It’s no secret that leather bags are all the rage right now. They come in all shapes and sizes, and with so many different options, it can be hard to know which accessories are the best ones to buy.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 15 bag accessories you need to know about.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to accessorize your current bag or in the market for a new one, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading for all the details!
Table of Contents
Leather conditioner
It’s easy to forget, but leather needs regular conditioning and cleaning like any other material to stay soft and prevent cracking or peeling.
The best time to do this is after exposure to water; take a clean cloth and rub some conditioner into the wet surface until it dries out.
You should also try rubbing it every few months with a dry cloth if there isn’t an obvious reason it’s moist (like rain).
There are many different conditioners on the market – we recommend picking one that contains a natural oil like almond, jojoba, or coconut.
Leather protector
In the same vein as a conditioner, the leather protector is a must-have to keep your bag looking new and shiny.
This transparent coating will help to prevent dirt, stains, and water from seeping in and ruining the surface.
Apply it with a cloth every few months (or more often if you use your bag a lot) for maximum protection.
A soft cloth
We recommend using a soft cloth to clean your bag regularly – this will help remove any dust or dirt buildup and condition the surface.
Be sure to use a different cloth for each cleaning job (conditioner, protector, and dirt/dust) to avoid cross-contamination.
A stiff brush
Like any material, leather can sometimes pick up hard particles or lose its luster. You can use a stiff brush to rub away the particles and return your bag’s original texture and shine.
Depending on the severity of the problem, you may want to use it more often than once a month.
A toothbrush
Speaking of brushes, a small toothbrush is another great tool for cleaning lots of little nooks and crannies that a large cloth can’t reach (like keyholes). Just remember not to scrub too hard!
Nail polish remover
If some damage has been done to your leather (even if it’s just the coating wearing off), you can try using nail polish remover to remove any remaining signs of wear.
You’ll need to apply several coats until you’ve reached the desired color again, but it’s still better than buying a new bag!
A suede eraser
If stubborn stains on your bag won’t come out with water or soap, give this cleaning tool a try.
Use gentle circular motions over the stain for about five minutes and see if it’s gone afterward – this is especially effective on bags with darker surfaces that have picked up yellowish sweat marks from being worn too often.
A pencil eraser
You can also lightly rub an eraser over any light scuffs or scratches on your bag to help disguise them.
A white pencil
Speaking of disguising blemishes, a white pencil can come in handy for making dark spots look like their part of the design.
Just trace the outline of the spot with the pencil and then go over it with a brush or cloth.
Baby wipes
In a bind, baby wipes can be used to clean off your bag – make sure you’re using a type that’s free of alcohol, oil, and other harsh chemicals.
Shoe polish
If your bag looks too dull, try applying some shoe polish in a matching color.
This will not only make the surface look shiny again but also help protect against future damage.
A metal cleaner
If you want to make your bag gleam, try cleaning it with a metal cleaner or paste made out of baking soda and water – this generally works best for bags with gold hardware.
Don’t worry if anyone asks about it – tell them that you wanted to give your bag an extra bit of shine!
Glitter
Applying glitter directly to your bag can add sparkle and help you stand out from the crowd (we know how much you like that).
Just be sure not to use too much, or else you’ll look tacky instead of fantastic!
Nail polish
This might be an odd idea, but adding colored nail polish to the surface of your bag can hide some dirt and stains. Just make sure that you’re using a color that matches your bag.
Hairspray
Spritz hairspray all over your bag to prevent water damage during rainstorms – this will also create a light coating to help protect against wear and tear!
The top 15 bag accessories are just the beginning. There are plenty of other ways to keep your leather bags looking great and in good condition for years to come – including one that sounds odd but makes a lot of sense: adding glitter!
It’s an easy way to add some sparkle and stand out from the crowd with your unique style.
Whether cleaning it after every use or protecting it against water damage during storms, you can always do something when caring for your favorite accessory.