LEATHER
Leather is a natural product and varies in appearance depending on which part of the leather hide is used. The leather is the finest and most sturdy in the middle, the sides are looser and thinner.
NAPA
Napa is the upper side of the leather hide, simply expressed the hair side. The surface structure / grain differs between various leather hides.
Lamb napa: Is thin and supple, the surface structure is even and smooth. Lamb / sheep makes for light and soft garments.
Pig napa: Is thin and strong, distinguishing features are small holes which can be seen along on the surface structure.
Goat napa: Is strong and elastic in all leather.
The surface structure has a distinct pattern.
Cow napa: Strong and has a tight firm feeling.
The surface structure is smooth with a slight pattern.
SUEDE
Suede is the underside of leather, the side towards the animal.
The fringe / surface differs between various leather hides.
Pig suede: Is strong and supple.
Goat suede: Is very soft, short and tight.
CARE & CLEANING
General care
Always hang a leather garment on a well-formed clothes hanger.
Dirt and dust gets easily caught in suede and fur suede.
Brush the garment with a soft brush or a piece of foam rubber that is not too thick.
Polishing dust on suede exists more or less on all new garments. To remove this use a brush or a tape roller.
You can press a garment – set the thermostat to silk or wool, press with a dry press towel, the garment must be dry.
If cleaning is necessary contact a professional – Do not wash in a washing machine!
It is important to know that the lining and other details on a leather jacket do not have the same life span as the jacket itself.
If the garment gets wet – hang on a clothes hanger and dry slowly at room temperature. If the garment feels stiff when it has dried rub leather against leather, brush with a garment brush or dry sponge.
Napa garments tolerate rain if they are top dyed.
If the leather is only aniline dyed and possibly waxed dark spots will appear.
Raindrops will be absorbed but the spots disappear when the garment has dried.
Food Stains
Wipe off with a moistened cloth, here fat stains often occur.
As always if this does not help contact a professional.
Fat Stains
On suede this can be removed by covering the stain with chalk (scraped from ordinary school chalk).
Let the chalk absorb the fat, preferably overnight, then brush off and rub leather against leather.
On Napa garments a mild soap solution applied with a cottonrag or sponge can be used.
Ice Cream Stains
Fat stains may occur if it contains dairy products with
colouring matter. To remove – a moistened cloth or possibly rinse with
cold water, apply chalk and let dry – brush or rub leather against leather.
Blood Stains
It is important to immediately rinse with cold water, apply chalk and let dry.
Water Soluble Stains
For example remainders of food without fat can be removed with a moistened white cotton rag, afterwards gently rub with a dry rag. Let dry and rub leather against leather.
More Difficult Stains
Should be left to a professional for advice and for the appropriate treatment.
Never use petrol or other solvents that can harm the colour or the garments surface finish.
