect the diverse traditions and materials used in leather crafting across different regions.

As of this article’s date, we still have a few Sono Slim Wallets available that are made from American vegetable tanned leather. 

Why the Scent Matters

The aroma of leather is more than just a pleasant fragrance; it's an indicator of the materials and methods used in its creation. A sweet, earthy scent often signifies high-quality, vegetable tanned leather, free from harsh chemicals. This aligns with your commitment to using traditional, eco-friendly tanning methods, ensuring that each Floto bag not only feels luxurious but also carries a story of craftsmanship and sustainability.