If you've never owned a designer handbag before, then you're missing out on one of the most durable accessories you can own. Pricey handbags begin to look a lot cheaper when you consider the fact that they'll last longer than a throwaway bag you bought at the local mega mart. This doesn't mean you don't have to take care of your designer handbags, though. Follow these care tips and your bag really can last a lifetime.
Practice Proper Storage
Don't just throw your bag in the back of your closet to be destroyed by moths and dirtied by old shoes. When you store your bag, place it in the dust bag it came in or in a lightly lined and fully sealed bag of your own. Store your bag someplace clean and dry, not in a dank basement or in an area of your house covered in dog hair or frequently exposed to smoke. And finally, if you want to ensure your bag comes out of storage in near-mint condition, stuff it with tissue paper or something similarly soft and pliable. Doing so prevents your bag from being crushed.
Protect it from Water
Water is the arch-nemesis of most designer handbags. A few droplets of rain aren't going to cause your bag to melt, but a torrential downpour could completely ruin it. Carry an umbrella, and use it religiously when you have your bag. And if the weather looks terrible, you may just want to leave your bag at home.
Don't forget about water in your home, either. Humid basements and even setting your bag next to the sink can lead to a designer handbag tragedy. You wouldn't throw expensive jewelry around your home to be ruined, so don't do this to your bag!
Know How to Clean Your Bag
Read the care instructions that came with your bag carefully. Never stick your bag in the washer or use soap and water. In most cases, you'll want to spot-clean your bag with a leather cleaner or take your bag to a specialist when it's in need of cleaning. Don't use any cleaning products that you haven't previously spot-tested, and work to keep your bag from getting dirty in the first place. Some materials are easier to clean than others, but if you can minimize the need to clean your bag in the first place, you'll also minimize the potential damage that a handbag bath can cause.
Repair Broken Parts Early
A tiny tear can give way to a giant, gaping hole if you don't promptly fix it. Likewise, a loose zipper can snag your bag and a ripped lining makes it easier for your entire bag to be destroyed. Even the best designer handbags can't be perfect. If you notice damage, don't ignore it. Contact the manufacturer or take your bag to a designer handbag repair expert to prevent further damage.
Break Your Bag In
Not everyone wants their leather bags to look broken in and worn, but for many handbag lovers, this is part of the charm of investing in leather designer handbags. If you want your bag to have that broken-in look, then it's time to start knocking it around a little bit. Feel free to throw it on the floor when you come home, to roll the leather a bit, and to stuff your bag to the brim. Doing so only adds character, and suggests to observers that both you and your bag have been on interesting adventures.
Thank you for using the Fashion Industry Network. Have you helped another member today? Answer questions in the forum. It brings good luck.