Why Leather’s Breathability Matters for Everyday Comfort

The Breathability of Leather – The Key to Superior Comfort

Our high-quality leather aprons and grill gloves are known for many things—but one standout feature is their exceptional breathability. At ROHLEDER, we use only uncoated leather, which offers outstanding water vapour permeability and significantly reduces perspiration. But why exactly is sweating not an issue when using ROHLEDER leather products? And how does coating affect leather’s natural properties? In this blog post, we explore these questions and more.

Naturally Breathable – Why Leather Lets Skin Breathe

One of leather’s most valuable natural characteristics is its breathability—its ability to absorb and release moisture and water vapour. It essentially acts like a second skin. This is especially beneficial in our leather aprons and grill gloves. Whether you're barbecuing on a hot summer’s day or standing near an open flame, the leather helps reduce sweat build-up and heat discomfort.

Breathability varies depending on the type of leather. Generally, the softer the leather, the more open its fibre structure, making it better at letting moisture through. And this is something only genuine leather can offer to such a degree. The difference is easy to feel—for example, compare a high-quality leather jacket with a synthetic one, and you’ll quickly notice how much better the real leather breathes.

Not All Leather Breathes – The Impact of Coatings

Although real leather is naturally breathable, not all leather goods retain this quality. Some leathers are coated, which blocks the pores and fibres needed for water vapour to pass through. Coated leathers are most commonly used in the automotive and furniture industries, where uniformity and stain resistance are often prioritised.

While coated leather still breathes better than synthetic alternatives, only uncoated leather provides the highest level of breathability. Our sustainable and durable ROHLEDER leather aprons are simply oiled, leaving the surface unsealed and naturally textured. This results in excellent breathability, as well as a distinct appearance. The same applies to our grill gloves, which are crafted from naturally tanned cowhide. We even use soft goatskin for the fingers, enhancing comfort and tactility without compromising on heat and flame resistance.

Why Some Leather Manufacturers Still Choose Coating

With all these clear advantages of uncoated leather, you might wonder: why do some manufacturers coat their leather at all? The answer lies in aesthetics and uniformity. Coated leather often features a more consistent colour and texture because its natural features are hidden. It also remains visually unchanged for longer periods, which fits customer expectations in the car and furniture industries.

At ROHLEDER, however, we have intentionally chosen natural surfaces—not only for superior breathability but also to make each apron and grill glove one of a kind. The natural finish is easy to maintain and highlights the unique character of the hide.

Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth removes food residue with ease. And when it comes to splashes of oil or fat—on ROHLEDER aprons, these are more of a nourishing treatment than a stain. They’re absorbed by the leather, leaving no marks and even softening the material.

To maintain flexibility, dry areas can be gently treated with a small amount of sunflower oil—something that’s not possible with coated leather. ROHLEDER stands for preserving leather’s natural qualities and celebrating its unique character, both visually and functionally.