HERMESHow to care for and store your bag | Explaining tips for using it for a long time
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HERMESTo keep your bag looking beautiful for a long time, daily care and proper storage are more important than special tools. In conclusion, wiping the leather dry with a soft cloth on the day of use and letting it rest while avoiding moisture - these basics alone can make a big difference in the condition of the leather.
In this article:HERMESFrom the perspective of a vintage specialty store in Ginza, we will explain everything from the daily care of bags, tips for each material, storage methods to prevent them from losing their shape and mold, and even lines that should be left to the professionals. You'll be sure to find hints on how to beautifully pass on one important item to the next generation.
You may also want to read:[Professional selection] FirstHERMESComplete guide | How to choose without regrets
HERMESCaring for your bag｜Basic concept
Many people may be thinking, "Since it's an expensive bag, doesn't it require special care?" But actually,HERMESThe most important thing when caring for your hair is to be diligent and not to overdo it.
Leather is a living material. Rather than over-applying something, the secret to longevity is to prevent dirt from building up, protect it from moisture, and let it rest. There are three basic things: wipe dry, keep the shape, and avoid moisture. If you know this, you don't need expensive tools or difficult techniques.
Three basics of care
- Wipe dry on the day of use: Wipe off dust and sebum from the surface with a soft cloth.
- Keep the shape and let it rest: Stuff inside to keep the shape.
- Avoid moisture and direct sunlight:Protects from moisture and sunburn, which are the main enemies of leather.
[Buyer Kougen comment]
“Over the years, manyHERMESWhen I look at a piece, I feel that the better the condition, the less special it has been done to it. After use, wipe it gently and let it rest in a dry place. The accumulation of these will determine the state of things 10 or 20 years from now. Daily wiping is much more effective than elaborate care."
Daily care | What to do on the day you use it
First of all, I will tell you about the simple care that you can do every day after returning home. It only takes a minute or two and your leather will maintain its beauty for a long time.
- Wipe the entire area dry with a soft cloth: Gently wipe away surface dust and sebum from hands.
- Wipe dirt and fingerprints from metal fittings: The metal fittings are prone to fingerprints, so wipe them gently with a dry cloth.
- Take out the filling and stuff it: To prevent it from losing its shape, pack it loosely with tissue paper, etc.
- Let it air out and then let it rest: Allow some air to be exposed to prevent moisture from building up.
The key is not to rub too hard. In particular, delicate leathers such as swift and box calf leathers can become uneven if rubbed too hard. The basic idea is to be gentle and quick.
[Buyer Kougen comment]
"A question we often receive from customers is, ``Should I apply cream every time?'' The answer is no. Applying too much will actually cause stains. For daily use, just wiping it dry is sufficient. When you feel that the leather is starting to dry, it's best to consult a specialty store for the first time.
Care tips for each material | Togo, Epson, Swift, and others
HERMESThere are many types of leather, and the care you need to take will vary depending on the material. We have summarized tips for each type of leather.
| material | Features | Care tips |
|---|---|---|
| Togo | Sturdy and scratch-resistant cowhide | Easy to handle with dry wiping, safe for beginners |
| epson | Embossed for firmness and durability | Gently remove dust from uneven surfaces |
| swift | Soft and well-colored leather | Do not rub and be especially careful not to get it wet. |
| box calf | smooth and shiny leather | Gently wipe dry to avoid scratches and moisture |
Broadly speaking, embossed leathers such as Togo and Epson are durable and easy to handle, while smooth leathers such as Swift and Box Calf require more careful handling. Rare materials such as crocodile require specialized care, so it is best to consult a specialty store without overdoing it.
You may also want to read:Suitable for a lifetime,HERMESThorough explanation of crocodile material
[Buyer Kougen comment]
"One of the reasons I recommend Togo and Epson for your first pair of shoes is because they are easy to handle. They are resistant to light rain and abrasions, and can maintain their beauty for a long time just by wiping them dry. Conversely, the delicateness of Swift and Boxcalf is the source of their beauty. The secret to using them for a long time is to understand the characteristics of the material and use it in a way that suits it."
HERMESCorrect way to store bags | Preventing deformation, mold, and color transfer
In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that the condition of the leather is more determined by the time it is stored than the time it is used. Prevent deformation, mold, and color transfer by storing correctly.
Place it in a storage bag and stuff it to keep its shape.
Store it in the included storage bag (a breathable non-woven bag). Avoid plastic bags as they trap moisture. The inside is stuffed with tissue paper etc. to keep the original shape of the bag.
