How long does leather last?

Real animal leather usually lasts longer than any other fabric but some people are still curious about the specific age of leather and they often ask How long does leather last? Well, the age of leather depends on the type of leather and the animal it is sourced from.

For instance, full grain leather is the kind of leather that lasts the longest and it is the strongest leather type of all, it can easily last up to 15-20 years or more if properly taken care of.

The second factor that decides the age of leather is the source of hide for instance cowhide lasts longer than the sheep skin leather.

Now that you have the basic answer to how long leather lasts, let’s dive more deeper into the topic of leather lifespan and how to enhance it.

Why does leather last so long?

Nature is the best engineer of all, having done an excellent job in creating all life on Earth and beyond. Leather lasts longer than other materials because it is a natural material, developed through the long evolution of animals and their capabilities. The strength of leather depends on the animal it is sourced from and its life. For instance, an animal’s hide protects it from harsh weather, natural elements, injuries, etc., throughout its life, and it has evolved that way. For example, camel hide is tough because camels can survive the harsh conditions of the desert, while stingray skin is so tough that it protects the stingray from predators. Through the tanning process, we preserve the animal hide and its natural qualities to our advantage.

Real leather Age Gracefully

As we have mentioned multiple times in our other articles, real full-grain leather becomes more admirable over time. Full-grain leather tends to develop a beautiful surface patina with use, becoming smoother and developing a subtle gloss that makes it look even more appealing. The leather also tends to change color, usually becoming more vibrant, which overall uplifts the character and feel of this amazing natural material.

Leather is a kind of material that doesn’t really have an expiry date. We have seen some leather items become old and antique, increasing in value. For instance, if we take the example of an old book shown in the picture above, it is more than 200 years old. It surely looks old, but that adds to its value. When some items last so long, and if you compare their price with their actual purpose, you may not find much value. However, the time they have lived makes them antiques, and the older they get, the more valuable they become. That 200-year-old book will be even more valuable 100 or 200 years from now. The same is true for real leather, as it doesn’t have any specific age.

However, for daily-use items, we can generally estimate their age, though exceptions still exist. In the table below, we have listed leather items and their average lifespan. Please note that this is just an average lifespan, and exceptions are always possible.

How to ensure the long life of leather?

One can ensure the longer life of leather items by proper maintenance and care. Here are some useful tips to do so:

1.| Use leather conditioner

Conditioning your leather items is very necessary; you can condition them once a year

2.| Keep your leather goods clean

Periodic cleaning is very important. Just wipe your leather goods with a clean or slightly damp cloth. You can use a suede brush to clean suede leather

3.| Proper storage

Store your leather items in a dry and ventilated space and never put them in a plastic bag. You should always store your leather goods in a breathable fabric bag to ensure proper ventilation. Moreover, don’t fold your leather garments; you should hang them instead

4.| Avoid using harsh chemicals

Avoid using harsh and abrasive chemicals on leather goods. For instance, use a leather cleaner that is specifically meant for leather

5.| Avoid sunlight when possible

Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause the oils in leather to dry out and lead to cracking, so avoid direct sunlight whenever possible

Conclusion

I hope our article answered your question about how long does leather last. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask in the comment section

For more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.

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