How to care for designer leather so it lasts for decades

Fine leather is remarkably durable, but it has a few natural enemies: strong sunlight, dry indoor air, heat and neglect. A bag that's left on a sunny shelf or stored without care can dry out, fade or crack long before its time.

The good news is that keeping your pieces in beautiful condition takes very little effort.

Store it like it matters

• Use the dust bag. It keeps off light, dust and the scratches that come from bags touching each other on a shelf.
• Stuff it gently. Acid-free tissue or a pillow insert keeps the shape. Avoid newspaper, which can transfer ink.
• Keep it out of the sun. A bright window can fade leather and canvas in a single season.
• Don't hang by the straps for long periods. Over time the weight stretches handles and strains the hardware.

Condition, but sparingly

Smooth leathers benefit from an occasional light conditioning with a product made for fine leather. Test it in a hidden spot first. Textured leathers like caviar and Saffiano are more forgiving and rarely need more than a soft, dry cloth. Exotic skins, suede and vintage pieces are best left to a professional.

When in doubt, do less. Most damage to fine leather comes from too much product, not too little.

Mind the seasons

In winter, heated homes dry the air, so check smooth leathers for thirst. In summer, never leave a bag in a hot car. In every season, a little attention goes a long way.

Have a piece that needs some love before it finds a new home? Tell me about it.