You finally took the step and bought that absolutely gorgeous, not to mention eye-wateringly expensive bag you had your eye on, congratulations, we get it, having taken that very same leap ourselves, but now that you have that beauty in your possession, you now need to keep it looking its best.

After forking out several months pay on a beautifully crafted piece of leather, the next step is to extend its life and value, so here are some easy to follow tips from the bag pros:

Are there certain materials that are better for longevity than others? 

A full-grain leather is always going to be a great investment. Some of the sturdier leathers are cow skins, but goatskin is also very durable and weather-friendly. Suede on the other hand is one of the most sensitive materials you can own. Colour transfer and moisture will really appear on suede, so if you have your heart set on a suede bag, think carefully before you make the purchase.

How Do I Condition And Clean My Bag? 

If your bag is dirty, an alcohol-free baby wipe can be used to clean off surface dirt. But the best thing you can do for your new leather bag is to routinely clean it and moisturise areas that are prone to cracking. But before you start, ask the boutique for the brand of leather conditioner they recommend, and stick to it.

Some exotic skins, such as python and ostrich, tend to lose their moisture much faster than other leathers, so remember to condition them more often. In general, conditioning your leather bag every month, will leave it looking its best longer.

What Do I Do If I Get A Scuff Or Stain?

If you get a stain, pat at the stain, and whatever you do, don’t rub it in. Use a damp white cloth and see what you can do from there. If you have a set stain, seek professional help.

If it’s a scuff, a magic eraser can work if used very gently, but not on all leathers because it is abrasion on the surface. When used on Louis Vuitton canvas, it has been found to be able to remove any scuff completely.

How Do I Store My New Bag?

Never, ever store your bag on a hook. Keep it away from the light, away from heat. It is recommended to stuff it lightly (with tissue paper or an old t-shirt) in its natural, upright position so it doesn’t lose its shape. Do not store it in, or use plastic or bubble wrap, as it can trap humidity, which can cause mould growth.

If it has rigid top handles, they should sit as constructed, they should not touch or hang from anything, as it will distort the shape of the bag. 

If you can remove the strap and store it inside the bag, don’t wind it tight, let it sit inside a loose circle or gently folded in half.

You can store a classic flap by laying on its side, but you want to store the chain inside the bag. Cinch it tight so the chain is laying on top, or put the piece of felt included from the designer to go between the hardware and the leather to keep moisture away, and prevent indentations and imprints from occurring. If however you do get indentations, use very low heat from a hair dryer to reactivate the leather. This method can lessen the indents, but be careful.

We hope you love your bag as much as we love ours, and hope these tips help you keep it looking its store-bought best for years to come!

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