Vegetable-tanned leather asks for very little. Use it, keep it reasonably clean and dry, condition it now and then, and it will darken and soften into something that looks better than the day it arrived. This guide is written for our patches, and the same care applies to any veg-tan leather goods.
Breaking in
A new patch is firm. That firmness comes from the thickness and the tannage, and it is what lets the engraving sit deep and stay crisp.
- There is nothing you have to do. Sew it on and wear it. The leather relaxes a little as it flexes with the fabric underneath and settles into place.
- Handle it. The natural oils from your hands are where its patina starts.
- Give it time. Leather changes over weeks and months of use, not in an afternoon.
Cleaning
- Everyday dust and grime: wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
- Anything more: use a cloth that is barely damp with clean water, then let the leather dry naturally.
- Avoid household cleaners, solvents, alcohol and baby wipes. They strip the oils that keep leather supple and can lift the dye.
- Washing the garment: spot-clean around the patch or hand-wash where you can. If it has to go in the machine, turn it inside out, use a cold, gentle cycle and air-dry it. Never put leather in a tumble dryer; heat is what shrinks and cracks it.
Conditioning
Sun, wear and washing slowly draw out leather’s natural oils. A light coat of leather conditioner every few months, or whenever it starts to look dry or pale, keeps it supple.
- Put a small amount on a soft cloth, work it in with small circles, let it soak in, then buff off anything left on the surface.
- Less is more. Too much conditioner can darken leather unevenly or leave it tacky.
- Conditioner usually darkens veg-tan slightly. If colour matters to you, try it on a small area first.
- Use a product made for leather. Cooking oils can turn rancid in the fibres.
Water exposure
Veg-tan leather is not waterproof. Rain will not ruin it, but it will darken while wet and can leave spots as it dries.
- If it gets wet, blot it with a dry cloth (do not rub) and let it dry slowly at room temperature.
- Keep it away from fast heat: radiators, heaters, hair dryers and strong direct sun. Drying too quickly is what makes leather stiff and brittle.
- Once it is dry, a light coat of conditioner puts back what the water took out.
- For more protection, a beeswax-based leather balm adds water resistance. Expect it to darken the leather a shade.
How patina develops
Patina is the colour and sheen leather builds up with use. Sunlight darkens veg-tan, oils from your hands deepen it, wear polishes the high spots to a soft shine, and small scuffs blend in over time.
Because it depends on how and where it is worn, no two patches age alike. One on a work jacket will look different in a year from one on a weekend hat, and both will carry the marks of where they have been. The engraving is cut deep, so as the surface darkens the design keeps its relief.
- To slow it down: keep it out of strong sun and condition it lightly.
- To bring it on: wear it, handle it and let the sun do its work.
Questions about caring for something you bought from us? Get in touch.