Protect the Beautiful Patina of Well-worn Leather

Author: Dalys 1895

Any leather bag will naturally age over time and develop a patina. Whether or not you are happy with the change will depend a great deal upon whether or not you have given the leather the right type of care. If you own one or more men’s leather bags and want to enjoy the patina of leather that has been carefully and loving cherished, then you’ll need to learn a thing or two about proper leather care. Before taking a look at new satchels by clicking here, give some attention to this warning: Trying to rush the aging process through artificial means can actually lead to damaged and weakened leather. Determine now to be patient as your leather bag develops a personality reflective of your own.

Protect Your Bag From Drying Out

It is normal for your leather bag to lose moisture and oils as you use it. This can lead to a dried out material that is inclined to tear or break, rather than to stretch as good leather is wont to do. The more that you handle your bag, the faster the drying out process will go. With a good quality leather care product, you can replace the oils and protect the leather. Be sure to look for oils that do not contain lanolin.

Avoid Scratches in the Leather

Another important characteristic of leather bags is their vulnerability. If you toss the bag into the back seat of your car with a pocket knife or a briefcase and keyring, the leather will get scratched. Guard against rubbing the bag on the zipper of your jacket or the metal components of any other clothing. Give a bit of consideration to the quality of your bag whenever you put it down anywhere. This awareness of the vulnerability of the leather can reduce the amount of scratches and tears you find on the bag.

Protect Leather From the Elements

Exposure to the elements can wreak havoc on the beauty of men’s leather bags. Dirt marks and hard water stains can affect the way that you bag looks for years to come. If you notice that the bag has been smudged or exposed to the rain, take steps immediately to correct the problem. For example, you might gently wash off the dirty area with a soft cloth and a natural oil cleaning agent. If the leather gets wet, do not use blow dryers or heaters to dry it. Instead, let it air dry at normal room temperature. If you believe that you’ll be exposing your leather to the elements often, consider treating the bag with a waterproofing product.

Treat Leather With Care

Top-quality mens leather bags deserve to be treated with respect and care. After all, your bag represents an investment, your own or that of a loved one who presented it to you as a gift. Resist the temptation to rush the development of a patina. Condition the leather consistently to keep it from drying out. Remember to gently clean away any water or dirt that comes into contact with the leather. Consider a weatherproofing agent if you intend to expose your bag to the elements often. Perhaps the most important thing of all is to remember that with care, your leather bag will complement just about any outfit you choose.