How To Make Your Designer Bags Last Longer
What’s the most common mistake people make with their bags?
“There are two, but they often go hand in hand. The first is overloading bags – we know the ‘essentials’ seem important but laptops, make-up, spare clothes etc all get heavy very quickly. This damages the handles, the structure of the bag, the grain in the leather and compromises the strength of the leather too. If there is one thing we know we cannot fix its shirking back stretched out leather. The second is not protecting the inside from lip liners, pens losing lids and make up brushes coating the lining with foundation. All of this is difficult to clean because of the oil-based and highly-pigmented nature of make-up.”
Are there certain materials – like suede – that require extra care?
“All bags should be cared for from day one but suede needs to be thoroughly protected straight away. The trick is to not just to coat it once with a protection spray but to make sure you spray all sides of the nap. Brush the suede up and spray, then down, left and right. This way, any spillages or colour transfers have a significantly reduced chance of being absorbed into the suede.”
What does 'good storage' actually look like for a designer bag at home?
“So many of the issues we see come from bad storage. Items should be stored in a dustbag (they don’t have to be branded), ensuring where possible that no metal work presses against the leather which leads to indentations and colour loss and, if it’s a structured bag, gently stuffing it to retain its shape. Items should then be placed in a box or closeable cupboard. We appreciate that everyone wants their prize possessions proudly on display but this opens them up to sun damage/bleaching, metalwork oxidising and the chance of products (cleaning/beauty) staining them. Bags should also never be hung by their handles for a prolonged period of time as this will damage the structure of the bag and compromise the stitching.”
How should you protect bags from everyday threats like make-up spills or rain?
“A good protection treatment is key which is why we offer a care kit. People think that just one treatment will last a lifetime. However, like all products, they lose effectiveness over time. If you wear your bag every day, then a regular wipe down, in particular the handles, and a fresh coat of protection is key for longevity. If it’s more of a weekend bag, then a treatment every 12 weeks will suffice and if it’s a special occasional piece, every six months. This step will take less time than your skincare routine and really helps to keep your item looking great.”
Should all cleaning be left to the professionals?
“Knowing the difference between general maintenance/cleaning and damage is often something only a trained eye can spot. We often receive bags that ‘just need a little clean’ but in actual fact, the dirt is actually colour loss or dye transfer. People often damage bags further by finding hacks on the internet that can result in more costly repairs. Exotics and suede are definitely something that should be maintained and cleaned by professionals, even for just general cleaning as the wrong pressure or product can damage them considerably and on occasion, this can be irreversible.”
Does rotation make a difference to longevity?
“Seasonal rotation will inevitably ensure your bags last longer, i.e. use them for roughly 12 weeks before wiping them down, protecting them and correctly storing them. This is also the best way to assess whether your item needs a little trip to The Handbag Clinic for some extra TLC. You will always have your much-loved bags to hand when you need them – book your winter styles in during summer and summer pieces in winter. This system can be applied to shoes too.”
Straps and handles often show signs of wear first – how can people prevent premature damage?
“Aside from overloading, a handle’s worst nightmare is oily products, hand cream, sun cream and make-up. They absorb into the leather, meaning handles become sticky to touch, darkened and stretched. Although we have some tricks to remove light contamination from handles, a heavily contaminated handle can only really be replaced. Regular handwashing and avoiding hand cream is a start but using a scarf or twilly is the best way to protect handles and a great way to instantly reinvent your bag.”
How much damage is caused by sunlight and heat?
“Although it happens slowly, the sun will lightly bleach bold colours over time. Our leather protection cream acts as an SPF for your bag. Sun damage can have an even stronger effect on white bags, as these can yellow over time, especially vintage items, and this can only be rectified by professionals. It is also really important that bags are stored in a cool environment – that little coffee spillage can lead to a bag becoming covered in mould if stored at the wrong temperature. You must make sure items are fully dry before storing them too, especially if you live in a warm climate. Patent leather, canvas styles (such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton pieces) are most at risk in higher temperatures – again, regular rotation of your items is recommended.”
What role does hardware play and how can people prevent tarnishing or scratching?
“Hardware is a tricky one as, realistically, you will see tarnishing and signs of wear on locks and hardware in high usage areas. Interestingly, a lot of people are now overly protective keeping the plastic hardware coverings in place but as soon as these start to lift, it can actually lead to oxidisation of the hardware, creating worse damage than if the item had just been used as intended. Mindful use and bag rotation is the best defence but for your most treasured items.”
What else impacts wear and tear?
“No bag is indestructible – the most frequent bags we see are classic models from some of the world’s most renowned luxury fashion houses. Heavy chains or embellishments on a bag not built for it will potentially lead to the leather stretching over time but if we look at one of the weightiest trend-driven styles on the market, the Chloe Paddington, when these rolled back into the fashion cycle earlier this year, our resale service was inundated with the original 2004 models which had all stood the test of time.”
Are there universal rules that apply to all luxury bags?
“One brand that always needs a little extra care is Louis Vuitton and its classic Monogram; these are crafted with Vachetta leather, a very light, aniline (absorbent) leather which is designed to patina over time, meaning it becomes darker and the colour evolves. This is such a beautiful quality but it does mean that any water that touches the surface will be absorbed and quickly stain the piece. You may also need to take a little extra care cleaning and maintaining these at home, as the incorrect application of any treatments could stain the leather. If cared for correctly LV Vachetta can last a lifetime – we still sell Vachetta items from the 80s.”
Is restoration really more cost-effective than replacement?
“More often than not, if you love an item, then restoring is the best option and cost effectiveness always comes down to the value of the bag. If you have followed the necessary steps to increase the lifespan of your item, then you may still in time require a professional clean, a little touch up or a small repair. Most of these services are priced at under £200. One thing I would note is that it might be worth investing in extending the life of your bag today to protect its future value. At one time, people were picking up classic lambskin Chanel bags for £500, now the pre-loved retail price for these is £6,000 upwards. The Chloe Paddington also grew in value in 2025 by over 275% and the Mulberry Roxanne by 70%. Fashion moves in cycles and bags can be a great investment if you invest in their lifespan.”
Are there any bag-care myths you’d like to debunk?
“It is never okay to put your bag in the washing machine and hairspray doesn’t remove ink! These can more often than not damage the item past the point of repair or compromise professional results due to the additional damage caused.”
If you could give a simple bag-care checklist to follow, what would it include?
Protection, regular maintenance, mindful use and correct storage.
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