In our opinion nothing can beat the beauty and durability of real leather goods. The look and smell of full grain vegetable tanned leather says class and elegance through and through. When you're investing in an Italian leather bag, knowing what to look for will prevent buying cheap — or even fake — merchandise.
Leather Terminology
"Real." "Authentic." "Genuine." Leather goods go by a lot of labels. While any of these words describe products that are made of leather, they don't account for the quality. To ensure that your bag or jacket is worth the price, you should know what the labels really mean. For example, genuine leather, in our experience, many times refers to cheaper quality leather that can be brittle.
If you want the best, look for labels that state full-grain leather. Full grain is the top layer of the leather hide that has natural blemishes. It is the strongest and most supple part of the hide. After the raw hide is sliced in half, the top layer is Full Grain, and the bottom layer is sometimes called the "Split" layer. The good quality splits are used to make Saffiano and Pebbled finish leather. Cenzo full grain leather is artisan tanned in Tuscany, Italy using vegetable tannins to beautify the natural full grains of the skin. Avoid products with labels that say "patent leather," "corrected-grain leather," or "bonded leather." All of these are usually made from leather scraps that have been pulped and glued together - similar to particle board.
Know the Look
Full-grain leather has a deep, rich hue that only becomes more beautiful with time. It's made from the best part of the hide, with all of the inherent imperfections and toughness of the skin. It also has a suppleness and patina that can't be duplicated, and it will likely look better with each year you own it.
Study the Design
If you're buying a bag or briefcase, chances are it's going to see daily use. Even the finest leather briefcase or garment is only as good as its construction. When shopping for leather items, note the quality of the hardware — like buckles, zippers, handles, and straps. Are they constructed of durable materials? Is the strap or handle made from the same grade of leather as the rest of the bag? Are the seams double-stitched with heavy-duty thread?
Know Your Source
If you're purchasing in person, whether from a local shop or a street vendor, you'll have a chance to hold the bag and examine the details. Purchasing online means being extra cautious. Deal only with vendors who have a good reputation, a long history in business, and a traceable online presence. Use functions on the website to zoom and view the product up close, read product reviews, and talk to customer service.
When you invest in a high-quality leather briefcase like a Cenzo or Floto, it is important to take the proper care and precautions to ensure its longevity. With routine maintenance and proper cleaning, a timeless leather bag can easily be carried daily for decades. A classic leather briefcase or messenger bag is the most iconic and desired style for most men. It can act as a briefcase, large carryall, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the style.
While there are some subtle differences in how to clean your leather briefcases depending on the type of leather used to construct the bags, there are some universal and basic steps you should take with all leather bags to ensure their longevity. The first step to cleaning a leather messenger bag or briefcase is to use a mild leather cleaner that is specifically designed for the type of leather used to make your bag. Lexol makes a good leather cleaner but you can also use a damp paper towel for less dirty bags. If you carry your leather briefcase daily, you should opt to clean it once a month.
We only use the most supple full grain calfskins to make a Cenzo bag, but depending on your climate and conditions it may be prone to cracking over many years if used untreated, so it is important to condition your bag at least annually. Think of conditioning oil like a moisturizer for your face; it prevents drying, cracking, and peeling. Chamberlain’s Leather Milk products are the best that we have come across for restoring old leather and maintaining Cenzo and Floto full grain leathers. Chamberlain’s Leather Conditioner Formula No. 1 is a natural, water-based concoction of vital oils, nutrients, and a few secret ingredients. This environmentally friendly recipe absorbs gently, replenishing natural oils and bringing your quality leather back from the dead to near new condition. Rich and pleasantly scented, Formula No. 1 will keep your leather healthy, supple and soft for decades to come. This recipe may be used as often as desired to clean, condition and refresh your leather briefcase or messenger bag.
Storing your bag in its original dust cover is another important step to properly caring for a leather bag. Spray protectants and beeswax creams can help protect your bag from rain, dust, and snow. When you choose a top-quality leather tote bag in a neutral color, like black or tan, it will complement just about any outfit in your wardrobe and add the perfect amount of polish and sophistication to any outfit. However, you must invest the time to clean and condition your bag to keep it looking refined and not dingy. With a little extra time, attention, and investment, you can keep your favorite leather Cenzo bag looking like new for many years.
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