When shopping for a leather bag, you should highly consider the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship that comes with it. A good bag could last a lifetime, so here is a shoppers’ checklist on choosing the best leather bag.
Know the type of leather
There are four popular types of leather that you should know about:
- Full-grain leather is the highest quality available. It includes the outermost part of the hide, which means it has not been buffed or sanded down to remove any imperfections. The leather retains the markings and patterns of the animal’s skin and is unique to itself. Similarly, it catches a rich patina as it ages to give it a beautiful look.
- Top-grain is the second-best quality and exhibits most of the same characteristics as full-grain leather. However, it has been buffed to reduce some of the aesthetic markings. Since the ‘imperfections’ have been removed, top-grain leather does not age like the full-grain variety.
- Do not let the name Genuine Leather fool you; it is a lower-quality leather. It’s made up of the remaining layers of the hide after the top grain has been removed. Genuine leather is less durable and does not age as well as good-quality leather.
- Bonded Leather is the worst type of leather. It comprises scraps of leftover hide and fibers, which are then bonded using adhesives to create the look of real leather. It lacks the strength and durability of higher quality varieties.
Inspecting the leather quality
High-quality leather is supposed to be soft and smooth to the touch. If it feels too much plastic or is hard to the touch, it might be a low-quality variety or a synthetic one. It also has a natural grain on the surface, and the color is the same throughout the material. Real high-quality leather has a very distinctive smell that synthetic materials cannot imitate. If your bag has a strong chemical or plastic smell, it is bound to be of poor quality. Finally, the edges of a good quality leather bag are supposed to be smooth and finished, not rough and frayed.
Checking the craftsmanship
Looking at the leather stitching, it might be a sign of high quality if it is even and not too tight. If the stitches are uneven and too far from each other, they will not last long. Also, be sure to see that no loose ends are sticking out. Poor craftsmanship will not hold over time.
The bag’s lining should be durable and complement the leather. The zipper, clasps, and buckles are supposed to be made of metal, not plastic, and should operate smoothly.
Also, if the bag does not hold its shape when emptied, the material used is not of the best quality.
The Tanning Process
Manufacturers use a tanning process to produce leather goods. There are about two methods: vegetable tanning and chrome tanning.
The first way is to use natural materials that are safe for humans and the environment. The leather produced by the second method is more pleasant to the touch. Disadvantages of chrome tanning are long processing times and the production of harmful by-products.
Brand reputation and price
Leather products are not always cheap. If you see a deal that seems too good to be true, don’t rush to make a purchase. High-quality leather goods are always expensive as they use the highest-quality material and great craftsmanship. Longchamp chic leather bags are a prime example of such quality. You can check their offerings and shop here.
Warranty
Not all companies producing leather goods offer a warranty. However, it is a key point to pay attention to when purchasing a leather bag. At the same time, you should always read about the company’s customer service. A company that is confident in the quality of its products can always provide good customer service.
Conclusion
This guide should make you a more informed consumer when purchasing a leather bag. Now, we know that functionality, a sleek appearance, and endurance are not conflicting but rather inherently complementary. Remember that a fine leather bag is not just another purchase but an investment in how you carry your necessities for years to come.
