Leather Care Guide – Vantage Leather

Leather Care Guide

At Vantage Leather, we believe that a good bag is an investment. Unlike synthetic materials that peel and crack with age, high-quality leather is an organic material that evolves. It breathes, reacts to the elements, and develops a unique character over time.

To ensure your bag lasts a lifetime—and looks better every year—follow these simple care guidelines.

1. What is Crazy Horse Leather?

Most of our collection is crafted from Crazy Horse Leather. Despite the name, this is not horse leather. It is high-quality full-grain cowhide that has been treated with a heavy coating of natural waxes and oils.

Why we use it:

This process creates a leather that is incredibly durable and water-resistant. It also gives the bag a “memory.” When you fold, scratch, or rub the leather, the waxes shift, changing the color and creating a vintage, rugged look known as a patina.

The “Scratches” Feature:

You may notice light scratches or marks on your bag right out of the box. This is not a defect. It is the signature of authentic Crazy Horse leather.

To remove a scratch: Simply rub it briskly with your thumb or a clean fingertip. The heat from the friction brings the natural oils to the surface, causing the scratch to blend back in.

2. General Cleaning

Leather is skin; it needs to be kept clean but shouldn’t be over-washed.

Dust & Dirt: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth or a soft-bristle brush to remove surface dust.
Stains: If you spill something on your bag, use a slightly damp (not wet) cloth with plain water. Wipe gently and let it air dry.
The Golden Rule: Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or standard household cleaners. These will strip the wax coating and dry out the leather.

3. Conditioning

Over time, leather can lose its natural moisture, especially if you live in a dry climate or use the bag daily. Conditioning helps replenish the oils and keeps the leather supple.

Frequency: We recommend conditioning your bag every 6 to 12 months, or whenever the leather feels dry to the touch.
What to use: Use a high-quality leather cream, wax, or balm specifically designed for oiled or pull-up leathers.
How to apply:
1. Apply a small amount of conditioner to a soft, clean cloth (never directly onto the leather).
2. Rub gently into the leather in circular motions.
3. Wipe off any excess and let the bag dry naturally.
Note: Conditioning will usually darken the leather slightly, enriching the color and enhancing the vintage aesthetic.

4. Wet Weather Care

Our Crazy Horse leather bags are naturally water-resistant due to their wax finish, meaning they can handle a rain shower better than most luxury bags. However, they are not waterproof.

If your bag gets soaked: Do not use a hairdryer, radiator, or heater to dry it. Rapid heat creates steam inside the leather fibers, causing them to crack and become brittle.
The Fix: Wipe off excess water with a dry cloth, stuff the inside with newspaper or a small towel to help it hold its shape, and let it dry naturally in an airy room.

5. Storage

If you plan to store your bag for an extended period:

Stuff it: Fill the bag with bubble wrap or paper to prevent it from sagging and losing its shape.
Breathability: Store it in a dust bag (or a cotton pillowcase). Do not wrap it in plastic, as leather needs to breathe to prevent mold and mildew.
Location: Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade the color over time.

A Note on Color Transfer Because Crazy Horse leather is rich in natural oils and waxes, there is a small possibility of color transfer (bleeding) during the first few weeks of use, particularly if the bag gets wet or rubs against white clothing. We recommend wearing darker clothing for the first few wears until the leather “settles.”