Hi, I’m Eric. I spend a lot of my time at the workbench surrounded by rolls of hide, needles, and thread, but one of the most common questions I get isn't about the stitching: it’s about the color. When you’re picking out a piece of gear that’s going to live in your pocket or on your belt for the next decade, the color choice matters. It’s not just about what looks good today; it’s about what fits your personality and how that piece is going to age alongside you.
Lately, I’ve been seeing a real "tug-of-war" between two of my favorite options: the sophisticated Burgundy Wrinkle and the classic, rustic Distressed Tan. Both have a massive amount of character, but they tell very different stories. If you’re trying to decide which one should be your signature look, let’s sit down and look at what makes each of them special.
The Bold Character of Burgundy Wrinkle
There is something deeply satisfying about working with burgundy leather. It isn’t just a flat red; it’s a complex, deep color with purple and brown undertones that feels a bit more "regal" than your standard brown. But the real star of the show here is the "wrinkle" texture.
When I select a burgundy wrinkle hide, I’m looking for that specific grain and those natural lines that give the leather immediate depth. Unlike a smooth, uniform surface, the wrinkle texture catches the light in different ways. It makes a Minimalist Wallet feel like an heirloom the moment I finish the last stitch.
I often tell people that burgundy is the choice for someone who wants to stand out without being loud. It’s sophisticated. It looks just as at home inside a suit jacket as it does in the pocket of a pair of well-worn jeans. If your style leans a bit more toward the "modern gentleman" or if you enjoy a touch of luxury in your everyday carry, burgundy is probably calling your name.
It’s also a fantastic choice for something like a Burgundy Leather Journal Cover. There’s a certain weight of importance that comes with a burgundy journal. It feels like the kind of book that should hold your biggest ideas or your most private reflections. Every time you pull it out of your bag, that rich color makes a statement.
The Timeless Appeal of Rustic Tan
On the other side of the bench, we have the Distressed Tan. If burgundy is the "city" choice, then tan is the "trail" choice. This is the leather for the person who loves the outdoors, the person who values the look of a tool that has seen some work.
The tan leather I use has a beautiful pull-up effect. If you aren't familiar with that term, it basically means that when the leather is folded or stretched, the oils inside move around, creating lighter highlights. This gives the piece a "distressed" look that only gets better with age. It develops a patina faster than almost any other color, recording every scratch, every drop of rain, and every time you’ve handled it.
When I’m making a Handcrafted Leather Journal Cover in tan, I’m thinking about the person taking it on a camping trip or using it to sketch in a workshop. It’s rugged. It’s honest. It’s the kind of leather that doesn't mind getting a little dirty. In fact, it looks better when it does.
If you usually wear earth tones: greens, browns, and khakis: tan is the perfect companion. It’s the ultimate "casual" signature style. It’s warm, approachable, and classic.
Comparing the "Vibe": Which One Are You?
I’ve realized over the years that choosing a color is often more about your lifestyle than just your favorite color. Let’s break down the "vibe" of each to see where you land.
The Burgundy User
You likely appreciate the finer details. You might enjoy a good glass of scotch, a fountain pen, or a well-tailored coat. You want your leather goods to look polished and intentional. You like that the burgundy wrinkle leather looks complex and expensive, but since it’s handmade here at The Kilted Leatherworker, it still has that soul that factory-made items lack. You aren't afraid of a little color, but you want it to be mature.
The Tan User
You’re probably the person who is always fixing something or heading out for a hike. You value utility and history. You want your wallet or pouch to look like it could have belonged to your grandfather. You love the way a tan Belt Pouch starts to darken and shine over the months as it breaks in. For you, the leather isn't just a container; it’s a companion that grows with you.
A Note on Classic Black
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the classic black option. While Burgundy and Tan are the big personality choices, black is the "foundation." If you’re the type of person who wants one piece of gear that goes with absolutely everything: no questions asked: black is your move. It’s sleek, it’s professional, and it’s invisible until you need it. However, if you’re looking for that unique "Kilted Leatherworker" flair, I usually point people toward the Burgundy or Tan because the natural characteristics of the hide really shine through in those lighter and more vibrant tones.
The Beauty of Hand-Stitching
Regardless of whether you choose the burgundy wrinkle or the rustic tan, the heart of the piece remains the same. I don't use sewing machines in my shop. Every single hole is punched by hand, and every stitch is made using a traditional saddle stitch.
I love this process. There’s a meditative quality to it, and more importantly, a functional one. A saddle stitch is incredibly durable. If a single thread were to ever break (which is rare), the rest of the stitching wouldn't unravel like it would on a machine-sewn piece. It’s this level of care that ensures your Mini Leather Journal Cover stays together through years of use.
When I’m working on a burgundy piece, I often use a darker thread to keep it looking sleek. With tan, I might use a cream or white thread to highlight the hand-stitched nature of the work. These little choices are what make each item unique. No two are ever exactly the same because no two hides are exactly the same.
Matching Your Gear
One question I get often is, "Do all my things have to match?"
My honest answer? No way. I actually think a "mixed" carry looks fantastic. Maybe you have a burgundy minimalist wallet for your cards, but your Belt Pouch is a rugged chocolate or tan buffalo hide. It shows that you’ve collected your gear over time rather than buying a "set" from a big-box store.
However, if you are looking to build a signature look, sticking to one primary color family creates a very strong personal brand. If someone sees you pull out a burgundy journal and then a burgundy wallet, they know you’re a person who pays attention to the details. It shows a level of consistency that’s really impressive.
Final Thoughts from the Bench
Choosing between Burgundy and Tan isn't about right or wrong; it's about which one makes you feel more like you. Do you want the sophisticated, textured depth of the Burgundy Wrinkle, or do you want the sun-drenched, adventure-ready spirit of the Distressed Tan?
I’ve spent years working with both, and I still can’t pick a favorite. Some days I’m feeling the tan, and other days the burgundy just feels right. The best part of my job is knowing that whichever one you choose, it’s going to be a piece of gear that lasts you a lifetime.
Thank you so much for supporting a small business and for letting me do what I love every day. It really means the world to me that my handiwork ends up in your pockets and on your belts. If you have any questions about which leather might be best for your specific needs, don't hesitate to reach out on my Contact Page. I’m always happy to chat leather.
Take care,
Eric
Founder and Owner, The Kilted Leatherworker LLC