It’s no secret that the world loves leather in one form or the other. In fact, it’s estimated that the average consumer is wearing four different leather good at any given time. We don’t just directly wear leather in the forms of leather jackets, leather belts, or leather totes for women. We also use leather in a more practical sense; leather briefcases are a high-quality way of transporting your goods and business documents. Leather briefcases are often chosen over other types of briefcases for the same reasons that other leather goods are often selected. They are simply of a finer quality, and come with other advantages as well. Below we’ll discuss why you should buy leather, and what to expect from fine leather goods.
Know Your Leather Before Buying
Each year, the leather industry generates about $58.3 million in the United States alone, with about 60% of those sales representing footwear. As such, it should come as no surprise that many businesspeople and salespeople want to get into this booming industry. The unfortunate thing about leather goods being so popular is that they tend to attract frauds — that is, people who wish to pass of fake or poor quality leather as fine leather. If you wish to buy fake leather, you certainly can. However, it should not be sold to you as real leather. These “leather goods” — coming in the forms of everything from leather briefcases to boots — are usually of very poor quality, while at the same time being marked up to a ridiculous degree. They often tear or wear down very quickly, leaving you out of a large sum of money with no leather to speak of. Selling items like these is usually a crime, but that doesn’t stop it from happening. As such, buy your leather from a reputable seller with a sterling reputation. Do not buy leather from marketplaces, particularly where bargaining is common. And whatever you do, don’t fall for any flashy tricks that “prove” the durability and quality of the leather. Real leather will usually feel and act like skin. For example, if real leather is given a minor scratch, that scratch can usually be smoothed away by your hand.
Think About The Type Of Leather You Want
At first, you might think that all types of leather are the same. This is a common misconception. In fact, not only are there many different types of leather — they also all vary in the products to which they are applied. Typically, cowhide produces the thickest type of leather. It produces one ounce and 12 ounce varieties. Leather briefcases, on the other hand, are sometimes made from deer hide. Leather gloves are often offered in lambksin. The type of leather is not only dependent on the type of animal from which it comes, however. There is also a variation in how the leather is tanned — vegetable tanned leather and chrome tanned leather are two possibilities. There are also different “grains” available. Full grain comes from the top layer of skin, meaning that it has the “full grain” of the skin. Top grain, on the other hand, is split from the top layer of the skin and treated to remove blemishes. here are different methods through which leather can be dyed as well. A lot of leather is in fact dyed, but different dyeing processes yield different results.
Remember That Leather Takes Care
Leather is very strong; but it remains a fine good and thus requires proper care. In particular, leather is susceptible to absorbing grease and oils. As such, you should make sure your hands are clean before you handle your leather goods. Another thing to remember regarding leather goods is to clean your leather every six months. You should also spot check your leather for water spots.
Leather definitely requires a good amount of money and time. However, it pays off not only in terms of beauty but quality. If cared for properly, leather will last for many years!
