Buying a bespoke bag which was created to perfectly suit your needs means also you want it to last as long as possible.

To make your leather bag last there are a few things you can do.

Keep your bag out of the sun

Whenever you are not using your bag make sure it is stored in your dust bag and out of the sun. Since leather is animal skin it acts in the same way as your very own skin when exposed to the sun.

The leather will age faster meaning it will get dry and brittle. Keeping it out of the sun whenever you are not using it, is the best way to secure its longevity.

2. Use your dustbag

As mentioned above the sun is your bags worst enemy when it comes to aging of the bag. Using your dustbag to store your bag makes not only sure it is protected from the sun but also from dust and other dirt. This makes it easier to keep your bag clean

Try to always store your bag in your dustbag

3. Clean with damp cloth / dry brush

Whenever there is any dirt or dust on your bag, clean it with a damp cloth. Caution: This does not apply for suede - suede does not like humidity and needs to be dusted off dry preferably with a brush.

If you have any kind of severe stains on the leather it is possible to clean it with a special soap called saddler soap. It will help to clean your leather without damaging it. Never use any kind of harsh cleanser on your bag, it will damage the outer layer and might destroy the leather.

4. Condition

Every few weeks (when using your bag daily) it’s very helpful to condition the leather of your bag. This is the equivalent of you moisturizing your face to keep the skin soft and pretty. Take a piece of cotton cloth and buff the leather conditioner in. This helps to nourish the leather and prevents it from getting too dry and brittle. This is especially important if you chose natural leather for your bag since it doesn’t have a protective outer layer. Its “pores” are still open.

Caution: Conditioning lotions and balms are also not suitable for suede.

5. Give it a rest

I know many of you have decided on getting a bespoke bag, to finally own that one perfect bag. It’s still a good idea to give your bag a day off every now and then. This way the leather has some time to “recover” a bit from the stress of daily usage. Just like your leather shoes need a day time to recover from you wearing them, your bag needs to recover too. Give the leather some time to breathe and the stress points like the handle attachments a day without pressure.

If you take these actions into account your bespoke bag will last you a very long time.

What are your tips to take care of your leather bags? Let’s discuss in the comments.

LOVE

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