Leather goods have long been regarded as symbols of luxury, embodying quality and timeless style. Mens leather belts, bags, backpacks, jackets, and satchels have become identified with some of the leading brands around the world. With proper care, leather goods can last a long time. They should be protected from stains and spills, and cleaned regularly. With their timeless styling, the classic look of leather goods is always the right look.
Leather is versatile and trendy
Leather is a versatile, sturdy and durable material that can be used for a variety of purposes. Throughout human history, it has been used for clothing, shelter, armor, saddles, bags and utensils. Fine leather has always been regarded as a luxury item, and since the 1980s has come to be identified with leading fashion houses like Claude Montana, Versace, Armani, Ungaro, Fendi, Gucci, Alaia, and Hermes.
The leather jackets worn by General Patton during World War II and by James Dean in the 1950s created a fashion trend that is still going strong and shows no signs of fading. Other items like mens leather belts, shoes, wallets and keychains and purses, shoes, clothing and tote bags for women are also staples of the fashion world.
The popularity of fine leather goods
Leather goods are so popular that at any given moment, the average person has four leather products on his or her person. In 2007, the total amount of leather produced was more than 23 billion square feet. And in 2009, U.S. shipments of mens leather belts totaled 92 million dollars.
There are many different varieties of leather, but they can be placed in four categories, namely full-grain, top-grain, corrected-grain, and split leather. The best quality leather among the four types are the top-grain and full-grain types. These types of leather are used for high end luxury items such as jackets, pants, and other leather accessories.
How to care for leather goods
Leather goods need special care to maintain their appearance and quality. Leather can suffer from too much moisture as well as too little. When relative humidity falls below 40%, leather can become desiccated and dry. This changes its fibrous structure, giving it a rough appearance. It can also develop cracks.
Leather can also pick up stains easily as it is susceptible to absorbing grease and oils. It should be handled with clean hands, to avoid transferring grease from hands to the leather. Leather products, especially clothing items like jackets and mens leather belts, should be cleaned every six months or so. Care should be taken to protect them from picking up stains and from water spotting.
Leather goods never go out of style. That’s one reason why items like leather totes, leather keychains and mens leather belts can become favorites that you use year after year. Keeping them clean will give you years of pleasure in using fine leather goods.