When it comes to accessories, few materials offer the elegance, durability, and versatility of leather. From wallets and handbags to belts and keychains, leather goods have been fashion staples for centuries. There’s something undeniably luxurious about a well-crafted leather accessory. It’s durable, stylish, and—if cared for properly—only gets better with age. In this blog, we’ll explore why leather continues to be a beloved choice and offer some expert tips on how to care for your Cold Gold leather goods, ensuring they last and look great for years to come.

Why Leather?

Leather is much more than just a fashion statement. It's one of the oldest materials used by humans, valued for its strength and flexibility. Whether it's in the form of a buttery-soft handbag or a durable wallet, leather possesses a tactile quality that synthetic materials just can't replicate.

The Benefits of Leather Accessories

1. Durability: Leather is naturally strong and resistant to wear and tear. When treated well, it can last for decades, making it a sustainable option.
2. Aging Gracefully: Unlike many other materials that deteriorate, leather tends to improve with age. Over time, it develops a patina—a soft sheen that adds character and uniqueness to each piece.
3. Timeless Style: Leather never goes out of style. Whether you’re into minimalist aesthetics or bold, colorful accessories, leather seamlessly adapts to any look, ensuring it remains a staple in fashion.
4. Eco-Friendly Option: Many modern leather goods are produced using eco-conscious processes like vegetable tanning, which reduces the use of harmful chemicals.

Types of Leather Used in Accessories

There are various types of leather, and each offers different benefits. A single animal hide can be separated into layers, each with unique properties that decide the final leather type. Those layers can go through processes such as dyeing, tanning, and embossing, which creates the wide variety of leathers you're accustom to seeing. Some of the most common types you’ll find in wallets, handbags, and keychains include:

• Full-Grain Leather: The highest-quality leather, full-grain is the strongest and most durable and has not been altered in any way. As a result, slight blemishes are to be expected.
• Top-Grain Leather: Still high quality, but buffed or sanded for a more uniform look.
• Vegetable Tanned Leather: A hide that has been processed using natural tannins from plants to cure it and/or finish it. The processing of these leathers doesn't use as many chemicals, and has sustainable properties such as being rot-proof and developing patina over its life.
• Hair-On-Hide Leather: This leather has been processed, but has left the natural hair of the animal attached to the hide. Most often cow hide, hair-on leathers are loved for their patterning and western look.
• Nubuck Leather: It comes from a top grain leather that has been buffed and sanded to give it a strong yet plush, suede-like finish. It wears beautifully over time as it will patina with dirt, oil, and marks. We call this character!
• Suede: A separated inner layer of leather that is more pliable, softer, and plush. It's used commonly as lining because it mimics fabric.
• Synthetic Leather: Often touted as "vegan," synthetic leather is not technically leather. Vegan leather is an increasingly popular alternative that mimics the look and feel of animal hide using synthetic materials. It should be noted that most vegan leathers are made from plastic, so they aren't quite as earth-friendly as they claim. Plastic = oil

If you're curious about what kind of leather your bag is made of, check the tag that comes with it or the listing you purchased from for the exact name. Now that we’ve covered why leather goods are such a smart investment, let’s dive into how you can care for your leather to make sure it stands the test of time.

How to Care for Leather Goods

Whether you own a Cold Gold Pop Wallet, Knot Keychain, or a favorite leather bag, regular maintenance is key to keeping your leather accessories looking fresh and luxurious. We've added a tag to our leather goods that will tell you which kind of leather your bag is made of - this will help you to determine how to best care for your specific bag. Here’s how to care for your leather, step by step:

1. Clean Regularly, But Gently

Cleaning your leather goods doesn’t have to be a complicated process. However, it’s important to remember that leather is a natural material that can be damaged by harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods.

• Start with a dry cloth: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt on the surface. This should be your go-to method for day-to-day cleaning.
• Eraser Spot Clean: For many leathers, a good ol' white eraser will remove scuffs and marks. Try this first before hopping to the next step.
• Liquid Spot Clean: For minor spills or stains, use a damp cloth (not soaked!) and a mild soap solution. Avoid using too much water, as leather doesn’t like to get wet. After spot cleaning, always dry the area with a dry cloth immediately. *Note: Don't use liquids on suede, nubuck, or vegetable tanned leathers. Best to take these to a pro for cleaning.

Pro Tip: Never use household cleaners, baby wipes, or alcohol-based products on leather, as they can strip away its natural oils and leave it dry and cracked.

2. Condition, Condition, Condition!

For your vegetable tanned, top grain, and full grain leathers, conditioning is key. One of the secrets to long-lasting leather is regular conditioning. Leather can dry out over time, especially when exposed to the elements like heat and sunlight. Conditioning helps to restore moisture and keeps your leather soft and supple.

• Leather conditioner: Invest in a high-quality leather conditioner. Apply a small amount using a soft cloth, rubbing it in with circular motions. Be sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
• Frequency: You don’t need to condition your leather every week, but once every 3–6 months (depending on how often you use it) should do the trick.

Pro Tip: Always test your conditioner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t alter the color or texture. You should not use leather conditioners on metallic leather, patent leather, nubuck, or suede. 

3. Protect from Water and Sun

Some leather doesn’t do well with too much moisture or direct sunlight. If you’re caught in the rain or spill something on your leather accessory, it’s important to act fast:

• Blot, don’t rub: If your leather gets wet, gently blot it with a dry cloth. Rubbing can cause the water to penetrate deeper into the material, leaving stains or causing damage.
• Dry naturally: Never use a hairdryer or place your leather item near a heat source to dry it. Instead, let it air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.
• Embrace Patina: For nubuck and vegetable tanned leathers, sun, oil, and moisture will change the look and feel of the product in a process called "patina." Many love this process as it gives it a worn-in look, and we agree. Patina adds character over time. We often say that because you are adding your own personal chemistry (oil, sweat, etc) to the piece, it becomes more and more like you as you carry it. That's a forever bond right there.

4. Store Properly

When your leather accessories aren’t in use, how you store them can greatly affect their longevity.

• Avoid plastic bags: Leather needs to breathe. Storing your leather goods in plastic can trap moisture and lead to mildew or damage. Instead, use a dust bag or a cotton pillowcase.
• Maintain shape: For handbags, stuffing them with tissue paper or bubble wrap helps maintain their shape. Wallets and keychains are less prone to losing shape but should still be kept in a dry, cool place when not in use.
• Sit don't hang: To avoid stretching out handles and straps, consider sitting your bag on a shelf instead of hanging it. Leather is a natural material and acts like skin, so when stressed, it will stretch over time. 

5. Deal with Scratches and Scuffs

Scratches are inevitable, especially on items like wallets and keychains that are handled often. Fortunately, many minor scuffs can be buffed out with a bit of elbow grease.

• Buff with a soft cloth: For minor scratches, gently buff the area in circular motions with a soft, dry cloth. The heat from the friction may be enough to smooth out the surface.
• Leather repair kit: For more serious damage, consider using a leather repair kit or consulting a professional leather cleaner.

 

Leather goods are more than just accessories—they’re investments in style, durability, and quality. With the right care, your Cold Gold leather wallet, keychain, or handbag can become a lifelong companion that only gets better with age. Whether it’s cleaning, conditioning, or protecting your pieces from the elements, a little effort goes a long way in maintaining that luxurious leather look.

So, show your leather some love, and it’ll love you back for years to come. And remember, every scratch, every patina, tells a story—let your leather accessories be a testament to your timeless style.