by Leather | Leather Questions |
Just like wine — well, most wines at least — leather gets better with age. Don’t get me wrong, new leather is a brilliant, ultra-comfortable material that’s perfect for jackets, shirts, dresses, belts, shoes, and a countless number of other items as well. However, older, worn-in leather offers some unique advantages that many people prefer. Aesthetics One of the many ways in which leather gets better as it ages is its appearance. As it ages, leather will begin to develop natural markings. These markings are usually small but still noticeable nonetheless, covering the surface while adding another element to its look. If you are looking for a pristine leather garment, you’ll probably want new leather. But if you want a piece that’s truly unique and eye-catching, aged leather is the way to go. Smell Of course, old leather also has a certain smell to it (a good smell) that differs from its new counterpart. New leather generally smells stronger and more artificial — even if it’s 100% genuine leather. This is in stark contrast to aged leather, which has a softer, more subtle odor that many people prefer. It’s difficult to describe this odor without smelling it for yourself, but some people compare it to a mixture of cedar and cinnamon. Strength Both new and aged leather offers a superior level of strength when compared to many other materials (especially cotton). You can pull, tug and stretch leather without causing any damage to it. However, old leather is slightly stronger than its counterpart. This is due to the fact that it’s already been stretched and pulled on plenty of...
by Leather | Leather Care, Leather Jackets |
Can’t decide whether or not a leather jacket is right for you? Check out the top 5 reasons to wear a leather jacket below. It’s Ultra-Soft and Comfortable It’s hard to describe just how soft and comfortable leather jackets are without wearing one for yourself. Unlike many other fabrics, leather has a soft texture that’s easy on the skin. It doesn’t rub or scratch your skin, meaning you can wear it comfortably all day long. So whether you are looking for an everyday “casual” jacket, a motorcycle jacket, or a formal jacket, you can’t go wrong with leather. Leather is Durable Another reason why you should wear a leather jacket is because it’s durable. Being that it’s made from animal hide, it offers a superior level of strength and durability. Of course, this is one of the reasons why leather remains the preferred choice of material for motorcycle wear. Bikers can give themselves an added barrier of protection between their skin and the road by wearing a leather jacket. Leather Jackets Hold Their Value Clothes generally depreciate a great deal in value after they’ve been worn. This is due to the fact that most garments wear down after just a couple of uses, making them susceptible to damage. Leather, however, holds its value more than other clothes. In the unlikely event that you decide to get rid of your leather jacket, you’ll have an easier time finding a buyer who’s willing to pay top dollar for it. Leather Jackets are Classic There’s just something naturally brilliant about the style of a genuine leather jacket. Perhaps it’s the subtle grain,...
by Leather | Leather Dresses |
So, you’re thinking about buying a leather skirt? Some people assume that jackets are the only garment made of leather, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While leather jackets are certainly a popular choice, skirts have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Fashion-forward women from all walks of life are adding leather skirts to their wardrobe. But like all items made of genuine leather, certain care must be given to preserve the look and integrity of a leather skirt. Although softer and more comfortable than cotton, leather is susceptible to the elements and must be properly maintained. So, what’s the best way to care for a genuine leather skirt? Read The Care Label I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should always read the care label on your leather skirt before attempting to wash or dry it. Most leather skirts are produced with a tag sewn into the inside of the waist, explaining exactly how to wash and care for it. This care label provides essential step-by-step instructions regarding how to care for the leather skirt, so make sure you read it first. Watch the Water! No matter how hard you try to prevent it, you are bound to get water on your leather skirt at some point in time. Don’t panic, though, because as long as you dry it in a timely manner, it shouldn’t leave any lasting spots behind. If you notice water or moisture on your leather skirt, blot it dry with a clean paper towel or washcloth. Allowing water to sit on your...
by Leather | Leather Questions |
In case you didn’t get the memo, summer is officially here. This means the temperatures will be warming and the sun will be shining. As a result, you need to carefully choose the clothes you wear. Wearing the same thick and heavy garments from your winter wardrobe isn’t going to cut it. The added weight of these garments can be unbearably uncomfortable when worn during the summer. So, can you wear leather during the scorching hot summer season? The short answer is YES, you can wear it. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, leather is a versatile material that can be worn year-round. With that said, there are a few things to keep in mind when wearing leather during the summer. Choose Thinner Leather If you’re going to wear leather during the summer, it’s recommended that you choose a thinner, lighter type of leather. Leather is available in a countless number of styles, ranging from thick, jacket-quality leather to lighter and softer leather — the latter of which is recommended for the summertime. Assuming you are shopping for a new leather garment in person, feel it beforehand to ensure it’s light and not overbearing. Avoid Multiple Layers Don’t get me wrong, wearing multiple layers of clothes is great for the winter. When you become too hot, you can always strip off the excess layers to cool down. When wearing leather, though, you should reduce the number of layers. Wearing an undershirt, overshirt, and a leather jacket, for instance, will probably be uncomfortable during the summer. Instead, consider wearing just a single shirt under a lightweight leather jacket. If...
by Leather | Leather Care, Leather Questions |
Will Moisture Damage Leather? It depends. Too much moisture can damage just about anything, including leather. However, leather is able to absorb and release small amounts of moisture without causing any issues. Just remember to wipe off excess water to preserve its integrity. How Should I Store Leather? You can read through some of our previous blog posts here at LeatherCult for more advice on how to store leather, but the general idea is to keep it away from excessively dry or humid environments. A good rule of thumb is to store leather in an environment with 40-50% relative humidity. This isn’t too humid, nor is it too dry, making it the perfect place for leather. How Should I Clean Leather? Again, it depends on the particular type of leather and how it’s being used. However, for most purposes, saddle soap works incredibly well. Don’t let its name fool you into thinking it’s only used on leather saddles. While many people use to clean their saddles, saddle soap can be used on practically any leather product, including belts, shoes, furniture, coats, pants and more. Can Leather Be Repaired? Small damage, such as nicks and scuffs, can be repaired using a simple DIY leather repair kit. If the damage contains cuts that go deep into the leather, however, you’ll need to consult with a professional leather repair/restoration company. They’ll have the tools and experience to tackle some of the tougher leather jobs. How Can I Make My Leather Last? There are dozens of steps you can take to preserve the original look and characteristics of your leather. For starters, try...
Recent Comments