What does "seal" mean in reference to leather?

[Seth Hawkins]

I see the word "seal" used by some of you when describing leather. I've even seen it on manufacturers' Web sites. Just what exactly does that mean?

 

[Dav]

I thought it was just referring to the colour, eg the colour of a seal.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Right. It indicates a very dark brown, typically with a deep red or black undertone. The term actually was used in the military specs describing the WWII flight jackets.

 

[Seth Hawkins]

Thanks.

 

[ButteMT61]

When I was new to this whole scene, that one threw me too. I wasn't able to grasp wearing a jacket made from seal

 

[Tomasso]

I wasn't able to grasp wearing a jacket made from seal

 

[HorseHide]

^ That's an image that won't get out of my head soon enough...

 

[ButteMT61]

^ That's an image that won't get out of my head soon enough...

Off to hurl. For so many reasons...

 

[Cole]

Creepy. I bet you can get at least 3 Aeros for the price of that atrocity. :eeek:

 

[Jeff M]

Yep.
"Seal" refers to the color of leather. Generally a dark brown.

 

[Lando]

It's not so outlandish really. Arctic explorers wore seal because it retained heat well and was naturally very water resistant. Now I'm not talking about its fashion use mind you, but as a leather for cold, wet climates it was very well suited through out history.

 

[ButteMT61]

It's not so outlandish really. Arctic explorers wore seal because it retained heat well and was naturally very water resistant. Now I'm not talking about its fashion use mind you, but as a leather for cold, wet climates it was very well suited through out history.

I don't think anyone is saying seal jackets are not cool and useful for those in the right environment. This abomination is nothing but a sad fashion statement for kids with more money than willingness to use it in actual cold weather for more than parading around with their pals.