Are Leather Bags Durable?

Are you shopping for a bag and wondering what material to go with? And perhaps leather is one of your considerations, but you are uncertain if it’s durable? Well, luckily for you, we are here to help. Durability is likely one of the most important factors to consider when buying a bag. Leather bags are a popular choice for many people across the globe, but is the material truly durable? The answer is a definite yes. Leather has a number of properties that make it an ideal material for bags. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the durability of leather bags and explore 10 reasons that will help us answer the question “Are Leather Bags Durable?”.

Therefore, without further ado, please dive right into.

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1. Strong Material

Leather is a natural, strong and durable material made from animal hides. The process of tanning and treating the hide not only preserves it but also makes it more resistant allowing it to withstand a rigorous daily use. The tightly packed fibers that make leather a dense material make it a perfect choice for bags that are meant to withstand regular use. The natural grain of the leather also adds to its strength and durability. Therefore, the higher quality leather is, the more durable the bag will be.

2. High-Quality Stitching

Leather is not a material that is easy to work with, compared to some other materials, and thus requires higher level of expertise to stitch it correctly. As the result, they are more often than not made with high-quality stitching, which helps to keep the bag together and prevent it from falling apart over time. The stitching used in leather bags is often more robust than that used on other types of bags, and this helps to ensure the bag will hold up well over time. The technique of “lock-stitching” is often used, which prevents unravelling even if a thread breaks. High-quality stitching is a crucial factor that greatly adds to the durability of a leather bag.

[Relevant: 7-Step Process on How to Stitch Leather]

3. Resistant to Water

Leather is naturally resistant to water, making a leather bag less likely to be damaged by rain or other non-oily liquids. Of course, it’s important to note that it is not waterproof, and can never really be fully waterproof. However, if exposed to some rain, the bag will be safe and sound. All that is possible thanks to the natural oils and waxes present in leather, making it a truly durable and reliable material.

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4. Breathable Material

Leather is a breathable material which means it allows air to circulate and prevent moisture from getting trapped inside the bag. This prevents mold and mildew from forming and bad odors from developing. The breathability also makes it more comfortable to wear, compared to plastic for example, preventing the leather bag from getting too hot or too cold. It is an important factor in its durability as it helps to keep the inside of the bag dry and prevent long-term damage.

5. Develops Patina

Leather bags, or to be more precise, the ones that are made from full-grain leather, will develop a patina over time. It will not only make it look more beautiful and unique, but also more durable. Patina is a natural aging process that creates a unique, rich, and beautiful look, and it’s a sign of authenticity and well-used and well-maintained leather bag. It also tends to become more resistant to scratches and scuffs, as the leather has already undergone a natural aging process. This natural process increases the durability of the bag and adds value to it.

6. Flexible Material

Leather is a flexible material, which means it will not crack or break easily, even under more stress. This flexibility allows the leather to adapt to the shape of its contents and the wearer, making it comfortable and maintain its shape and structure after prolonged use. Additionally, this flexibility makes leather less likely to tear or rip, making it a durable choice for bags. Once again, it’s important to mention the fact, that only high-quality leather is flexible. Lower quality leathers such as bonded leather or split leather, if pushed harder, will crack and rip. It also depends on the finishing of the leather, therefore full-aniline or semi-aniline leathers would be the perfect choice.

7. Multiple Compartments

This point is not always relevant, but more often than not leather bags are made with multiple compartments. They greatly help to distribute weight evenly and prevent the bag from sagging or losing its shape. This is especially important for larger bags or bags that are meant to carry a lot of weight. Multiple compartments in a leather bag are a great way to organize and distribute the weight of the contents evenly, ensuring the bag maintains its shape and structure for a longer period of time.

8. Natural Material

This point reinforces the 1st and 4th points. Leather is a natural material, which means it can withstand various temperatures and still maintain its durability. Leather is made from animal hides, which are naturally designed to protect the animal from extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions. This means that leather can withstand exposure to hot and cold temperatures without becoming damaged or weakened, making it versatile material that can be used in a variety of climates and seasons.

9. Repairable

Leather bags can be easily repaired if they get damaged, extending the lifetime of the bag enormously. While leather is a durable material all in itself, it can still be damaged over time from a daily use. However, the most amazing thing about leather is that it can be easily repaired by a professional leather craftsman. That cannot be said about the majority of other materials. Common repairs include patching up holes or tears, re-stitching handles or straps, and re-coloring the leather to restore its original appearance. This means that even if a leather bag becomes damaged, it can be repaired and used for many more years, which surely adds to the durability of leather bags.

[Good Read: 10-Step Process on Repairing Leather]

10. Long-Lasting if Cared For

The last point sort of glues all other points together. Leather is a long-lasting material that can last for decades if taken care of correctly. The care includes regular cleaning and conditioning to maintain the leather’s natural oils and prevent it from cracking or drying out, as well as storing the bag in a cool, dry place and avoiding exposing it to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight and too much water. When something does fall apart, or the bag gets scratched and scuffed, we can always go back to point 9 and repair it, which is certainly included in the taking care part.

[Relevant: How to Take Care of Leather Bags?]

Are Leather Bags Durable?

So, are leather bags durable? In short, yes, leather bags are a durable and long-lasting choice for a bag due to various factors. The strength and durability of leather as a material, the high-quality stitching, the natural water resistance, the breathability of leather, the patina that develops over time, the flexibility of leather, the compartments which helps to distribute weight evenly, the natural ability to withstand extreme temperatures, the ease of repair and the longevity of leather with proper care all contribute to the durability of a leather bag. Leather bags are a smart investment that can last for many years when properly taken care of.

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