Buying online is convenient, but it has its challenges--especially when it comes to leather goods! Take the guesswork out of the equation and be confident the leather goods you purchase will be amazing!
I’ve purchased leather goods online only to be disappointed with what showed up. It’s not fun guessing if you just spent your hard earned money on something that’ll be beautiful and last forever or some junk that’ll end up in the trash.
The last 10+ years I’ve worked with leather making a huge variety of products, learning about all types of leather from different tanneries, and looking at a huge variety of leather goods from other companies. I’ve learned a lot as I’ve obsessed over leather and making goods out of it. And I want to share the top things that will help you know what you’re getting!
Here’s what you need to know to get the best leather goods:
1. NOT ALL LEATHER IS CREATED EQUAL
There are no regulations on leather quality. It’s set by whoever is making the leather goods. Watch out for products that say genuine, bonded, splits, or suede because these contain very little leather or are poor quality (in both cases, the leather won’t last). Look for full-grain, top-grain, and nubuck.
2. POOR FINISHING TOUCHES
The little details are telltale of how much the makers care. Watch for sewing mistakes (missed, loose), poorly lined up edges, and edges that aren’t cut straight cleanly.
3. EXTREME LEATHER SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS
It came from a cow that lived a life, so there will be lots of natural markings and variation. However, don’t be afraid to ask a leather maker if they have quality control standards when it comes to what pieces of leather they use and what pieces they reject. Having holes and other extreme imperfections tell you how much a leatherworker looks at what they're doing.
4. NO GUARANTEE
A company that doesn’t guarantee its products means they don’t believe in their own products. It gives peace of mind if you know your purchase is backed up by the company and they’ll make good on that guarantee. Check out Ox & Pine's VIP Promise here: https://oxandpine.com/pages/return-policy
5. NOT MADE IN THE USA
If it’s not made in the USA, it was made somewhere else. And that somewhere else doesn’t interact with the end user. They’re just another heartless manufacturer that doesn’t care about you.
Looking for these 5 things will be your way to finding a premium leather good that will last a lifetime and more. It’ll set you up to ask the right questions and be an expert on helping yourself get the leather goods you really want!
Check out our leather goods and let us know if our stuff is up to snuff with these 5 things. We believe you should own things that last forever and they should be meaningful.
Yours in leather,
Stephanie & The Ox & Pine Team