Why choose leather?
Leather is classic, durable, and stylish. Products like leather belts for men, leather jackets, and leather totes for women are among the most versatile pieces you can add to your wardrobe ? these simple, elegant pieces are easy to dress up or down for special occasions or everyday use. Leather has been widely utilized for garments since the 1940s and 1950s, when leather jackets were popularized by famous figures like General Patton and James Dean, but its use goes back much farther than that: the Romans used leather to make sails and furniture, and the Egyptians made clothes out of leather long before it was fashionable in the rest of the world. By using fine leather goods, you take part in a tradition that goes back thousands of years.
What kinds of leather are there?
Not all leathers are the same. Different kinds of leather are used to make different garments and accessories. In general, leather is categorized by type and weight.
- Type: There are four main types of leather. Full-grain leather is the highest quality ? it is not sanded and has a natural appearance. The next tier is top-grain leather, which is sanded and finished. Corrected-grain leather and split-grain leather are lower-quality than full-grain and top-grain, but are still frequently used to make clothes and accessories. Suede is made from split-grain leather.
- Weight: Leather is weighed by the square foot. A weight of three to four ounces per square foot is ideal for leather totes for women, while heavier leather that weighs five to six ounces per square foot is perfect for leather briefcases. Thinner, lighter leathers can be used to make accessories such as leather bracelets or leather keychains.
What?s the best way to care for leather?
Leather is sturdy and long-lasting, but there are a few guidelines you should follow to keep your leather products in good shape for as long as possible.
- Keep your leather clean by wiping it down with a damp cloth every week or so. Avoid using soaps, as these can damage the material.
- Leather is easily stained by grease, so be careful to only handle it when your hands are clean.
- Avoid exposing your leather to low-humidity environments for extended periods of time, since this can dry it out.
- Store your leather out of direct sunlight. Exposure to the sun can cause leather to crack over time.
- If your leather starts to feel dry, moisturize it with a leather dressing or cream.
