How to care for vegetable-tanned leather
Vegetable-tanned leather, like our flagship Sabana Crossbody, asks for very little: keep it dry, wipe it clean and condition it now and then. Then use it. It darkens, softens and builds a patina, so it gets better the longer you own it. If a seam, strap or buckle on one of our bags fails, our workshop repairs it for life.
How do I care for a vegetable-tanned leather bag?
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Step 1: Wipe it clean
A soft, dry cloth does most of the work. For a mark, use a cloth barely damp with water, then let the leather dry naturally, away from heaters and direct sun.
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Step 2: Dry it slowly if it gets wet
Don't panic. Blot off the water with a towel, stuff the bag lightly with paper to hold its shape, and let it air-dry at room temperature. Never use a hairdryer or a radiator.
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Step 3: Condition it occasionally
Two or three times a year, or whenever the leather looks dry, rub in a thin layer of beeswax-based balm made for vegetable-tanned leather with a soft cloth. Let it soak in overnight, then buff. Less is more: too much darkens the leather and leaves it tacky.
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Step 4: Store it out of the sun
Empty it, stuff it lightly with paper, and keep it in a breathable cotton bag, away from direct sunlight.
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Step 5: Send it back for repair
If a seam, strap or piece of hardware fails, the workshop in Restrepo that made your bag repairs it, for life. Contact us with a photo and your order number, choose "A repair" as the topic, and we'll arrange the rest.