Shivam’s model Mamba women’s leather jacket is made of wrinkled sheepskin. It is $85.

Favorable policies help elevate the city’s position as the principal leather garments hub in India.

Bolstered by solid government backing and potent logistics, Chennai has become India’s main manufacturing hub for leather garments. Makers in the South Asia nation’s fourth-largest city and capital of Tamil Nadu state attribute the industry’s development to strong assistance from local authorities.

The India government, recognizing the leather sector’s potential for export growth and employment generation, has designated the industry as among the country’s priorities under its Foreign Trade Policy.

The administration has also implemented “special focus initiatives” that cover equipment upgrades, worker training, R&D projects for rural areas and environmental compliance. This measure likewise eliminates tariffs for the importation of raw leather and procurement of machinery for effluent treatment facilities for tanneries.

Additionally, the government aims to provide financial support for equipment modernization, technological innovation, human resource development and environmental management under the Indian Leather Development Program.

Groups such as the Indian Leather Products Association and the India Trade Promotion Organization, meanwhile, help suppliers widen their network of buyers through annual trade shows.

The hub’s accessibility to major export channels is another advantage. The city is home to the Ennore and Chennai Ports. The latter is the largest off the coast of the Bay of Bengal and the second-busiest dock in India.

The Chennai International Airport boasts hundreds of regular flights to various destinations worldwide. A series of national highways and train lines connects Chennai to other major cities in the country as well. This extensive transportation system allows makers to save on shipping costs and expedite delivery.

With these benefits at hand, makers are able to cut production spending by 10 to 15 percent. This boosts their ability to offer competitive prices.

Chennai makers offer a wide range of leather garments, including coats, skirts and pants. Jackets for men, women and children constitute the bulk of output. Most releases are OEM designs. Prices range from $30 to $150.

The majority of models are upscale pieces quoted at $71 to $150. These adopt vegetable-tanned nappa or suede made of goat- or sheepskin. Products feature intricate details and come in a variety of finishes.

Midrange garments utilize full-grain cowhide, or goat- or sheepskin. Some are drum-dyed, wrinkled and come with multiple pockets. Metal trimmings and taffeta lining are common. These go for $51 to $70.

Low-end pieces use plain, top-grain or split leather. They come in simple designs. The lining is made of polyester. Models list at $30 to $50.

Chennai has 70 registered suppliers of leather garments, according to India's Council of Leather Exports. Two are large makers with a monthly output of 10,000 to 20,000 pieces. Five are midrange manufacturers that yield between 3,000 and 5,000 pieces every 30 days. Eleven are trading companies, while the rest are small suppliers. These enterprises rake in a combined annual revenue of about $70 million.

China is the South Asia nation's largest market, receiving a quarter of overseas shipments. The US, Italy, Spain and Germany are the other major export locations. Oceania, Africa, and Central and South America are the alternative destinations.

Related report:
Men's leather wallets: Classic men’s leather wallets boast more color

Product gallery

Amulya Leather Impex
Model: 331329
MOQ: 100 pieces per style/color
Delivery: 60 days
Price: $96
Description: Women's jacket; goat nappa; waist-length; high collar; full-length zipped slanted front; seamless sleeves; stitch detailing on shoulders; camel color

Amulya Leather Impex
Model: 931328
MOQ: 100 pieces per style/color
Delivery: 60 days
Price: $138
Description: Men's jacket; perforated sheep nappa; full-length zipped front; contrasting color rib on waist; blue

Fashionex
Model: 765300
MOQ: 300 pieces per style/color
Delivery: 90 days
Price: $100
Description: Women's jacket; sheep nappa; quilted shoulders, sleeves; multiple panels, pockets, zippers

JKM Leathers
Model: 5904
MOQ: 200 pieces per style/color
Delivery: 75 days
Price: $85
Description: Men's jacket; drum-dyed perforated sheep nappa; full-length zipped front; contrasting color striped rib on waist; concealed pockets with flap; tan

Shivam Apparels
Model: Mamba
MOQ: 500 pieces per style/color
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $85
Description: Women's jacket; wrinkled sheepskin; full-length zipped front; two zipped front pockets; stitch detailing; walnut

Shivam Apparels
Model: Wilma
MOQ: 500 pieces per style/color
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $80
Description: Women's jacket; sheep nappa; waist-length; full-length zipped front; zipped slanted front pockets; dark brown