Have you ever tried a Leather Tote Bag? No, because you have heard so much negative about leather bags being overhyped and overpriced one of the main concerns why people play down leather products).
In this blog, we will discuss the common myths about leather tote bags and provide a logical answer to debunk all the myths.
Leather Tote Bags are Way Too Costly
One of the major myths about leather tote bags (and all leather products in general) is that they are overpriced.
This is true to some extent but there is a catch, it is comparing apples with oranges. Think for a while, people generally compare the prices of canvas and faux leather bags with genuine leather bags which is an injustice ( you may get sued in court for this😂).
Crafting a leather bag is a tedious process, from sourcing the hide to tanning and then processing the leather into a leather bag. It requires patience and specialized craftsmanship that costs more and eventually the final product naturally sets the bar high for costing a leather bag.
But what people forget is that this higher investment is worth it because leather tote bags are made to last for decades (provided the right care you may pass it as a heirloom). Can you expect such a life for your canvas or faux leather bag? Certainly, No (and you know it better than anyone).
So, investing in a leather tote bag is a wise decision and you will not regret it in the future!
Leather Tote Bags are too heavy to carry all day on the shoulder
Are you not considering a leather tote bag because you think leather bags are heavy? Probably you are right because you might have observed your grandpa's leather backpack which he used for hiking ( you should convince up to an extent by seeing the shape of that damn backpack though 😎).
But all leather bags are not built on the same pattern and with advancements in leather tanning and leather processing, today's leather is far less bulky and even lighter than their predecessors.
In a similar pattern, modern leather tote bags are designed with greater emphasis given to ergonomics and comfort. Like full-grain leather may sound horrific and heavy but in reality it is one of the lightest leather with durability beyond your imagination.
Leather tote bags are usually unlined to keep the classic look and soft feel of leather which reduces the weight of bags further.
A well-designed leather tote bag with soft handles is a joy to carry. You should experience this convivence as it is not the feeling one can explain. So when you are ordering a Leather Tote Bag for you?
Cleaning and caring for a Leather Tote Bag is a Headache
People generally speculate that carrying your leather tote bag is a cumbersome process requiring time, specialized cleaning products, or professional service (maybe you are disguised by the premium feel of a leather bag).
In reality, leather is one of the most robust materials requiring little but consistent caring.
Yes, it is right 'Leather requires the least care'. But read it again it requires the least care that doesn't mean it requires no care at all.
For daily cleaning, just wiping your leather bag is sufficient, followed by at least monthly thorough cleaning ( do not presume the hectic work) which will require you to clean your leather tote using a mild soap in lukewarm water and wiping it with a damped cloth and that's it!
You may add frequent conditioning of leather if it seems dry with leather conditioners available in the market (at least once in 6 months or monthly pairing it with cleaning). These leather conditioners typically cost 20 to 30$ and last easily about five years which roughly accounts for 4 to 6 $ a year ( Is this what you are considering costly 😒).
Leather is not suited for the Australian Climate.
It is said that leather is not meant for the extremely hot and humid Australian climate. However, this claim is based on a lack of care for leather in the right way, specific to climate conditions.
For the hot and dry climate of Perth and Adelaide taking care of conditioning leather bags and not exposing leather bags for prolonged hours to direct sunlight ensures the increased lifetime of your bag. Similarly for humid and warm climates keeping your leather bag in a dry and cool place is necessary to avoid the mold that destroys leather.
For a detailed and dedicated guideline for leather bag care and cleaning for the Australian climate you can follow this link!
The Leather Tote Bag is Outdated and not Versatile
Some women may be disguised by the classic and structured design of leather tote bags and consider them outdated and old fashioned, but in reality, it is leather tote bags are always in fashion ( in general leather products enjoy the timeless fashion appeal).
Especially in generation Z loves to fuse retro and modern fashion accessories and as testimony, you will not struggle to spot a leather tote bag on a woman's shoulder while commuting on your way to the office or on your college campus.
You can find a more detailed styling guideline on 'How to style with your Leather Tote Bag' Here!
Leather Tote Bags are not Sustainable
There is a rising trend in Australia (also along the globe) to support sustainable and renewable products.
It is one of the widely accepted myths that leather is not a sustainable material. In reality, leather has far less carbon footprint and utilization as a by-product of the dairy industry which if not used has no apparent use and eventually ends up in landfills.
Moreover unlike canvas and vegan leather products whose life cycle is on average 2 to 3 years have far more carbon footprint than a leather bag that has a typical life cycle of decades.
So next time when you step out with your leather tote bag, be proud, you are contributing a tiny effort from your end to achieve sustainability goals.
Leather is Ruined by the Slightest Exposure to Water
It is commonly believed that leather is a delicate material that can not resist water. Leather is one of the most durable and rugged materials known to humankind.
Leather bags were cliche to sailors and soldiers (you have probably noticed soldiers carrying leather backpacks in World War biopics). So questions about durability and ruggedness are useless.
Leather is naturally up to some extent water resistant but it may get degraded or damaged (like any other material of bag) if you expose your bag to water for a prolonged time (like walking miles in a downpour with leather bag exposed to rain).
Treating your leather tote bag with the right water repellent (like beeswax) reduces the chances of water being soaked deep into the leather surface and eventually safeguards the leather surface against damage.
Final Wordings
Many of the common myths about leather in general and specific to leather tote bags, in specific, are debunked with proper and logical answers. It is evident from all the discussions that Leather Tote Bags are a versatile and timeless addition to women's accessories that are stylish as well as durable.
So what are you waiting for? Order a Leather Tote Bag today that resonates with your personality.