When you are searching for your next leather Tote bag to purchase here are 5 things to consider:
1. What type of leather has been used to make the Tote Bag?
It is very important to determine what type of leather has been, as this will help you assess the durability and price value of the tote.
There are three main types of leather or leather like materials that are used;
Pleather (a plastic fabric made to look like leather).
Chrome tanned leather (animal skin tanned using chemicals, acids and salts).
Vegetable tanned leather (animal skin tanned using natural tannins).
The cheapest and most affordable material to use is pleather, as it is manufactured in large factories. There are several other names for these imitation leather materials such as faux leather, vegan leather, leatherette and PU leather. Pleather is hard on the environment, does not produce a patina and is susceptible to tear or crack.
Chrome tanned leather is much faster to produce, making it a more affordable product. The leather will not develop a patina as fast or to the same degree as the vegetable-tanned leather. This leather is also softer than vegetable tanned leather and is more likely to crack with age.
Vegetable tanned leather is a very organic material, that will change over time. The tanning process is much slower and the final product is premium, making this the most expensive material. With time and use it will become softer and darker, acquiring a unique and beautiful patina. This leather has superior durability and strength, so if it is well cared for it may last many years and potentially a lifetime.
2. How has the bag been made?
This is another important point to consider. Is the Tote manufactured on a large scale overseas? Or has the Tote been lovingly handcrafted in a small batch locally?
Large scale mass produced items are manufactured as efficiently and economically as possible. Price point is a huge driving factor, as wholesalers shop for the cheapest price that allows for the greatest profit margins for them. Materials and processes are chosen in light of this. Pleather, thin threads and sewing machines are commonly used.
As Australian Leather crafters we take great pride in producing high quality, durable and long lasting products. We select materials that will provide you with value in both aesthetics and product longevity. Each piece is lovingly handstitched and made using thick quality threads. We also choose to work with vegetable tanned leather.
3. Will the bag design function well for your intended use?
First of all if you have decided on a Tote, you are obviously aware it is generally a very basic bag with 2 shoulder straps.
However there are some variations to Tote designs when you start to look around. Some Tote are just a bag, with no pockets at all. Other designs have a small pocket for essentials, and it maybe large enough to fit your phone in it.
Other Tote designs have a large cross body shoulder strap. These are a little less common but they do exist.
Are you looking for a single coloured tote bag or a two-tone tote bag? There are many different leather colours, styles and designs available when you start looking.
4. Are the dimension and size suitable for your use?
This seems like an obvious point, but very essential. If you are wanting to fit your 14" laptop into your leather Tote bag then you have a clear intended purpose that your purchase much fulfill.
5. Where is the Tote Made? Australian Made.
Consider buying locally handcrafted Australian leather goods. Look into some of the amazing warranties on offer by local leather workers in Australia. Many of us believe in our workmanship and materials so much that we offer 5+ years warranty on our leather products.
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