Hermès is a timeless luxury icon that has captured collectors’ hearts worldwide. If you own a Hermès bag, knowing how to take care of it is important.
Therefore, let us delve deeper into the intricacies of maintaining the pristine condition of your esteemed Hermès bag.
Hermès Bag Leather Types
Hermès bags are crafted from various leather varieties and materials, each requiring tailored care techniques for optimal preservation.
Explore the diverse spectrum of leathers employed by Hermès. Each possesses its unique characteristics and necessitates specific care protocols. Here are the various types of leather used in Hermès:
1. Smooth Leather
For those seeking Hermès soft leather bags, see the following list of materials available:
a. Barenia Leather
Barenia leather is the most expensive smooth leather found in Hermès bags. It was once used for saddle making and is now treasured for its quality. Barenia leather develops a beautiful sheen over time, enhancing its luxurious appeal.
b. Box Calf Leather
Meanwhile, box calf leather is the oldest type of leather used in Hermès bags. It sports a smooth and polished finish with refined grains.
c. Swift Leather
Swift leather exudes elegance and sophistication in every stitch. This type of leather is crafted from high-quality calfskin from Europe.
d. Togo Leather
Togo is one of the most sought-after options among many types of leather used in Hermès bags. Renowned for its distinctive pebbled grain texture, Togo leather imbues each piece with depth and character, elevating its aesthetic appeal.
Unsurprisingly, many Hermès creations crafted with Togo leather have achieved widespread acclaim, often becoming best-sellers across the globe.
e. Vache Leather
In its unprocessed and untreated state, Vache leather exhibits an exquisite delicacy, rendering it particularly sensitive to the elements.
With each subsequent use, this raw material gradually develops a rich and unique patina, reflecting the journey and experiences of its wearer.
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2. Grained Leather
Grained leather boasts a textured surface with a subtle yet discernible grain pattern. This distinctive feature enhances the tactile experience and adds depth and dimension to the bag’s overall aesthetic.
Here are some of the materials utilized in Hermes bags that feature Grained Leather:
a. Clemence Leather
Clemence leather is celebrated for its soft and supple texture, which exudes urbanity. It is a heavy leather that is highly durable and resistant, with a semi-matte, smooth, and pebbled-grained surface.
b. Epsom Leather
Famous for its structured shape and laminate look, Epsom is lightweight, very easy to clean, and more durable in the rain than other leathers. This leather provides a sleek and polished appearance to Hermès bags.
3. Exotic Leather
Exotic leather refers to materials sourced from rare and distinctive animal hides, such as alligator, crocodile, lizard, ostrich, and python. These luxurious materials are highly coveted for their unique textures, patterns, and inherent beauty.
A selection of luxurious materials is used to create exquisite pieces. Some of the notable materials include:
a. Porosus Crocodile Leather
Like its name, this leather is made from the skin of the Porosus crocodile. It is the most expensive Hermès exotic leather available and is prized for its luxurious appearance.
b. Lizard Skin Leather
This leather is crafted from the finest lizard skin from reputable suppliers. Lizard skin leather is available in matte and shiny finishes. Lizard leather lends a refined and exotic allure to Hermès bags.
c. Ostrich Skin Leather
Ostrich skin leather bags are recognized for their softness and distinctive quill follicles. It symbolizes sophistication with its distinctive texture and exquisite craftsmanship. These bags boast a unique quill pattern that adds depth and character to each piece.
4. Sustainable Leather
Hermès shows its dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly practices within the fashion industry by using sustainable leather for its products. Specifically, it uses Sylvania Leather.
Sylvania leather bags are made from mushrooms. This fungi-fuelled leather is grown in a lab before being tanned and finished. This leather is much more eco-friendly compared to the usual vegan leather.
Hermès Leather Bags Care Tips
Taking care of Hermès leather bags is a must because they are made out of high-quality materials that you probably will not find in other bags. Thus, here are the care tips that you need to know:
1. Clean the bag using leather cleansers
First, use a wet sponge to apply the restoring leather cleanser to the surface of the bag, ensuring even coverage. Then, gently clean the bag’s surface in circular movements to lift dirt effectively.
Once the cleaning process is done, remove any remaining cleanser residue with a soft microfiber cloth, being careful not to leave any residue. Finally, you can apply a protective balm to the leather to protect it from future damage.
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2. Store your bag correctly to avoid damage
Proper storage practices are important to maintain the quality and appearance of your bag. Firstly, store your bag at room temperature to prevent any adverse effects from temperature fluctuations.
Avoid exposing it to extreme heat and cold, as these conditions can damage the leather. Next, keep your bag away from direct sunlight and moonlight because prolonged exposure can cause fading and damage.
You must also avoid getting your bag wet, as moisture can lead to staining, warping, and mold growth.
3. Daily Maintenance
Next, it’s essential to maintain your Hermès bag in optimal condition by scheduling regular visits to the service center. If you’re unsure about cleaning the bag, it is advisable to seek expert assistance.
Hermès offers its own ‘spa service’ for professional cleaning and repairs. Even during periods of non-use, it’s recommended to take your bag to the spa 1-2 times a year for thorough maintenance.
How to Store Your Hermès Handbag Properly
How you store your Hermès bags significantly impacts their condition and longevity. To properly care for your Hermès bags, consider implementing the following storage tips:
1. Temperature
To avoid exposing it to extreme heat and cold that can ruin the leather quality, store your Hermès bag at room temperature. It’s optimal to maintain a room temperature between 18°C to 22°C.
This moderate temperature range helps preserve the leather’s integrity and prevents it from drying out or becoming too humid, which can lead to mold growth or deterioration.
Avoid extreme temperatures, as excessive heat can cause the leather to warp or crack, while cold temperatures can stiffen the material.
2. Sunlight
Exposing Hermès bags to direct sunlight for prolonged periods is not advisable. Direct sunlight can cause the leather’s colors to fade over time, leading to a loss of vibrancy and potentially compromising the bag’s overall appearance.
To preserve the quality of your Hermès bag, it’s best to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. If you need to carry your bag outdoors, consider using a protective cover.
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3. Humidity
The ideal humidity for Hermès bag storage is 30-40%. Thus, consider buying a dehumidifier if you live in a humid area.
Additionally, storing your Hermès bag in a well-ventilated area can help regulate humidity levels and prevent moisture buildup.
4. Water
Don’t let your bag get damp, especially when it rains. Even though Epsom leather is the most water-resistant, you still need to use the raincoat Hermès provides.
If your bag is made of crocodile, you should be especially careful because exposure could cause severe damage.
5. Storing
Store your bag in the cloth bag provided by Hermès. If possible, store it in the box with protective tissue to keep your bag in the correct position. It’s best to keep the bag stuffed with soft leather to keep its shape.
To sum up, caring for your Hermès bag is essential to maintain its beauty and longevity. Following a few simple steps above can ensure your bag remains in good condition for years to come.
If you want to add a Hermès bag to your collection, you can find the perfect piece on Luxehouze. Luxehouze has a vast collection of luxury goods, all guaranteed 100% authentic with the best price. Get your dream Hermès bag at Luxehouze!
