by Leather | Leather Accessories
There’s no better way to accessorize your genuine leather jacket than with a leather-clad smartphone. While many smartphone cases are made with leather, few handsets feature this luxurious material. However, that may soon change, as LG is preparing to launch its first leather-clad flagship smartphone, the G4. Most smartphone companies announce their latest devices at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) event. But this event has already come and gone for 2015, leaving some people asking the question: why didn’t LG unveil their G4? While we don’t have an official answer to this question, LG has begun sending out invitations for an April 28th announcement, which we believe will be used to announce the leather-clad G4 smartphone. Unique leather shell smartphone As noted by TechRadar, “We’ve received an invite for an LG announcement on April 28 and it doesn’t mess around with what we can expect, stating ‘LG invites you to the official unveiling of LG G4.’ You’re not going to get clearer than that.” That’s a pretty definitive statement that indicates LG is in fact preparing to unveil its G4 smartphone. So, what kind of features can you expect to see in the upcoming LG G4? The device will reportedly be available in several different variants, including an all-metal body, and a body style with a leather back (see image above). We assume LG will use genuine leather in the production of its flagship smartphone, offering users a truly comfortable feel and stylish look. Of course, there’s more to the LG G4 than its leather-clad backing. Reports indicate it will also feature a quad-core processor of unknown origins, either...
by Leather | Leather Care
The hot summer season is right around the corner (June 21, FYI), which means you probably won’t be wearing your leather jacket for quite a while — not until fall rolls around. Until then, you should find a suitable area to store your leather jacket, keeping it safe and protected from the elements. Unfortunately, far too many people overlook the importance of properly storing their leather jacket. They assume it can be hung in their bedroom closet just like any other garment. While this may not cause any immediate damage, there’s a better and safer solution to storing leather garments for long periods of time. Humidity First and foremost, be conscious of the humidity in the room or part of your home where you intend to store the leather jacket. Humidity — the amount of moisture vapor in the air — can wreck havoc on leather, saturating it to the point where it begins to rot. This rarely happens, however, unless the leather is stores in a highly humid area, such as the attic or basement. Note: if the humidity in your home is above 40%, consider using a dehumidifier to lower it. Dehumidifiers can be purchased for less than $100 bucks, which is a small price to pay to keep your leather jacket preserved. Acid-Free Papers Before storing your leather jacket, you should wrap it in acid-free paper. What’s the purpose of this? Well, there are a few benefits to using acid-free paper, one of which is the simple fact that it serves as a barrier of protection against moisture, dust, dirt and bugs. Furthermore, wrapping your leather...
by Leather | Leather Care
Leather is unmatched in terms of aesthetics and overall quality. While several other materials may attempt to “mimic” the characteristics of genuine leather, they all fall short. If you’re searching for a new handbag, you should consider purchasing one made of leather. The brilliant appearance combined with its comfortable feel will allow you to enjoy your handbag just a little more. Of course, you’ll want to follow some basic steps to properly care and maintain your new leather handbag. Don’t Leave It Outside Leather is naturally strong and resilient to most forms of damage, but it’s also susceptible to humidity. Leaving your leather handbag outside — even if it’s under a covered deck — may result in damage. For this reason, it’s recommended that you always bring your leather handbag inside. Check The Humidity Even if you bring your leather handbag inside, however, excessive indoor humidity may damage it. The moisture vapor will settle within the pores, saturating it to the point where it causes mold or event rot to form. The good news is that damage such as this really only happens in extreme cases where the relative humidity is above 70%. But when was the last time you checked the humidity levels in your home? Most people rarely, if ever, check them, which is why it’s a good idea to do so if you plan on storing a leather handbag inside your home. Conditioning If you haven’t done so already, pick up a leather conditioning product from a leather goods store. As the name suggests, this will “condition” your leather, keeping it soft, luxurious, and preserving its...
by Leather | Leather Care, Leather Jackets
There are many reasons why people choose leather in the construction and manufacturing of products over other materials. You’ll find it’s commonly used in furniture, backpacks, car seats, office chairs, jackets, apparel, belts and countless other items. Lets take a closer look at all of the benefits leather has. Durability and Strength When you compare it to other materials, there’s simply nothing else that’s as strong or durable as leather. While there are many different types of leather, as well as various tanning methods, all natural leather is made from the hide of an animal (usually a cow). Because it’s made from the hide of an animal, you can expect leather to be extremely durable and able to withstand much tension without tearing or ripping. There’s no denying the fact that leather is one of the longest-lasting materials on the market. With little care and attention, you can still expect leather to last for 10 or more years without showing any signs of deterioration. On the other hand, cotton, wool or denim will almost certainly show some signs of damage after a decade of wear and use. Repels Dirt, Dust and Debris Naturally, leather doesn’t absorb or attract any dust or debris. In fact, it actually does the opposite by repelling these things. If you find your leather getting dusty over time, just take a cloth or lint-free towel and wipe it down. Ease of Cleaning If you’ve ever owned anything that’s made with leather, then you’re probably aware of how easy it is to clean it. Always read the care label on your leather products before attempting to...
