Looking after your leather
Your piece is made from vegetable-tanned leather. With a little care it will darken, soften and improve for many years — here's how to help it along.
The short version
Use it, keep it dry, and condition it occasionally. Vegetable-tanned leather is meant to be lived with — marks and a deepening colour are the patina, not damage.
Everyday use
Natural oils from your hands and exposure to light will gradually darken the leather and bring out a warm sheen. This is normal and desirable. A pale natural piece will look noticeably richer within a few weeks of regular use.
Keep it dry — and if it gets wet
Leather and water don't mix well. If your piece gets caught in the rain, don't panic:
- Blot off excess water gently with a soft, dry cloth.
- Let it dry slowly at room temperature, away from radiators, hairdryers and direct sun — fast heat is what makes leather go hard and brittle.
- Once fully dry, a light application of conditioner will help restore suppleness.
Water can leave temporary marks; these usually even out as the leather ages and is conditioned.
Conditioning
Every few months — or whenever the leather starts to feel dry — feed it with a small amount of a quality leather conditioner or balm. A little goes a long way.
- Work a thin, even layer into clean, dry leather with a soft cloth.
- Let it absorb for a few minutes, then buff gently.
- Test on a small, hidden area first — conditioners can darken leather (often attractively, but it's worth knowing).
A note on products: a neutral leather balm or a traditional dressing works well. Avoid mineral-oil and silicone-heavy "quick shine" products, and never use saddle soap or harsh detergents on veg-tan, as they can dry it out.
Stains and scuffs
Light scuffs can often be buffed away with a dry cloth or worked in with a dab of conditioner. For surface dirt, wipe with a barely-damp cloth and let it dry naturally. Veg-tan absorbs liquids readily, so deal with spills promptly — but accept that the odd mark is part of the character.
Storage
Store somewhere cool and airy, out of direct sunlight if you'd like to slow the darkening. Let leather breathe rather than sealing it in plastic. For belts, hanging or loosely coiling keeps the shape.
Hardware
Brass develops a patina over time; if you prefer it bright, an occasional gentle polish brings it back. Take care to keep metal polish off the leather itself.
Look after it and a piece will easily last decades — and look better for the years. Any questions about a specific item, just get in touch.