Try as they might, other materials just can’t compete when it comes to matching the elegance and sophistication of leather. A leather bag is always a statement piece, and if you find the right one, you can expect not only for it to serve you well in carrying your goods, but you will likely find that it even comes in handy as an icebreaker or conversation starter.
With that being said, due to how durable and visually arresting they are, you want to make sure you pick the right leather bag to reflect your personal style if you’re decided to make the investment. All leather bags are not created equal, but here are some tips to make sure that you end up with one you will be proud of for years to come.
1. Make the decision to invest in quality
Although leather bags often come with a hefty price tag, you don’t want to skimp when it comes to saving a few bucks and potentially compromising big time on the actual quality of the item in question. Leather can be made to look good, but lesser product won’t wear well and will begin to crack, the stitching would come undone, and the hardware could even begin to rust.
Although you should absolutely feel you’re getting your money’s worth, make sure you do your homework to feel confident in the fact that you’re buying a good product. Invest in quality, because if you don’t- 6 months down the road that shiny leather bag you fell so in love will only be a reminder of the fact that you skimped on the important stuff.
2. Look for full grain leather
The number one way to ensure that your bag will wear well is to make sure that you’re getting one made of the best leather available. Full grain leather is a material you can absolutely trust to last and it will develop an attractive patina while it ages. Bonded leather, on the other hand, is actually a product that consists of scraps of leather that have been reworked with chemicals and plastics to make up a second-rate product that won’t wear nearly as well or develop the characteristic look associated with authentic leather.
Make sure you know this difference before you start shopping around and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Bonded leather can look great at first glance, but simply will not hold up in the long run.
3. Know where and how the bag was made
Often, you can learn a lot about the quality of a leather depending on its origin. Countries that have a long history of producing leather products, like Italy, will know what they’re doing when it comes to best practices, including exceptional craftsmanship and tanning processes.
You should also be familiar with the label and the specific company’s reputation. If they’ve been doing it for a long time, chances are they will have the skill and attention to detail that is necessary to make a beautiful bag.
4. Find out whether or not it was made by hand
Despite the exceptional production processes we have developed, there is simply no replacement for the difference in quality that an actual human touch can make. The piece of leather needs to be selected specifically for its quality and the stitching needs to be absolutely precise if bag is ultimately going to be super durable.
The stitching on a bag should be straight, virtually undetectable, and free of loose threads. Make sure you’re mindful of checking both the inner and outer surfaces when it comes to determining the quality of the bag.
