Leather Types and Care: Keep Your Leather Goods Looking Their Best
Just wanted to write a bit of about different types of leather and tips on how to care for your leather goods. :)
There are a few key types of leather, and each can have their own unique characteristics, feel, and soft/firmness.
Understanding Types of Leather
Full-Grain Leather
Characteristics: Full-grain leather is regarded as the highest quality and the most durable type. It typically retains the natural grain and imperfections from the hide. This type of leather can develop a beautiful patina over time.
Common Uses: High-end wallets, belts, and bags.
Care Tips: Full-grain leather is typically quite resilient. Developing a patina is a natural aging process of the leather but applying a leather conditioner every few months helps to maintain its moisture and prevents cracking.
Top-Grain Leather
Characteristics:Top-grain leather is slightly sanded and buffed, which removes hide imperfections and gives a smooth and uniform appearance. It’s slightly less durable than full-grain but is often more affordable.
Common Uses: Purses, jackets and upholstery.
Care Tips: Clean with a damp cloth and use a conditioner occasionally.
Genuine Leather
Characteristics: Genuine leather is made from the lower layers of the hide. It’s often treated to mimic the look of higher-quality leather but is much less durable.
Common Uses: Wallets, belts, accessories.
Care Tips: Avoid overexposure to moisture and apply a light conditioner as needed.
Bonded Leather
Characteristics: Bonded leather is made from leather scraps that are bonded together with an adhesive. This is the most budget friendly type of leather but the least durable form.
Common Uses: Low-cost belts, small accessories.
Care Tips: Be gentle; bonded leather does not respond well to water or friction.
Exotic Leathers
Characteristics: Exotic leathers, like ostrich, alligator, or snake, are unique in appearance and texture. They require special care due to their delicate nature.
Common Uses: Luxury bags, wallets, and specialty accessories.
Care Tips: Use a leather conditioner, formulated for exotic leathers and store these in a cool, dry place.
Leather Care Essentials: Keeping Your Leather Goods in Top Condition
Regular Cleaning
Dirt and Dust Removal: You can gently wipe your leather with a soft, dry cloth every week or so to remove dust and surface dirt.
Deeper Cleaning: Use a damp cloth and a small amount of gentle leather cleaner for a more thorough cleaning. You may want to test a small area first to ensure the cleaner doesn’t discolour the leather.
For leathers such as Pueblo from Badalassi Carlo, given the type of grain and finish, you only want to apply light brushing and dry wipes to clean off dirt - avoiding moisture.
Conditioning
Why condition: Leather can dry out over time, leading to cracks and stiffness. Conditioning helps to restore natural oils to keep the leather soft and flexible.
How to condition: Use a good quality leather conditioner every 3-6 months. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth and rub in circular motions, then let it sit for a few minutes before buffing away any excess.
Protection from Elements
Water Exposure: Leather can be sensitive to moisture, if it gets wet, you can just pat it dry with a cloth and allow it to air-dry (away from direct heat/sunlight).
Sunlight and Heat: Sunlight can fade and dry out leather so it’s recommended to store your leather goods away from direct sunlight.
Overall, caring for leather helps to preserve its beauty and ensure that it lasts a long time. By understanding the type of leather you own and taking some time to clean and condition it, will ensure that they stay in good condition for years to come.
My final thoughts are that it’s important to remember that leather ages beautifully when treated with care. In saying that, embrace the natural aging process and welcome the changes that will unfold over time. In a sense, your leather goods develop and change alongside you, they tell a story that is unique to you.
:)
— C.K.
