Quick answer: Herringbone is a zigzag pattern of short slanted rows, named for its resemblance to the skeleton of a herring. Woven by hand in leather, it creates a surface that is flexible, durable and visually rich. When the leather is vegetable-tanned, it develops a warm patina with use, so the piece becomes more personal over time. At Tashkeel, handwoven herringbone leather comes from Mantidy, a featured brand whose wallets, passport holders, wash bags and tech organisers are woven by women artisans. See the Mantidy collection.
A pattern with a long history
Herringbone is everywhere once you notice it. Roman builders laid bricks and stones in herringbone (opus spicatum) to make roads and walls stronger. Parquet floors use the same zigzag to spread weight and movement. Tailors have woven herringbone tweed for centuries because the alternating diagonals hide wear and catch the light. In each case the pattern does two jobs at once: it looks beautiful, and it makes the material work better.
Why weave leather at all?
- Flexibility: woven strips move with the object, so wallets and rolls open and fold without stiffness.
- Strength: stress is spread across many strips rather than one sheet.
- Texture: the surface is tactile and catches light differently from every angle.
- Craft: handweaving is slow work, and each piece carries the skill of the person who made it.
What is vegetable-tanned leather?
Tanning turns raw hide into leather. Vegetable tanning uses natural tannins from bark, leaves and plants, a slower, traditional process. The result is leather that is firm at first, softens with use and darkens into a rich patina. Chrome-tanned leather, the most common modern method, is faster and stays more uniform, but does not age in the same way.
Ethical craftsmanship
Mantidy's handwoven pieces are ethically produced in the Philippines, supporting traditional women weavers through the GREAT Women Initiative. Buying handwoven leather is one way to keep a craft, and a livelihood, alive.
The pieces, by use
For everyday carry
- Herringbone Wallet: ultra-slim, holds up to 14 cards, with built-in RFID protection against remote scanning.
For the journey
- Handwoven Passport Holder: 14 x 10 cm, 45 g, with optional personalised embossing of initials or a monogram.
- Herringbone Zip Around Toiletry Wash Bag: leather and water-resistant cotton, with elastic bands, a mesh pouch and a clear inner bag for liquids at airport security.
- Herringbone Grooming Rolls: a leather roll with an optional six-piece manicure set.
For your tech
- Herringbone TechPack: includes a power bank, cables and an adaptor charger, in a gift box.
- Gaucho TechRoll: a six-piece accessories kit in leather with embroidery.
Packing for a weekend? See The UAE Weekender.
How to care for woven leather
- Keep it dry; if it gets wet, blot gently and dry at room temperature, never on a heater.
- Condition a few times a year with a leather balm, especially in dry UAE winters.
- Avoid hot cars and direct sun, which dry out leather.
- Let the patina happen. Darkening and softening are signs of good leather.
Who are these pieces for?
- Frequent flyers: passport holder and wash bag.
- Minimalists: the slim wallet.
- Remote workers: the TechPack.
- Corporate gifting: personalised passport holders with embossed initials. For corporate or bulk orders, contact the team at tashkeel@tashkeel.org or +971 4 336 3313.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called herringbone?
Because the zigzag pattern resembles the bones of a herring fish.
Does vegetable-tanned leather change colour?
Yes. It gradually darkens and develops a patina with use and light.
Can I personalise a passport holder?
Yes. Optional embossing of initials, a name or monogram is available.
Is the wallet RFID-protected?
Yes. The Herringbone Wallet has built-in RFID protection.
Prices and availability change, so check the product page for the latest.
