Sleek. Elegant. Stylish.
That’s what a leather bag says about you.
But with so much variety, how do you choose the best one for you?
Finding the perfect leather bag can be a daunting prospect given the sheer choice of leather goods on the market today.
With so many factors to take into consideration, from size, style and function to price, colour and finish, the options can be overwhelming.
Let’s work through the guide.
Most of the market for leather bags consists of Machine-Made ones.
It’s cheaper for the companies to make them like that and they’re able to sell them at a more affordable price for you.
But you don’t need 10 cheap ones - you need 1 really good bag.
So consider a hand-made leather bag.
The quality and attention to detail are leagues above what mass production can achieve and hand-made means that your bag is going to be completely unique!
Think of it this way:
Having a leather bag feels great but having a leather bag that no one else in the entire world has feels even better!
The type of leather you choose greatly affects how your bag looks and feels.
You have 2 main options here: Full-grain VS Bonded leather.
Full-grain is what you’re looking for.
It delivers amazing quality and looks better even after years of using the bag!
Bonded leather is what you’re trying to avoid.
It’s made from scraps that are pieced together chemically and the results aren’t good. The quality goes down, it wears out faster and it just doesn’t feel right.
Always go for full-grain leather - you won’t regret it!
Like shoes and leather jackets, you want to choose a bag that's made of full-grain leather. It's top-quality leather that looks even more fantastic after years and years of use.
The best leathers develop an attractive patina – a weathered, sheeny look that material gets through aging. The higher the quality, the better the patina. It's not something you'll get with heavily treated leather or other lesser grades.
Avoid bags that are made of bonded leather. These bags use scrap pieces of leather that have been reworked with chemicals and plastics into a second-rate version of leather.
It doesn’t age well or has that distinct, nice leather smell. It’s quite common these days and salespeople try to promote them as authentic leather products.
Beware – they come at low prices but are not value for money.
The leathers used for bags and cases aren't prepared the same way.
You need to know the differences between 2 major tanning processes: chrome tanning and vegetable tanning (especially since they affect the price).
For chrome-tanned leather, the process involves chromium and other harsh chemicals. It's finished in a couple of days – which is why their products are always less expensive. Chrome-tanned leather accounts for about 90% of the leather market.
Then we have vegetable-tanned leather. It's produced in an eco-friendly way, unlike chrome-tanned leather. The term “vegetable” refers to the natural materials that are used in the process (such as tree bark).
Here the cowhides go through a pre-tanning stage in which they are rehydrated with all the hair removed.
Each hide is cut into two pieces called “sides” – which are then put into large vats and filled with natural tannins. For several weeks – not days – they are soaked in tanning liquor.
Since the entire process is longer, most vegetable-tanned leather products tend to be thicker and stiffer than chrome-tanned leather ones (but get softer eventually when the leather breaks in). That’s why vegetable tanning works best for higher-end bags.
The leathers are superior to their chrome tanning counterparts in character, durability and holding ability. They’re known for their classic leather smell as well as excellent patina.
The best leather bags come from the most durable leather.
They're professional works of art – it's not just about putting different parts together.
Two things have to be involved: (1) a careful selection of leather and (2) precise stitching.
The ideal bag can hold a certain weight and be moved around without being weakened at all. That's why the grain is crucial – full-grain leather makes the most durable bags.
But top-grain leather is a more affordable alternative that also works.
The stitching on a bag should be straight, barely noticeable and without any loose threads. It’s important that you check the inner and outer surfaces for this consistency.
The handles should also be attached to the body through reinforced stitching or metal fixtures. You don’t want those handles glued to the bag – they're at risk of getting loose or coming off.
Make sure you get a durable bag and not a flimsy piece of leather that lasts you 3 months.
You want your bag to last for as long as possible. Here’s what to look for to achieve that:
Stitching Quality.
Check through all of the stitching and see if it’s well done. If it seems sloppy and untrustworthy just forget about it.
You want the best bag you can get your hands on - you don’t have time to mess around with sloppy stitching that’s going to make your bag fall apart in less than 6 months.
Inside Lining Quality
If you’re in a physical store, open the bag up, look inside and make sure everything looks alright!
Don’t be afraid to touch around and to feel out if everything’s in place!
A few extra minutes of quality control can make sure you get a bag that lasts a decade and not just a season.
Durable Straps and Handles
This is a big one. Imagine putting your laptop in your brand new bag and as soon as you go out the straps rip apart and the bag falls.
At that moment you can lose all of the photos and videos you had on that laptop!
Do you want to risk losing your precious memories? No!
So check to see how strong and durable the straps and handles are!
Your bag needs to be able to serve you.
