How to care for a leather bag

A pact with matter

Choosing a Vôtres piece means acquiring an object destined to last for years. Unlike ephemeral materials that deteriorate, leather is a living material that improves with age. But for this patina to become a reflection of your story, regular care is essential. It's the art of preserving your luxury investment.

Why care for a leather bag?

Leather is a skin: it breathes, reacts to the humidity in the air and takes on a patina where your hands touch it. Left to itself, it dries out, loses its lustre and eventually shows wear where it is used most: the handle, the corners, the flap. A few simple gestures, on the other hand, keep it supple and turn every mark of time into patina rather than wear.

Which gestures, and how often?

• Every day: a stroke of a soft brush or a soft, dry cloth to remove dust, on smooth leather and suede alike.
• Before wearing a suede piece for the first time: the waterproofing mist, then every two weeks in humid weather.
• Regularly: polish on smooth or grained leather, to maintain its finish.
• Several times a year: the repairing balm on smooth leather and the reviving treatment on suede, to nourish the leather and revive its colour.
• At the slightest stain: the cleaning lotion, before the mark can set in.

Smooth leather or suede: the same care?

No, and this is the golden rule. Smooth or grained leather is nourished with balm and protected with polish. Suede and nubuck are cared for with a soft brush, the mist, the lotion and the reviving treatment: polish or balm would clog their fibres. On the Magnetic, which pairs a lambskin suede body with a handle and gussets in smooth calfskin, each part therefore receives its own care.

What to avoid

Never rub a stain with water or a household detergent: you could spread it. Do not dry a wet bag near a radiator, in the sun or with a hairdryer; intense heat dries out and marks the leather. Finally, keep it away from greasy substances such as hand cream or oil, and from plastic covers, which stop it from breathing.

How to store a leather bag?

When you are not using it, do not leave your bag empty. Fill it with tissue paper so that it keeps its shape, slip it into its protective dust bag and store it away from direct light and moisture.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a leather bag be nourished?

Several times a year is enough for a bag worn regularly: the repairing balm for smooth leather, the reviving treatment for suede. Leather that looks dull or feels dry will tell you itself that it needs it.

What should I do if my bag gets caught in the rain?

Gently blot it with a dry cloth and let it dry in the open air, away from any source of heat. Once dry, brush the suede to lift its fibres.

How do I remove a grease stain?

Without water: apply the cleaning lotion as soon as possible. If in doubt, write to us at bonjour@votres.com and we will guide you.

The legacy of care

Caring for your bag means respecting the craftsman's work and the inherent value of the material. It means transforming a purchase into a lasting heirloom. A well-maintained piece doesn't wear out; it lives with you, recording your steps and successes in the very depths of its grain.

For every gesture in detail, see our leather and suede care guide, and discover all our leather care products.