leather

28
March
2018

How to understand if a leather is of quality?

How many times in buying a bag, a wallet or a belt we wanted to evaluate the quality of the leather? How to recognize it then?

It is essential to learn to distinguish the product that is worth from the poor quality to avoid being cheated and to make sure we get a beautiful accessory that lasts over time. For this aim, here are seven practical tips, which we hope will come in handy in your choice “leather good”.

  • The eye wants its part

Observe and examine the product well before buying it. It seems a banality, but first of all that item or object must visually convince you, it must be in your style and taste. Then the other senses will come into play, which will help you to distinguish the quality of the leather and make the right choice.

  • Let the nose be your guide

Do you have a good sense of smell? A leather belt or bag has a very peculiar, enveloping and acrid smell; already only the smell is almost a “brand” of originality, very different from all other materials. For the bags we usually use hides of animal origin (especially of bovine), which are subjected to tanning with chemicals to stop the natural decomposition and ensure the preservation of the skin. In the case of eco-leather, the origin is always animal, but natural substances are used to tan the skin, with a reduced environmental impact.

  • Touch for believe

Take the object in your hands, gently rub the leather, try to pull it and bend it to evaluate its consistency. Let your fingertips guide you. The real leather is soft and malleable and resists well to wear; you can rub and pull, but the shape will not be affected.

  • Look at the seams

If the seams are made by hand they will be more resistant and durable – and the product may cost more, of course, because the operation took longer – and from an aesthetic point of view the effect is nicer than the seams made by machine. It is also important that a quality thread has been used to sew the cuts: the most used are linen threads, more flexible than nylon ones.

  • Even the cut has its importance

The leather should be cut following the direction of the grain, to ensure more flexibility to the object and to avoid that over time accumulate wrinkles or creases aesthetically unpleasant.

  • Beware of the edges

To prevent moisture from getting better and penetrating inside, the edges must be burnished correctly, and it is an attention that good artisans usually do not fail to give.

  • Finally, the label

The “real leather” brand should be printed or glued on the object, to attest the quality of the product: “100% real leather”. At this point, it’s up to you: good choice!

13
April
2017

Genuine Leather Goods: a Brief History of Leather Working

Leather Working From The Dawn Of Time

Leather tanning is a craft that can be traced back to the dawn of time. Ancient civilizations in prehistoric times used animal skins to take care of their basic needs. These animal hides were used to make shelter, clothing, carpets and decorative clothing.

As early as the 1300BC, leather was being used in Egypt. Primitive tribes were also using leather in Asia, Europe and North America, and developed its use independently of each other. During this period, a very basic tanning process of rubbing animal fats was most likely used. Another process used during this period was smoking, and it was probably discovered through chance

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9
November
2016

Types of leather used to make leather goods and bags

Types of leather

A number of types of leather are used in the manufacture of quality leather bags, as well as various methods used to process and finish off the leather. The three main types are aniline, semi-aniline and pigmented. Aniline is the most natural looking type but is less resistant to soiling. Semi-aniline is more resistant to soiling and has a light coating for protection. Pigmented leather is coated with a polymer coating which makes it much more durable but lacks the natural look of untreated leather. Generally, calf-skin leather is used for its softness and durability. It then goes through various treatments and processes to give it colour, texture and to maintain its strength and durability for the various leather goods and bags produced. Leather may also be wax coated which adds to its shine, durability, makes it more water resistant and also easier to clean.

Manufacturing processes

One such process produces Saffiano leather, which is textured leather produced by machine press to give it its texture. This is known as a cross-hatch finish which is a special diagonal pattern. It is then treated with wax which makes it scratch resistant, more durable and much easier to clean.

Leather goods and bags

There is a vast selection of bags and other leather goods to choose from these days and these include shoulder bags, handbags, cross body bags, backpack purses, shopping bags, clutches, business briefcases, travel bags, belts and wallets. With such a vast amount of leather goods and bags available, there is something to satisfy every taste style and need. Whether you’re going hiking, touring or just looking for an evening clutch bag to complement your outfit, there is something for everyone for every occasion imaginable.

20
April
2016

choose a leather bag

10 reasons to choose a leather bag

Fashion accessories are indispensable for adding a touch of character to your outfits. Leather handbags are among those made to last longer in our closets. When choosing them, we go through a long and careful analysis of various elements such as their colour, material and when we will use them. Read more »