Check how many pockets it has, check the size and room inside - check everything!
Again, a few extra minutes spent on the details are never wasted!
Traditionally, as one of the world's most sought-after textiles, leather has always commanded premium prices.
Quality, finish and size are all influential factors in determining the price of any leather product
Remember that price is NOT always an accurate indicator of quality. Some brands charge more for less quality simply because of a name. At the same time, you will have to invest a little more for good quality.
Bear in mind: don’t pay for a name brand premium and instead, buy a premium product. You want to go for competitively priced leather bags here that have all the key quality indicators mentioned above.
This is simple - if you don’t have enough money for a bag then it’s off limits.
Sometimes leather bags can cost more than 1,000$ and sometimes that might be a bit too much for your budget.
An expensive bag won’t necessarily be a high-quality one and a cheap one won’t necessarily be lower quality.
You’re trying to get the BEST bag for your money.
You’re NOT trying to GIVE the most money for the bag. Remember that.
First and foremost, a bag is there to offer its wearer a handy storage solution for when they're on the go.
Today there is a vast range of leather bag options to choose from satchels, perfect for transporting laptops and books, to traditional travel bags for all your essentials for a weekend away.
Not only is the overall size of the bag a key consideration, but added features, such as detachable shoulder straps, convenient side pockets, hidden inner compartments or adjustable buckles for extra security also must be carefully considered.
These features are especially important when choosing a leather bag for a specific purpose.
The preferred size of a leather bag is wholly dependent on its intended use and personal preference.
Duffel bags are spacious enough to act as overnight bags or hand luggage, whereas the smaller Backpack and Messenger bag designs are convenient for those who like to travel lightly and keep the possessions they carry around with them to a minimum.
To help when choosing your bag check the dimensions. This is particularly important when purchasing a leather bag to carry a laptop or tablet as you will need a bag that is specifically designed to fit devices with either a 13” or 15” screen.
Owing to the quality of the leather that Hidesign sources to create its expertly crafted bags, customers can be safe in the knowledge that their accessory will endure, even with regular use.
Of course, over time, the natural suppleness of the leather will develop a worn look, giving the leather an inimitable vintage look that never goes out of style.
The style of any given bag is, of course, a very personal choice.
You can choose from traditional Briefcases and Satchel, fashion-forward types might be more drawn to the trendy Backpacks and crossbody to complete their everyday style.
The Hidesign Leather collection offers a range of styles to choose from, customers can rest assured that all bags are designed with a focus on timeless elegance and rugged sophistication.
With everything else taken care of - now it’s time for style.
You know it’s a durable bag, you know it has enough pockets, you know that your laptop will fit in it, and you know it’s good leather.
If it has all these things AND you like it - you’re set. You’ve found your bag and you’re ready to take on the world with it!
You should consider the kind of statement you want to make with your bag. The design should be appropriate for your profession.
The bag itself should do what you need it to do. The right choice can take your style and image to the next level. It helps you make a powerful statement wherever you go.
The quality and texture of the leather is always the main feature of the bag.
With each item painstakingly crafted, every Hidesign bag is a unique product as no two cuts of leather are ever the same.
As leather is an organic material, customers are encouraged to regularly care for their leather bag by using a dry cloth to remove dust or alternatively, to invest in a specialist cleaning product for further protection.
Before you buy a leather bag, inspect the quality of all the little parts.
It always helps to examine the details from each side of the bag.
These are the features you should pay close attention to:
For bags to purchase online – zoom in on the photos so you can check out the individual parts
Remember to look at (or request for) pictures that show the bag with its zipper closed and open.
Owing to the quality of the leather and the excellent craftsmanship, each bag is designed to withhold regular use and stand up to everyday wear and tear.
The sturdy 100% leather handles and detachable shoulder straps ensure that the bags are durable and hard-wearing.
Leather bags are available in a range of colours, allowing customers to express their originality and find an accessory that will complement their wardrobe.
From classic neutrals such as polished black, sophisticated mahogany, traditional vintage brown and chic cognac to canvas/leather combination styles in vibrant shades of forest green, red and royal blue; there is sure to be a Leather bag to suit any taste.
Here's a breakdown of the common leather bag colours and the environment for each one: black, dark brown, tan and light brown.
Black and dark brown are best suited for professional environments. They project a sense of authority and power. Tan and lighter brown go well with a more casual or relaxed working atmosphere.
The most formal option is black, as it complements suits of all colours. But keep in mind that dark brown (chocolate) leather is another perfect choice. This colour can stay very elegant and classy even after a decade.
Now that you have a good overview of buying a leather good you can shop with confidence.
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