Why Choose Italian Leather?
Italian leather is well known in the fashion industry as the very best. One of the reasons Italian leather is so highly regarded is because of its quality. The very best craftsmanship and care goes into manufacturing Italian leather stock than is put into almost any comparable leather product in the world and that means only the best quality hides are used.
Only all natural vegetable and plant-based extracts are used by craftsmen to manufacture Italian leather. Because it isn’t mass produced it takes much longer to make than the cheaper factory-made alternatives.
If you are interested in learning about Italian leather, or just want to buy some high-quality leather goods but yet sure if you should, we’ve written some important facts that show why Italian leather is the best around and why you should choose to purchase it, we also have some smart tips for you to check out.
Five reasons that Italian Leather is the very best.
- It’s a high-quality material. As we’ve stated over and over – Italian leather is a durable and well-made material. A great deal of craftsmanship is put into making Italian leather products with the highest standards.
- Italian Leather is made to last. When compared to other types of leather, Italian leather is the most long-lasting. It can withstand everyday wear and tear, with most nicks and scratches being easily wiped away. If you are looking for the most durable products, always look for those leather goods that have a lifetime tome or long guarantee.
- It Is One of a kind! Vegetable tanned Italian leather has a truly one of a kind appearance. The marks on the hides are not imperfections – they are the result of the natural tanning process and give a very distinctive look. No two naturally tanned items ever look alike!
- It’s Timeless Fashion! You’ll see Italian leather on the most exclusive fashion runways. This material practically drips style and sophistication, and it continues to be, one of the most well-loved materials in fashion design.
- Maintaining its appearance is easy! Constantly cleaning handbags and purses can be a chore. Italian leather, on the other hand, reduces the drudgery. In fact, aging only adds to the beauty and uniqueness of Italian leather. It can be easily cleaned on with a damp cloth from time to time but isn’t always necessary.
There is a wide range of leather types available; these include vegetable tanned, full grain, patent, and chrome just to mention a few. Buying a leather product can be more than overwhelming when you are not quite sure of what the different names mean. While it’s true that Italian leather is considered the very best, there are some sub-classifications. Different types of Italian leather have various levels of quality, and we’ve provided some tips to help you choose.
Leather that has been dyed without chemicals is called Vegetable Tanned Leather. Natural items such as tree bark and vegetable tannin are used instead to color the leather. People with chromium allergies (a very common skin allergy) prefer vegetable tanned leathers, however, the process takes a lot longer, but produces better quality hides. The end result is stronger and longer lasting leather that is water resistant.
The top thick section of a hide is full grain leather, which can be chrome or vegetable tanned. This type of leather hasn’t been sanded and the natural marks remain on the hide. It can put up with a lot of hard use and is considered one of the more robust leather types.
Top grain leather (chrome of vegetable tanned) is the next tier of leather quality. This type of leather is softer and thinner than the others so it depends on what you prefer. It also is very stain resistant than full grain leather and cost a little less. Wallets and purses typically make use of this type of leather.
Before you make your purchase
If you think you are ready to make a purchase of Italian leather, it’s important you read the next bit of information before buying.
Italian leather has a wonderful reputation, however, it’s not unusual for some unscrupulous retailers to offer faux or low-quality leather products with an “Italian Leather” label. Here are few smart tips that will help you avoid being scammed.
One valuable piece of advice is to always check for a certificate tag! This is one simple way to find out if your leather product is of the best quality.
Cost
Don’t settle for cheap knockoffs. Price is usually an indicator of the leathers true quality. This doesn’t mean that you stick to name brand only, in fact, check out some smaller and lesser known leather manufactures; it may still be costly, but not as much as the more well-known designers. Be aware that even if the leather seems to be good quality, if the price is too low, you are most definitely purchasing an imitation of cheaply made leather product. Good leather products are more expensive and cost more, but you will be assured of a high-quality product that will last much longer than cheaper brands.
Warranty
Does your leather product come with a warranty? The best leather goods usually have a 2-year warranty. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales representative questions about the leather. Will this product be long lasting? If they salesman seems unsure, don’t make the purchase. Purchasing leather goods with long or lifetime guarantee ensures that you are getting a good deal.
Check the quality!
Inspect the item in question closely. Take a peek at the stitching, are the stitches straight? Are there any loose strings? If the craftsmanship is poor, that’s usually an indicator of leather quality. Look for natural discolorations in the hide. These are not usually imperfections, in fact, they are a sign of a well-tanned leather product. The details really matter; if the manufacturer has invested in the best leather quality, chances are the item has been well crafted. Also, take a peek at zips, buckles, pockets and other details.
Feel and Smell!
Take your leather product in hand and inspect it well. Take a sniff, real leather has a very recognizable smell. If you can’t smell anything this may be faux or poor quality leather. Also, take note of leather goods that smell of rotten or of chemicals. That is a sign of very poorly treated leather goods. The product should always feel smooth and silky to the touch. Carefully pull and bend the product slightly, take note if it looks like the leather is going to tear or stretch. Note if the color seems to change when the leather is pulled tight. All quality leather goods should feel heavy and thick when picked up.
At Mustache Trading, we provide high-quality leather bags at an affordable price. Shop today!