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I received a very nice reply today from Lotus UK regarding my query about the quality and durability of the "Nappa" leather. They gave me more information than I hoped for, and I'm very happy to share it with you.
I've highlighted the key pieces of new info.
Hope this helps someone. It did for me. Fundamental quality should be very high based on their comments, and it should age and patina well with use. It likely will take well to leather conditioning as well, which may add some desirable visual character if done properly.
FYI, 1.1mm to 1.4mm is a nominal range for a "3oz" leather weight, or about 3/64". I do wish they had used a heavier grade of at least 4oz or 5oz, but 3oz should be fine if some care is taken to avoid cuts or abrasions during ingress/egress and loading in bags.
We probably shouldn't expect it to be exceptionally durable at this thickness, but longevity will be easy as long as you don't cut it. Avoid sharp things sticking out of your pockets, make sure your pants and belt don't have rough or sharp bits of any kind (looking at you, post-punk kids), and definitely avoid sliding in over a jacket zipper on the leather. Some jeans have oddly placed rivets on the back... avoid that.
To sum up:
Here was my email to them, in case anyone cares about what I asked specifically.
Thanks all.
I've highlighted the key pieces of new info.
Good morning Jason,
Thank you for your email and for the query regards to Nappa leather.
Nappa (or Napa) leather is produced with a unique tanning process that was invented in the Napa Valley in California in 1875. It is famous for its softness and durability. Lotus Cars only use full grain Ox hides for the Emira project to add an element of luxury to our sports cars. The leather is split to 1.1-1.4mm depending on the commodity to add lightness and softness overall, but keeping the high performance that is integral in the automotive industry. The Leather is then lightly embossed with a hair cell grain for uniformity. All of our leather is manufactured in Scotland and the raw hides are sourced within a 60 mile radius of the factory in Bridge of Wier.
I hope this helps.
If you do require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our utmost to help.
Kind regards,
Jamie
LOTUS CUSTOMER CARE
Tel: +44 (0) 330 0948047
Email: [email protected]
GROUP LOTUS Hethel, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 8EZ, England
Hope this helps someone. It did for me. Fundamental quality should be very high based on their comments, and it should age and patina well with use. It likely will take well to leather conditioning as well, which may add some desirable visual character if done properly.
FYI, 1.1mm to 1.4mm is a nominal range for a "3oz" leather weight, or about 3/64". I do wish they had used a heavier grade of at least 4oz or 5oz, but 3oz should be fine if some care is taken to avoid cuts or abrasions during ingress/egress and loading in bags.
We probably shouldn't expect it to be exceptionally durable at this thickness, but longevity will be easy as long as you don't cut it. Avoid sharp things sticking out of your pockets, make sure your pants and belt don't have rough or sharp bits of any kind (looking at you, post-punk kids), and definitely avoid sliding in over a jacket zipper on the leather. Some jeans have oddly placed rivets on the back... avoid that.
To sum up:
- Full Grain, ox hide leather
- Split to 1.1-1.4mm (~3oz leather weight)
- Lightly embossed with a hair cell grain
- Made in Scotland by Bridge of Weir Leather
- Raw hides are sourced locally (Scotland)
Here was my email to them, in case anyone cares about what I asked specifically.
Thanks all.
Last edited:
) Tan Leather for me
