The first impression

The new colleague was introduced with a tour of the office. Of course, he had a winning smile on his face, came across as open and friendly, and—judging by his impeccable resume—seemed to be a promising candidate. Just as we had seen so many times before.

But one detail immediately caught his eye: the leather bag he was carrying. Large enough to fit a small laptop and a few papers inside.

Recognizably, she had already seen quite a bit. The leather showed signs of use, but looked well cared for. The bag had style and character, it may have been an heirloom or acquired as a vintage piece.

With a glance at the bag, everything was said in a fraction of a second and everyone was curious to work with the new colleague, who obviously understood style and appreciated values.

The five most important tips on how to keep leather bags in top shape

1. in use

Patina is a bonus on a beautiful leather bag. Intense, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your beautiful leather piece (just like your skin) to age prematurely. Heavy rain and dirt—if the bag happens to end up on the ground—shouldn’t be allowed to take a toll on your leather bag too often.

If possible, do not overload – even the best bag will not last long. Frequently, if not daily, clear out everything and reduce the contents to what really needs to be there and not everything that you feel good about having with you.

Always store fountain pens in a separate case, as ink stains are among the most difficult stains to remove.

2. in the evening

In the evening, remove the dirt that has accumulated almost imperceptibly on the leather bag during the day with a soft brush and cloth.

Light, superficial scratches on most types of leather can be polished out with a soft cotton cloth or a micro-fiber cloth. If the scratches are so deep that the entire color surface of the leather is destroyed, a specialist with the appropriate colors, tools and knowledge should be called in.

Small smudges can usually be carefully removed from the most common leather colors with a clean, reddish eraser. Never use vinegar-based cleaners or other harsh detergents.

Leather care experts recommend trying it very carefully with clear rubbing alcohol. However, you should first test it on an inconspicuous area where any potential mishap won’t be visible. The way leather products are treated during the manufacturing process varies too much.

3. once a week

Once a week you should treat the bag to a special non-greasy leather conditioner. These agents are neutral in color and not very greasy. Sometimes you are lucky and can buy a suitable product right when you buy the leather bag.

From time to time, the leather also benefits from treatment with carnauba wax, which is usually imported from Brazil. The leather literally blossoms after treatment with this natural wax and is more resistant to moisture and dirt in daily use. With a tin of colorless carnauba wax, you are well equipped for most types of leather, with the exception of patent leather, which requires a special patent cleaning agent to preserve the patent shine.

Before waxing, clean the leather bag thoroughly once more, apply the wax with a cotton cloth, and rub it in, following the grain of the leather. It’s better to use too little than too much. Then let the wax sit for at least ten minutes or overnight, and finally brush off the excess wax gently. Connoisseurs then use a cashmere-goat-hair brush to polish the leather, giving it an extra shine.

Colored leather loses its original color over time, and unlike shoes—which can be treated with shoe polish in matching colors—it’s not recommended to dye bags yourself. There’s too great a risk of staining your clothes in the process.

Careful care of the leather gives it a character that looks great even when the base color fades. Most leather dyes are relatively long-lasting. Just remember that even an old-school English gentleman will wear in new shoes in private before showing the first signs of wear on them in public.

4. storage

When purchased, the bag is usually filled with paper and provided with a protective bag. Please be sure to keep both. As soon as you change the bag or return home from a nice weekend trip, have cleaned and polished the bag, you should stuff the bag with the paper again and store it in the protective bag.

If the paper or protective bag is no longer available, it can be replaced with neutral tissue paper. Please do not use old newspapers for this; the printing ink will leave its mark over time.

If the protective bag is no longer available, an old white pillow performs equally well. A plastic cover that prevents the bag from breathing is not a good idea.

Leather bags do not like it too warm and therefore should not be stored right next to a heater.

See Also

Suspenders. The fresh accessory

5. it used to be called bagger, today it is called pocket clinic or return to sender.

If you know of another bag maker, consider yourself lucky and please let us have the address. Unfortunately, the specialists in bag making and repair are hard to find today. Plastic bags and a throwaway mentality have made this profession almost completely disappear. Those who still know how to practice this apprenticeship today work mainly for the manufacturers of fine leather accessories.

Bag repairers specialize in repairing zippers and locks, professionally removing stains, re-sewing come-undone decorative seams, dyeing, replacing the lining, and using their skills to ensure that the bags retain their charm. Some shoemakers have taken on this work, and in some major cities you can find a so-called “bag clinic” where you can entrust your prized possessions.

High-quality bag manufacturers usually offer a repair service. As bag makers are rare here too, you sometimes have to allow months for a repair or general refurbishment. It is always worth waiting for good leather bags.

The alternative backpack

Definitely useful in the mountains and on a bike. And, of course, when you leave the official residence of Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a cardboard box, personal items from your desk and a rucksack on your back, like Dominic Cummings, the former chief adviser in No. 10 Downing Street.

At that moment, everyone feels sorry for the man who, according to media reports, has never felt sorry for anyone else.

Unlike fine wines, which are best left alone when stored in an ideal environment, leather bags do not forgive simply being ignored for a long time. Good leather bags also need to get fresh air and be used from time to time, just like all of us.

“Buy once, buy well”

Here, by the way, you can see a good-humored British king, then still Prince Charles, in an interview with the editor-in-chief of British VOGUE in an engaging interview on the subject of sustainable fashion and his reluctance to throw away clothes and accessories that can still be repaired. (HRH The Prince of Walks Talks Sustainable Fashion & His Timelss Style). His motto: “Buy once, buy well”.

Naturally, the interview is also a charming example of the finest British English and the perfect combination of tie and pocket square in contrasting styles. Read more about this in our article on Pocket Square. You would almost think HRH, Prince Charles had read it.