Avoid moisture and direct sunlight
Moisture is the enemy of leather. Choose a well-ventilated place, and place a desiccant nearby if this is a concern. Please avoid places exposed to direct sunlight as this may cause fading.
Be careful of color transfer
Color may transfer if it comes into close contact with dark-colored bags or clothing. Leave space between bags, and be especially careful when storing light-colored items. If you take it out every now and then and let it air out, you can rest assured that it won't get damp.
[Buyer Kougen comment]
``The most common problem when purchasing items is due to storage.I've seen many cases where items have molded if left in a plastic bag, or the color bleeds when layered with a dark color.On the other hand, items that have been placed in a storage bag and aired from time to time remain in surprisingly beautiful condition.The way you store them can really make a difference in their value.''
Troubleshooting and lines that should be left to professionals
No matter how careful you are, rain or unexpected damage can happen. In order to avoid panic, it is important to know the basics of how to deal with it and the lines that should be left to the professionals.
when you get wet in the rain
Without rubbing, gently remove moisture with a soft, dry cloth and let dry naturally in a shaded area with good ventilation. Avoid using a hair dryer or direct sunlight as this can damage the leather.
Light dirt/dust
As long as it can be removed with a dry wipe, you can handle it yourself. Do not forcefully scrub dirt that cannot be removed. It may actually spread the stain or wound.
Problems that should be left to the professionals
It is best to leave deep scratches, deformation, mold, extensive stains, and discoloration to a specialist shop or repair shop. Using commercially available creams and cleaners at your own discretion may worsen the condition. If in doubt, we recommend consulting first.
You may also want to read:[Professional honest explanation] Why First?HERMESShould I choose a used one?
[Buyer Kougen comment]
"We receive a lot of inquiries from people who say, ``I tried to fix it myself, but ended up making things worse.'' I understand how you feel. However, because this is an important point, you shouldn't overdo it. We will honestly tell you how much you can do on your own, and where you should leave it to a professional. We want you to feel free to rely on us."
HERMESFrequently asked questions about bag care
Q. HERMESWhat should I do to care for my bag on a daily basis?
A. The basic idea is to wipe it lightly with a soft, dry cloth on the day you use it to remove fingerprints and dirt from the metal fittings. To prevent it from losing its shape, stuff it inside and let it rest, then store it in a dry place. No special tools required.
Q. HERMESCan I put cream on my bag?
A. We do not recommend applying commercially available creams on your own. Depending on the type of leather, it may cause stains or discoloration. Basically, dry wiping is sufficient, and if moisturizing is required, it is safe to consult a specialty store.
Q. HERMESWhat is the correct way to store your bag?
A. Place it in the provided storage bag, stuff it inside to keep its shape, and store it away from direct sunlight and moisture. If you put it in close contact with dark-colored items, the color may bleed, so it's safer to leave some space between the items and let the air circulate from time to time.
Q. HERMESWhat should I do if my bag gets wet in the rain?
A. Without rubbing, gently remove moisture with a soft, dry cloth and let dry naturally in a shaded area with good ventilation. Please avoid hair dryer and direct sunlight. If stains are likely to remain, it is best to consult a specialty store as soon as possible.
Q. HERMESShould I leave my bag care to the professionals?
A. You can wipe it dry and store it yourself on a daily basis, but for deep scratches, deformation, mold, and extensive stains, it is best to leave it to a specialty store or repair shop. If you force yourself to deal with the problem, you may make the condition worse.
Q. How should I store my bag if I won't use it for a while?
A. Wipe it dry, stuff it, and store it in a storage bag to avoid moisture. For peace of mind, take it out once every few months, air it out, and check for mold or deformation.
Summary｜With proper care,HERMESto the next generation
Finally,HERMESLet's look back at the main points of bag care.
- There are three basic things: ``Dry wipe,'' ``Keep the shape,'' and ``Avoid moisture.''
- For everyday use, just wiping it off the day you use it is enough. Do not apply too much cream
- Togo Epson is durable, Swift Boxcalf is handled with care.
- Preservation bag + filling prevents deformation, mold, and color transfer
- For deep scratches, mold, and discoloration, leave it to the professionals.
[Buyer Kougen comment]
「HERMESis a bag that, if handled correctly, can be passed down for decades and even to the next generation. The fact that a vintage piece still shines beautifully is proof that the previous owner has taken good care of it. When you think about how your care will one day connect to someone else, you will love every single wipe. The best way to connect your aspirations to the future is to choose vintage.”
If you have any concerns about its care or condition, please feel free to contact us. At our Ginza store, you can see the actual product and give advice, and we also answer any care questions you may have over LINE or by phone. If you're looking for something new, be sure to check out our online lineup.
