Bagaholicboy Profiles #24 – Leather 101
Leather 101 has been a post I’ve been dreading to do, not because I wasn’t about to share my tips with you, but that’s just it. These are my tips, and how I care for my leather goods may differ from any brand’s method or anyone else’s out there, so consider this a disclaimer of sorts.
Let’s just start at the beginning. You bought yourself a gorgeous genuine leather bag and you can’t wait to bring it home and start using it to your heart’s content.
Stop.
Before you even leave the store, check with the SA for tips on how to care for your leather bag. If he or she isn’t senior enough (and thus may not know), check with someone who is. A reply like ‘the bag’s not hard to maintain at all’ isn’t going to work. Remember, you’re entitled to know.
Most brands these days sell their own in-house leather care products, so it is good to ask what works best for the bag you’re purchasing. For instance, Bally, and Kate Spade. Others swear by brands from specialists, like Mulberry and their firm endorsement of Colonil.
If, however, you managed to completely forget to do everything I’ve just mentioned (or got the bag online, or as a gift), bring the bag back to the brand and start over. And if somehow that doesn’t work out, just read on.
The first thing you got to understand about leather is this. It is technically organic. Which means over time it will dry out, lose its lustre and attract mold. It may be chemically treated and dyed to the desired colour, but at the end of the day, it was once a living, breathing organism.
To prevent mold, make sure the bag is aired as least twice a month. Keeping it in its dustbag and filled with stuffing (scrunched butter paper only, please) will keep its shape, but airing it is key to prevent mold from developing. Make sure you also wipe it down with a soft dry cloth whenever you put your bag back onto the shelf, that always helps.
Leather also dries out over time, and you’ll notice it looking flaky or gradually developing minute wrinkles. For that, I use the leather conditioner from Apple Brand on my calfskin and lambskin bags. Just dab a little onto a soft cloth and cover generously. Let it dry and repeat the process at least once every month to keep your bag in tip-top condition.
In conclusion, here’s what you learnt today. Firstly, ask your SA for bag care tips. Secondly, check if your bag’s brand has their own range of lotions or anything else they might recommend. Thirdly, keep your bag fully stuffed at all times in its dustbag, but air it at least twice a month. Fourthly, wipe it down whenver you’re done with your bag and last but not least, use a good leather conditioner to keep your bag’s leather looking rich and supple and make sure you do it at least once a month.
If you’ve a question on coated canvas and vachetta leather, follow the link and take a look here.
Any other questions?
Image: Hermès
Hey!
1. Does Chanel sell it’s in-house leather care products? If so, how much do they cost?
2. Where else can I buy such products other than from Chanel (i reckon, could be selling at a premium) – for my lambskin classic flap?
3. What should I do to maintain the chain of the bag in tip-top condition – would it tarnish over time?
TQ!
As far as I know, Chanel does not have their own line of in-house cleaners or conditioners.
Check with your Chanel SA about which brand to use. As far as the chain is concerned, just wipe it down with a soft dry cloth whenever you’re done with bag.
Great timely reminder, BB. It’s been a couple of months since I conditioned my leather bags!
I know what you mean with the caveat that methods may differ. I don’t put my bags back in their dustbags – I stuff them and line them up in my bag closet, with many Thirsty Hippos to draw out any moisture. And the stuffing differs too. I put the stuffing in the dustbags, then stick the bundles into the bags.
(I really need to buy butter paper. My existing stuffing has been losing volume over time.)
Yes, everyone has their own way of storing their bags, but conditioning the leather regularly is key so please do it soon…
TQ!
Thanks for the tip! I am ashamed to say I haven’t been looking after my bags as much as I should. Is butter paper the same as wax paper? Or is like the “tissue” paper eg clothes gets wrapped in at checkout? Thanks!
Butter paper is like wax paper which you can get at bookstores like Popular which is sold in rolls. You can also use tissue paper (the type that clothes get wrapped in), but stay away from newsprint.
Hi, i know its not relevant to your post but is the long handled or short handled longchamp nicer in your opinion? Im still a student, looking to buy the longchamp paris edition in medium size? What do you recommend? Thanks!
Yes it is not relevant so next time drop me an email at bagaholicboy[at]gmail[dot]com please.
But back to your question. They look the same to me but if you are a student, best go for the long handled one so that you can sling it over your shoulder with books and files in hand.
I don’t condition my leather bags at all (all my chanels, balenciagas and pradas) for fear of applying third party conditioners on them. hope that’s alright!
To each his/her own. It is really your preference at the end of the way.
I have also noticed that certain leather tend to mold faster in comparison say a YSL or Prada which i may have kept for 10 years. So tis is one time that i feel that the saying is true… what you pay is what you get haha… thanks for the share though
BB, where can i get the apple brand conditioner that you had mentioned? Thanks!
Here you go!
http://www.applepolishes.com/
I thought there is a local distributor for Apple Brand now? I didn’t buy from them though.
Eeee but this is for like sofa right? its not a bag conditioner? i have it too but i didnt use it. too chicken to try. i just bring my bags to clean @ professional place. of course i also buy from LMB but i realised their items… might change the colors of the leather.
Nope, this is can be used for bags as well. But if you’re not 100% sure, better stick to professional cleaning services.
Dear BB, if you recall, I wrote to you months ago on caring for my bags that go moldy very quickly. I thought I should share with you that I got oleerods from the DIY shops for my wardrobe and it really works. No more molds!
I’m glad that worked out great for you! Bought any new bags lately?
Bought a silver Chanel 255 from Nice recently. I will try to send you a photo to add to your database.
Do the oleerods work well? I am thinking of using it…
Hi BB, what is your recommendation for care of small leather goods (e.g. wallet snd coin/card holders), especially for those that alternate often – any storage/care tips there? thanks!
Hey Chip, I keep all my SLGs in their individual boxes packed with 3 to 5 little packets of silica gel, which you often get from packets of Japanese snacks or inside the boxes of new shoes.
And don’t forget to air them once a month as well at least if they are made of genuine leather.
been using apple brand on my chanels, and it works wonders. esp since they have conditioners and serums specially on lambskins. just my share of opinion!
thks for the Leather 101 tips. i jus bought a Miu Miu bow bag and have no clue how to take care of the leather cos its the soft shinny type that looks so fragile.
If it the supple shiny leather, just wipe it down with a soft cloth whenever you are done with it for the day and pack it back into the dust bag. Always keep it dry and remove any ‘sticky’ stains immediately.
Hi Alvin, do you also use the Garde Rain & Stain Repellent from Apple? For the regular leather care lotion, can it be used on coloured and treated leather? I have a MJ Ines. Thanks!
I wanna buy a Coach Madison bag which is made of leather, but do you think it is too hot and humid in SG as I heard people say that the leather will crack?
Nothing will actually crack in our heat or humidity so don’t worry.
Just make sure you follow the SA’s care instructions at Coach and your bag will just do fine in sunny Singapore.
My SA at Miu Miu recommended that I use a brand called Grison. It is a cleaning and nourishing cream for all leather goods, patent, reptile, except suede.
Should I stick with this?
So long as you were advised to do so, it should be fine no worries.
Hey BB, will the Apple conditioner work for Balenciaga and Mulberry? I checked with some bag cleaning shops and their advice was to bring the bag down for them to polish it for me.