Caring for your Leather Goods
Taking Care of Your Leather Goods
Types of Leather Finishes
Like fabrics, leather is processed in various weights and finishes, resulting in a wide range of appearances and qualities. Our leathers feature one of the following finishes:
Aniline
Often referred to as “naked” leather, aniline is the most natural finish with little to no topcoat or dressing applied. It’s the softest leather available and showcases the unique character of the hide, from fat wrinkles to natural scars. While its beauty is unmatched, aniline leather requires the most care and maintenance.
Semi-Aniline
Striking a balance between pigmented and aniline, semi-aniline leather is lightly coated to add protection while still allowing the natural grain and texture to shine through. Made from higher-quality hides, it requires more time and skill to produce, making it pricier than pigmented leather. Semi-aniline offers the perfect mix of beauty, durability, and natural charm.
Pigmented
Pigmented leather features a thick, colored coating that conceals the natural grain and texture. A textured pattern is often applied afterward, creating a uniform and consistent appearance. This coating enhances durability, making the leather more resistant to stains and fading, as well as easier to clean. Pigmented leather is also typically more affordable than semi-aniline, making it ideal for those seeking durability and a uniform look.
Suede
Suede is a soft, fuzzy-textured leather often used as accents and interiors on our bags and accessories. Suede is created by sanding the underside (flesh side) of the animal hide, giving it a distinct velvety appearance; essentially, it's a specific way of treating leather to achieve that soft, napped finish.
Take Care: Aniline and Pigmented Leather
To treat stains:
Step 1: Blot the stain immediately with a dry, clean cloth to absorb any remaining liquid.
Step 2: Dilute a drop of dish soap in a cup of warm tap water.
Step 3: Blot, blot, blot! Moving outwards beyond the stain until you've wet the entire panel of leather. This will prevent water stains. Do not rub!
Step 4: Allow the leather to thoroughly dry and follow up with the conditioner mentioned below.
To protect or condition:
Our favorite light conditioner is the Chamberlain's Leather Care Linement #1 . It provides a gentle protection without being overly oily. Light colored aniline leathers may darken once this conditioner is applied, so we recommend testing on a hidden area first.
For our heavily-waxed leathers, we recommend this leather healing balm for a deep condition. We do not recommended this conditioners on our aniline leathers.
Take Care: Suede
Suedes are very absorbent so please do not ever use a liquid cleaning product or conditioner! Instead, we recommend a dry cleaning method, such as this one. Use the rubber eraser to gently rub out dirt stains, and then follow with a light brushing.
S.O.S!
HELP, My pen leaked in my bag!
Don’t panic! Start by gently dabbing the stain with a cotton ball or cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent it from spreading. While this may not completely remove the ink, it’s the most effective method. Once the area is dry, apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and prevent dryness caused by the alcohol.
HELP, My perfume spilled in my bag!
Act fast! Quickly blot up the excess liquid with a clean, dry cloth. Then, gently dab the area with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and lukewarm water solution. Be sure to dry the leather thoroughly afterward. For tougher stains, try a leather cleaner designed for delicate items such as this one, but always test it on a hidden spot first.
