How to Determine the Quality of a Leather Briefcase

In our opinion nothing can beat the beauty and durability of real leather goods. The look and smell of full grain vegetable tanned leather says class and elegance through and through. When you're investing in an Italian leather bag, knowing what to look for will prevent buying cheap — or even fake — merchandise.

Leather Terminology

"Real." "Authentic." "Genuine." Leather goods go by a lot of labels. While any of these words describe products that are made of leather, they don't account for the quality. To ensure that your bag or jacket is worth the price, you should know what the labels really mean. For example, genuine leather, in our experience, many times refers to cheaper quality leather that can be brittle.

If you want the best, look for labels that state full-grain leather. Full grain is the top layer of the leather hide that has natural blemishes.  It is the strongest and most supple part of the hide.  After the raw hide is sliced in half, the top layer is Full Grain, and the bottom layer is sometimes called the "Split" layer.  The good quality splits are used to make Saffiano and Pebbled finish leather. Cenzo full grain leather is artisan tanned in Tuscany, Italy using vegetable tannins to beautify the natural full grains of the skin.  Avoid products with labels that say "patent leather," "corrected-grain leather," or "bonded leather." All of these are usually made from leather scraps that have been pulped and glued together - similar to particle board.

Know the Look

Full-grain leather has a deep, rich hue that only becomes more beautiful with time. It's made from the best part of the hide, with all of the inherent imperfections and toughness of the skin. It also has a suppleness and patina that can't be duplicated, and it will likely look better with each year you own it.

Study the Design

If you're buying a bag or briefcase, chances are it's going to see daily use. Even the finest leather briefcase or garment is only as good as its construction. When shopping for leather items, note the quality of the hardware — like buckles, zippers, handles, and straps. Are they constructed of durable materials? Is the strap or handle made from the same grade of leather as the rest of the bag? Are the seams double-stitched with heavy-duty thread?

Know Your Source

If you're purchasing in person, whether from a local shop or a street vendor, you'll have a chance to hold the bag and examine the details. Purchasing online means being extra cautious. Deal only with vendors who have a good reputation, a long history in business, and a traceable online presence. Use functions on the website to zoom and view the product up close, read product reviews, and talk to customer service.

When you want to ensure that you're purchasing a high-quality Italian leather briefcase, Cenzo Leather Bags delivers.