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Whether you’re rocking a feminine leather tote or chunky cowhide tog-bag, it’s important to know exactly what to do to make sure your leather goodies are in it for the long haul.

Part of the reason we love leather so much is due to its durable nature – plus, this material never goes out of style.

That being said, there are a few tips and tricks, especially when it comes to caring for your bag, that should not be overlooked.

We’ve gotten some solid advice from our friends at Burgundy Collective, the best leather goods guys in the biz. This local company has been making handcrafted leather goods, from durable stylish shoes to an array of gorgeous bags, for a decade, so best believe the team knows their stuff.

According to Burgundy Collective, the whole point of caring for your leather products is to ensure their longevity, and by doing this you can achieve that well-worn yet pristine vintage look, even after using your items for years and years.

“Quality crafted leather products are made to age with beauty.”

Now that you know your fave leather purse is actually designed to age with you like a fine wine, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how you can maximise on the natural beauty of the leather itself.

1. Cleaning 

Use a dry, clean cloth to wipe down your leather bag as often as needed. This helps remove surface dust and debris. For more stubborn marks, like that bagel you accidentally dropped on your laptop pouch during the morning meeting, use a soft, damp cloth.

Wipe the affected area carefully, ensuring you clean not only the leather but also the lining and buckles and allow the bag to air dry naturally.

2. Conditioning

Even though the leather used in your bag has been treated, it may still dry out over time due to regular wear. Just as you would use a special product to keep your hair in tip top condition, there are many lotions and potions on the market that’ll help you keep your leather goods bright and flexible. So it’s worthwhile investing in a high-quality leather conditioner or leather food, which you can apply evenly over the bag’s surface using a dry cloth.

But remember: always do a small test patch first to ensure the conditioner doesn’t alter the leather’s appearance. If you’re still not sure what kind of product is best, Burgundy Collective has a range of perfectly-engineered products for every kind of leather-care need.

3. Protecting Against Water

Contrary to popular belief, natural leather is not waterproof. While the majority of leather bags are pre-treated to resist water to some extent, excessive exposure to moisture can still damage them. So next time there’s a torrential downpour, maybe leave your special leather backpack at home. That being said, beeswax is an excellent option for adding a slight waterproof layer to your bag.

In case your leather bag gets wet due to unexpected spills or rain, never use heat to dry it. Put that hairdryer away, Barbara! Too much heat can cause the leather to crack or warp. So if you’ve just done a spring clean of your tote, rather go au natural and leave it to dry in some gentle sunshine.

And that’s it! Three top tips from the pros that’ll help any leather-craft-fan achieve beautiful results, whether you’re a seasoned buyer or just starting out with your first wallet.

Plus, our choms at Burgundy Collective are always available to assist with any leather-related queries, so don’t just take my word for it, check out their fabulous products and drop them a few Qs via email if you need.

As fast fashion leaves the 2023 Whatsapp chat, it’s time to invest in local, quality, durable handmade goodies that’ll stand the test of time.

[source:burgundycollective]