Love Your Leather: Simple Tips For Long Lasting Loafers
Over the years, leather loafers have remained a timeless piece of footwear. There’s something so undeniably classic about loafers because they are comfortable, stylish, and versatile enough to carry you from office to evening drinks.
But even the finest leather can show age if not cared for properly.
Cracks, scuff marks, or unpleasant odours are all common issues experienced. But what if we told you that longer-lasting loafers lie in the way you care for them? In this blog, we’ll give you 4 simple tips to care for your leather loafers and give them a longer lifespan!
Why Is Leather Such A Popular Choice?
As we mentioned earlier, leather is renowned for its timeless, elegant appeal. But other than aesthetics, this fabric is celebrated for various reasons.
Good quality leather moulds to your feet, becoming more comfortable and supportive the more you wear it. Unlike synthetic materials, leather allows air to circulate, keeping your feet cooler.
Many people have compared this fabric to wine because, when cared for properly, the ageing process is remarkable. Over time, leather develops a unique patina that tells a story, giving each pair a unique and distinguishable look.
But all these features do not reveal themselves if you are not practising proper leather care.
4 Easy Tips For Leather Care
These simple tips are easy enough to follow, and will give your loafers longer wear!
1. Know Your Leather Finish
Knowing your leather finish is the first step to caring for it properly.
For example, you should avoid getting suede wet, as it is quite porous and will absorb moisture quickly, causing permanent stains. Nubuck is similar to suede in that it feels velvety, but it is stronger and requires regular brushing.
Patent leather, on the other hand, refers to leather that has been coated in a high-gloss finish. This finish should be wiped down with a damp cloth and conditioned using specific products to prevent cracking.
Smooth leather is very durable, but still requires occasional conditioning from time to time to maintain suppleness.
2. Clean After Each Use
Lightly cleaning your footwear after each use is a simple yet effective way to prevent stains and unwanted odours.
If you’ve spent the day walking through sand or mud, then you’ll want to avoid allowing your loafers to stand overnight in this condition. Lightly brush off any hardened debris, and use a damp cloth to remove tougher stains. For Suede and nubuck, use a dedicated soft-bristle brush instead of a damp cloth.
Also, wipe down the inside of the shoe lightly, and allow them to air-dry in a cool dry spot before storing them away.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Have you ever opened up a box of shoes to find that they look quite aged or mouldy, even though they have not been worn for ages?
This is what improper storage can do. Moisture and dust are the enemy when it comes to your footwear. Invest in good-quality storage boxes or moisture absorbers for footwear stored in a closet. Additionally, consider using shoe trees to maintain shape and absorb moisture.
4. Rotate Your Shoes
We know, when you love a certain pair of shoes, it becomes impossible not to wear them every day!
While this is fine in most cases, some scenarios would require you to give one pair a break. For example, if you had a particularly long day, where you returned home with loafers that needed some serious cleaning, then this is the perfect moment to give them a break.
After a long day, allow your loafers to dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated spot before wearing them again. Rotating shoes prevents wear and keeps leather looking fresh.
Keeping Your Loafers Looking Their Best Is That Easy!
Just as we promised, caring for leather loafers does not have to be some long, tiresome task. With the four simple steps listed above, it is easy enough to keep them looking good for ages.
With that said, while they can last longer, they cannot last forever. But luckily, they don’t have to! Here at G.H.BASS, we’re always ready with a new pair of loafers to elevate your wardrobe and keep your style feeling fresh season after season.
