Our Leathers + Care Guide

We design our bags to last a very long time.

Our Materials & Handbag Care

As a natural material, leather will change over time, developing a unique patina that reflects your journey. We believe that this natural aging process should be celebrated as it creates a one-of-a-kind look that is unique to you.

At Brix + Bailey, we use different types of leather to achieve a variety of results. Each leather has its own unique properties that are used for different purposes. Some leathers are used to provide structure, while others are used to create a slouchy, gathered, or lightweight look.

Proper care for your new scrumptious leather bag or accessory helps to preserve the leather and maintain its appearance. Taking the time to clean, condition, and protect your leather items will prolong their lifespan and keep them looking great.We recommend using Skidmore's Leather Cream and Colloni to look after your bag. If you do find alterantive products that you love, please do let us know. 

Leather can be a little quirky; we think it adds to the uniqueness of Brix + Bailey products! Bear in mind that leather is a natural product and it can stretch. Avoid overfilling your new handbag or accessory and it will maintain its original shape.

Take a look below at the different leather and vegan leather options used at Brix + Bailey, and what is planned going forward.

Bag Linings

At Brix + Bailey, we incorporate recycled cotton as lining in all our products, breathing new life into previously worn garments!

Benefits of recycled coton for bags

Recycled coton transforms discarded textile garments into a sustainable fabric that helps prevent landfill waste. It is durable, designed for long-term use, and can be cleaned in a cool wash. Additionally, it supports over-printing and embroidery, making it versatile for various applications.

What is Appleskin?

AppleSkin™ is a material made like leather but from apple leftovers that the drink-making industry, like those making cider, juice, and apple sauce, doesn't use.

Apples contain a lot of cellulose, which can be turned into fabric with great potential. This sustainable material helps cut down on farm waste and can take the place of new, untouched resources.

What are the environmental postiives for using this new leather alternative?

No supply shortage of the raw materials + Low environmental impact + Biobase + vegan + Low carbon footprint.....Hoorah!

What is Piñatex?

Globally, pineapple agriculture generates 13 tons of pineapple leaf waste annually.

Utilizing these discarded pineapple leaves for the production of Piñatex results in the prevention of 264 tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.

How is it produced?

Piñatex comes from pineapple leaves, which are a byproduct of pineapple farming. The fibers are extracted, cleansed, and purified.

These are then blended with a corn-derived polylactic acid and subjected to a mechanical process to produce a non-woven mesh. This mesh serves as the foundation for a vegan leather substitute that is certified by PETA.

Cleaning Piñatex

To make your Piñatex product waterproof, we suggest using a waterproofing spray.

Additionally, for maintenance, we recommend applying a natural, colorless wax to your
Piñatex items to prevent accidental staining.

Use a soft cloth to work the wax into the fabric with circular motions, covering the entire area evenly to ensure thorough absorption.

Allow the material to air dry naturally for 24 hours. Afterward, any excess wax can be softly buffed away with a dry cloth or a soft brush.

Piñatex Storage Guide

All Brix + Bailey bags and accessories come with their organic cotton pouches, which are crucial for securely storing your items when not in use.

Ensure to keep them in a moderate, dry environment, away from intense lighting and direct sunlight.

Leather Care Guide

The unique variations and natural characteristics of each hide ensure that every leather piece is one-of-a-kind, destined to age gracefully over time. Like all natural materials, leather thrives with a bit of care and attention, initially before use and periodically thereafter to maintain its beauty.

Care Tips for Leather Products

While specific care instructions may vary for each leather item, there are universal best practices to follow:

  • Avoid exposing leather to prolonged or intense heat.
  • Refrain from placing stickers on leather surfaces.
  • Keep leather as dry as possible, especially during heavy rain.
  • Apply leather care products as necessary to preserve its condition.

Adhering to these essential guidelines will help in keeping your leather goods in excellent shape for years to come.

The metal hardware on your product may sometimes become a little tarnished, but not to worry, just give it a clean with a soft cleaning cloth and it will be good as new in a jiffy.

To maintain the shape of your handbags, it's advisable to fill them with paper or bubble wrap before storing them in the complimentary Brix + Bailey protective, reusable bag we send with all of our bags to their new homes.

Avoid using newspaper, as its color may transfer onto the bag. After cleaning your bag, ensure it is completely dry before storing. If you plan to keep your bag stored for an extended period, remember to open the buckles and straps to prevent any impressions on the leather. Keep your product safe and sound when not in use using the dust bag which accompanied it.

This is the easiest way to keep your new bag looking its best as it avoids direct sunlight, scratches, and general dust exposure. Store it on its base somewhere cool and comfortable until you next want to take it out and about.

There are many fabulous leather care products on the market. Take a gander at the Who What Wear's list for products galore.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us for more guidance. For delicate bags and metallic leathers, lightly spray the surface of the bag from a recommended distance using a silicone leather or suede spray.

We are huge fans of Skidmore's Leather Cream. 

Skidmore’s Leather Cream is an all-purpose leather care product that cleans, conditions, and protects all types of leather. Regular use will build a degree of waterproofing on the leather. Use on saddles, tack, chaps, shoes & boots, purses, motorcycle leathers, saddlebags, car upholstery, and leather furniture. Source:Skidmores

When it comes to suede, it's important to protect it from water as it can both stain and alter the texture. For persistent stains, consider using a double-sided suede rubber like the Nubuk Box which can be purchased from one of our favorite brands, Colloni which has a perfect cleaning set for our leather and suede bags called My Bags Clean Kit.

Remember to avoid using water-based cleaners on suede to keep your handbag looking its best.

LININGS + BAG FITTINGS

At Brix + Bailey, many of our handbags are unlined, which may reveal markings on the reverse side of the leather.

These markings are often indicators of the quality of leather used in the bag's construction. If your bag is lined, it is made of recycled cotton canvas.

The metal fittings on all Brix + Bailey products are made of coated and uncoated brass, which will develop a unique patina over time as you use and handle them.

These brass fittings may have small irregular marks and may not be completely flat or uniform in color.

We believe this to be a positive feature, as brass is a natural material and, like the leather we use, the metal fittings will change over time, making your bag unique to you.

The air and chemicals in your skin will also play a role in the development of the patina.

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