First off, great job on having impeccable taste. Owning a vegetable tanned leather item is like carrying around a little bit of magic wherever you go, and it happens to be our personal favorite. As you carry your bag the leather will begin to tell its own story, acquiring a rich, deep patina that reflects your adventures and experiences. It's truly a sight to behold, but it can also leave you wondering, ""How the heck do I care for this thing?"" Well, good news, it's easy.

First things first: embrace the process! Expect imperfections, celebrate the journey, and watch as your bag becomes even more beautiful with each passing day. Darkening, softening, tan lines, and little spots are a normal part of the process. And rest assured, they'll become less noticeable with time and use. See below for a before/after gif of our iconic Fanny Pack in Natural Leather. 

1. For a quick and easy refresh we recommend using Handbag Rescue Cleaning Wipes. No need to overthink it. Simply wipe down the leather with these convenient wipes to remove dirt and grime while simultaneously conditioning, and voila—it's fresh and clean. They're the leather version of travel-size Clorox wipes and they work like a charm.

2. If you need extra TLC, reach for Smith's Leather Balm. This rich, nourishing balm penetrates deep into the leather, restoring moisture and revitalizing the color and texture. Apply a small amount of Smith's Leather Balm to a cloth, then massage it into the leather in circular motions. Allow it to absorb fully and wipe off any excess if needed. Easy Peasy. Another reason to love Smith's? It's all-natural, handmade in Maine, and a small tin can last you years.

Our pro-tip: You can combine steps 1 & 2. We often start with a cleaning wipe, and then once it's dried out we will use that same wipe to apply some Smith's. Sometimes finding the right ""clean dry cloth"" feels like a barrier to caring for leather, and this handles that mental roadblock.

3. Repeat as needed. When your bag is new the little spots, marks, and signs of use will be more apparent. If that's not your thing, you can wipe it down as often as you'd like. Once the leather has darkened the general rule of thumb is that you'll want to give it a refresh every 3-6 months to keep it in optimal condition.

No matter what you do, your leather will thank you for the extra attention. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us—we're always here to help!