How to Care for Your Luxury Leather Goods
Luxury leather goods are significant investments that, with proper care, can last a lifetime and even appreciate in value. Whether you’ve purchased a Hermès bag, Berluti shoes, or a Loro Piana jacket, this comprehensive care guide will help you protect your investment.
Understanding Leather Types
Full-Grain Leather
The highest quality leather available. Full-grain leather develops a beautiful patina over time. Found in Hermès bags, Berluti shoes, and Brunello Cucinelli accessories.
Suede
Softer and more porous than smooth leather. Suede requires specialized care products and more frequent maintenance. Common in Loro Piana loafers and summer accessories.
Exotic Leathers
Alligator, ostrich, and lizard skins require expert care. These rare materials demand specialized products and professional cleaning when needed.
Daily Care Routine
After Each Use
- Wipe down — Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and surface dirt
- Air dry — Never use direct heat (hairdryers, radiators) to dry leather
- Stuff bags — Use tissue paper or bag shapers to maintain shape when not in use
- Cedar shoe trees — Insert cedar shoe trees immediately after removing shoes
Weekly Maintenance
- Condition leather — Apply a high-quality leather conditioner to keep leather supple
- Brush suede — Use a suede brush to restore the nap and remove light marks
- Check hardware — Inspect zippers, buckles, and clasps for any issues
Storage Best Practices
Bags
- Store in dust bags provided by the brand
- Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Maintain upright position with stuffing to preserve shape
- Store in a cool, dry place with consistent temperature
- Never store in plastic bags — leather needs to breathe
Shoes
- Always use cedar shoe trees after each wear
- Rotate shoes — never wear the same pair two consecutive days
- Store in dust bags or original boxes
- Keep away from heaters and direct sunlight
- Consider a shoe rack that allows air circulation
Jackets and Ready-to-Wear
- Use wide, padded hangers to maintain shoulder shape
- Store in breathable garment bags
- Allow adequate space between garments for air circulation
- Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to repel moths
Seasonal Deep Cleaning
Spring Cleaning
- Deep clean all leather goods with appropriate cleaners
- Apply leather conditioner to replenish moisture lost during winter
- Inspect for any damage that needs professional repair
- Update care products — leather conditioners and polishes expire
Summer Preparation
- Store winter items in breathable garment bags
- Apply UV protection spray to items that will be exposed to sun
- Switch to lighter, breathable shoe options
- Keep leather goods away from air conditioning vents (drying effect)
Professional Care
Some situations require professional attention:
- Major stains — Red wine, ink, oil, or cosmetic stains
- Color restoration — Faded or sun-damaged leather
- Structural repair — Broken handles, torn seams, damaged hardware
- Patina development — Professional patina services for Berluti shoes
Brand-Specific Care Tips
Hermès
Hermès offers complimentary spa services for their leather goods. Contact the store for assessment and care recommendations. The Togo, Epsom, and Clemence leathers each require different care approaches.
Berluti
Berluti’s Venezia leather is designed to develop a unique patina. The brand offers professional patina services to enhance or restore the leather’s depth of color.
Loro Piana
Loro Piana’s cashmere and wool products require gentle hand washing or professional dry cleaning. Their Summer Walk loafers in rubber can be cleaned with mild soap and water.
Recommended Care Products
- Leather conditioner — Apply monthly to keep leather supple
- Cream polish — For smooth leather shoes and bags
- Suede eraser — For removing marks from suede surfaces
- Cedar shoe trees — Essential for all leather shoes
- UV protection spray — For items exposed to sunlight
Shop Luxury Leather Goods
- Men’s Bags — 244+ leather bags from premium brands
- Women’s Bags — 345+ designer handbags
- Men’s Shoes — 394+ luxury shoes
- Men’s Jackets — 641+ leather and wool jackets
Invest in quality, care for it well. Visit La Marca to explore our collection of luxury leather goods, all backed by our authenticity guarantee.