by Leather | Leather Care, Leather Jackets
It’s a little-known fact that humidity (or lack thereof) can affect the quality of leather. Whether it’s a jacket, handbag, belt, wallet, pants, or even a piece of furniture, airborne water vapor can take a toll on leather. To learn more about this phenomenon and how you can protect your leather goods from humidity-related damage, keep reading. What The Heck is Humidity? Humidity is the measurement of moisture vapor in the air. Although you can’t see it — not with the naked eye, at least — water is all around us in the form of moisture vapor. A “normal” amount would be approximately 30-40% relative humidity (RH). This indicates the air contains a moderate amount of moisture vapor — not to dry, but not overly saturated. Leather and Humidity The problem with humidity and leather is that leather is extremely porous, containing thousands upon thousands of microscopic holes. These holes, which are found on the surface of leather, absorb moisture from the surrounding air. So when leather is exposed to a humid environment, it absorbs a significant amount of airborne moisture vapor. The good news is that leather is designed to absorb moisture from its surroundings. Therefore, exposure to moderate humidity levels shouldn’t cause any problems. On the contrary, it will actually prove beneficial, as it keeps the leather soft and comfortable. When leather is exposed to high-humid environments, however, it can cause it to rot. This isn’t something that happens overnight, but leaving a leather product in a humid environment for days or weeks on end will eventually cause damage. But low humidity can prove equally as damaging...
by Leather | Leather Jackets
Leather jackets offer a timeless look can be worn for any number of different occasions. Whether you’re going out for a night on the town or just doing some errands, it’s sure to keep you looking your best. While some fashion trends come and go, you can rest assured knowing that leather is here to stay. However, one of the problems faced with owners of leather jackets is having it dry out to the point where it’s no longer wearable. It usually doesn’t happen overnight, but after years of use the leather will slowly dry out and begin to crack. If you own a leather jacket or are thinking of owning one, keep reading and we’ll reveal some simple steps to making it soft. Before we start, it’s important to realize what causes leather to dry out. The fact is that leather is made of porous animal hide that naturally absorbs moisture in the surrounding air. When it’s skinned and tanned, the pores are still on the hide but they will slowly release their water content instead of absorbing it. You can expect some of the moisture from the leather to release without causing any problems, but too much will cause it to dry out. Apply Leather Conditioner The best all-around method for keeping your leather jacket soft is to apply a coat of leather conditioner to it once in a while. You can pick up this stuff at most leather stores, shoe stores and even places like Wal-Mart and Target. Read the instructions carefully to determine the proper application. Typically, you’ll want to place a small amount of...
by Leather | Leather Care
If you’ve done any research into the different types of leather, you’ve probably come across full-gram, half-grain, and the lesser-known “corrected” grain. Full-grain is arguably the most popular, as it’s characterized by a smooth, luxurious surface with few-to-no flaws. Of course, it’s also the most expensive type of leather, making it less appealing to budget-conscious consumers. But what in the world is corrected grain leather? Corrected grain is a special type of leather that’s been fixed, or corrected, by a professional leatherworker to improve its aesthetics and functional qualities. If a leather worker deems a piece of leather as having too many flaws, it’s used as corrected leather instead of full-grain. The leatherworker will attempt to remove as many of these flaws as possible before using the material in a product. When the flaws are removed, the material is dubbed “corrected grain,” at which point it’s used in the production of a jacket, handbag, shoes, belt, furniture, etc. Physical properties of this leather For a better understanding of corrected grain, you must first look at the physical qualities of leather. Normally, leather has a rough, almost sandpaper-like grain on the surface (to a lesser degree, of course). This helps to create its appealing characteristics. With corrected grain, however, the leather grain’s is below the necessary standards for the leatherworker to use it as a full-grain. Instead of throwing it away, however, the leatherworker removes the flawed grain on the surface and replaces it with an artificial grain. The exact process for this varies depending on the leatherworker’s preferences. There are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing corrected grain leather....
by Leather | Leather Care
There’s nothing that compares to the high-end, elegant look of authentic leather. Purchasing real leather bags, jackets and accessories may cost a little bit more, but the additional price is well worth it in the long run. However, one of the most common problems associated with authentic leather are water stains. The porous surface naturally absorbs water from the surrounding environment. While small amounts of water and moisture can actually help to condition the leather, too much of it may cause water stains. If this is something you’re experiencing with your leather product, keep reading and we’ll reveal some simple steps for removing it. Identify The Source Of The Problem First and foremost, you’ll need to identify the area to see if it’s really water stains that are causing the problem. Depending on the severity of the stains, they should look like slightly-discolored rings on the surface of the leather. These rings can sometimes spread into full circles if the problem worsens. In any case, check your leather item thoroughly to determine exactly where the water stains are located. Don’t be afraid to open up creases and corners that are usually closed up to the point where you can’t see them. Sometimes it’s these areas that water affects most, so make sure to check them out. Saddle Soap The easiest and most effective method to remove water stains from leather is to scrub it down with a premium saddle soap. Kiwi, B & B and Moss are all excellent brands that make quality saddle soap. Pick up a can of it the next time you’re at the horse and...
by Leather | Leather Care
Let’s face it, you can be extra careful and cautious around your leather products, but stains are bound to happen. Whether it’s from moisture, spilled drinks or using the wrong type of cleaning solution on them, chances are your leather will develop some noticeable stains. Thankfully, however, there are a couple of things you can do to help remove and eliminate stubborn leather stains. Soap and Water The first method you should try for removing leather stains involves basic warm water and soap. Take a small hand towel, wet it with warm water and place a couple of drops of mild dish soap on it. Before you apply it to your leather, squeeze out any excess water to prevent further damage to your leather products. Once you’ve done this, take the soapy towel and place it directly on the stain. Continue blotting the problematic area until the stain is no longer noticeable. Depending on how severe it is and what caused the stain, blotting should remove it without much effort. Treat it Early The key to removing leather stains is to identify and treat them early. Like most other materials, if you allow a stain to sit on the leather too long, it will seep through the fibers and become more difficult to remove. On the other hand, getting rid of fresh leather stains is usually a breeze with the soap and water method listed above. Just remember to blot the stain and not rub it in; otherwise, you could make it worse than before. Vinegar If soap and water just isn’t cutting it for your leather stains, you...
