Introduction of Taylor's Leatherwear

In 1943, Taylor's Leatherwear began with the merging of a tanning company and a leather company.  The company was founded in Tullahoma, Tennessee where it still remains today.  We specialize in police, military and aviation leather outerwear as well as school letterman jackets.  We have been sewing jackets for over 50 years and many of our employees have been with us for more than 20 years.  All jackets include our 5 year warranty.  We also have a small plant that cleans, reconditions, refurbishes and does repairs on all types of garments as well as preserving wedding gowns.

Over the years, we have sewn for numerous city, county and state police agencies and chances are if you see an officer on the street with a leather jacket, it’s a Taylor’s.  Our leathers have also been worn by actors in many movies and were worn in the old TV show Hill Street Blues.  We have also made jackets for people in the music business as well as professional football players and some of the largest corporations in the country.  Currently, we are the supplier of jackets for all FedEx pilots and also for Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Our strong suit is still police, military and athletics and due to our commitment to quality and making sure the customer is happy, we are one of the few left standing in the U.S.A. that still manufactures leather outerwear.  We do not spend a lot of money on flashy websites or fancy brochures and some people would consider us simple, but we make a product that is second to none.   

History of Taylor's Leatherwear

In 1943, two companies joined forces to become Appalachian Tanning and Soesbe & Potter Leather Company.  Mr. Soesbe ran the leather tannery and “Red” Taylor managed the leather shop where they would purchase raw hides, tan them, cut them and sew jackets.  This was all done under one roof and the jacket business began to blossom and they sold to many major retailers including customers like Sears & Roebuck, J.C. Penny, and Montgomery Ward. 

In 1966, Mr. Soesbe sold the tannery and it was moved to Missouri.  Since “Red” Taylor was a local man, he did not want to move so he opened up a new shop and the leather company became Taylor's Leatherwear.  During the mid to late 1960’s the country was in turmoil with war and protests so “Red” decided to make police and military clothing because of the protection factor when using heavyweight cowhide.  The police and military business really took off and after 11 years of running a productive business, “Red” decided to sell and retire.

In 1977 “Red” sold the business to friend and neighbor David Patton, who is still the owner today.  David hit the ground running and the business continued to grow and flourish.  Taylor's Leatherwear became the maker of leather jackets that most police officers and military personnel in the country wanted to wear.

In 1994, the company began to make letterman jackets for schools and students, but these were always sewn under a different label for sporting goods stores.

1999 was a big year for the company.  While the police business was still going strong, Mr. Patton was able to get the job making jackets for all FedEx pilots and also landed the account to make jackets for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Today, business is still good and we are one of the last companies standing in the U.S.A. that still manufactures leather outerwear. 

In 2009 we decided to sell our letterman jackets direct to schools and students and stop sewing them under a generic label.  We are doing this because every student who deserves a jacket should be able to afford one, and by purchasing it directly from our factory, you can get a top quality product at a great price.  We know you will agree if you just give us the chance to prove it.

Thank you for keeping Taylor’s Leatherwear alive and well all these years.