Leather Bags can be elegant, refined and sophisticated. When you carry a leather bag, this is the message you can portray about yourself too. Imagine carrying one at a professional event and heads turn. It can be a great conversation starter.
Yet, not all leather bags are created equally. Sometimes, you can spend a lot of money on one only to find that the stitches are coming undone, the leather begins to show signs of cracking and the metal parts begin to rust. So what’s the secret to buying a really good leather bag? Here are some things to look for so that you can buy with confidence.
1. Full Grain Leather
When you buy a leather bag, make sure it is made of full grain leather. In fact, when you buy shoes or leather jackets, you can use this tip as well. This is really high-quality leather that looks great, but even after many years of use, it still looks brilliant.
Some of the best leathers develop a beautiful, weathered sheen from the aging process, known as patina. The better the quality of leather, the better the patina. Lower quality leather or leather that’s been treated in some way will not develop this.
2. Chrome & Vegetable Tanning
Chrome and vegetable tanning are two processes used on leather bags which directly impact the price. Chrome tanned leather is used on the majority of leather and it uses harsh chemicals. It normally takes a couple of days for this process and this is the type that is cheaper. Vegetable tanned leather on the other hand is done in a more eco-friendly way and uses natural materials. The cowhide is placed in vats with natural tannins and this process actually takes several weeks. This process is used for higher end bags and does a great job. This gives it its distinct leather smell.
3. Inspect The Little Parts
Before purchasing, look at things like the buckle, locks, handle, shoulder strap fittings and zippers, amongst other things. If you’re buying it online, make sure to zoom in on these features. Make sure to check the zipper both closed and open, if not, request for it. Metal zippers are way better than plastic ones.
4. The Price
The price of a leather bag can be somewhat misleading, as it is not necessarily a correct indicator of quality. Some of these brands are priced higher despite not being of a higher quality due, to the name. If you want genuine quality, you’ll definitely have to pay more. So basically, do not pay for a name brand premium. Rather, purchase a premium product. Make no mistake though; for top quality, you’ll definitely have to pay more for it. You can also be sure that it is going to last for decades.
The best leather bags are made with durable leather. These bags are really a work of art; even a labour of love. They’re not just pieces that are put together. Pay attention to the handle in particular. You don’t want something that’s glued on. They will come apart. Look instead for reinforced stitching. When you look for some of the little things, you can tell true quality from the rest. You can then purchase with confidence.
