TLC

Care Guide

Caring for your leather

Full-grain leather rewards a little attention. Follow these five habits and your wallet will look better in five years than it does today.

  1. 1

    Wipe, don't scrub

    For everyday dust and light dirt, wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For anything more stubborn, use a barely-damp cloth and let it air dry naturally, away from direct heat.

  2. 2

    Condition every few months

    Full-grain leather dries out over time without care. Apply a small amount of leather balm or conditioner with a soft cloth every 2–3 months, working it in with light, circular strokes. Let it absorb for a few minutes, then buff off any excess.

  3. 3

    Keep it out of the sun

    Prolonged direct sunlight fades color unevenly and dries the leather out faster than normal use ever will. Store your wallet somewhere shaded when it's not in your pocket.

  4. 4

    Water happens — don't panic

    If your leather gets wet, blot (don't rub) the moisture out with a dry cloth immediately, then let it air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight. Condition it once fully dry to restore suppleness.

  5. 5

    Let it wear in

    Full-grain leather is supposed to darken and develop character with handling — that's the patina, not damage. Small scuffs and creases are part of the material's story, and they'll only make it look better with time.