Leather Care Guide
Durable & Lasting
Full Grain Leather
Full grain leather is the strongest and most durable available and is six times stronger than buffed, upholstery, or 'genuine leather'.
It is real leather and the unique texture and natural imperfections from the cow's life have not been sanded, cut or shaved off.
Rather than wearing out, full grain leather will naturally condition with use, developing a much sought-after patina and unique character over time.
More common 'genuine leather' products available from large department stores have been stripped down and rebuilt with resins, waxes, and chemicals to make all 100,000 look identical.
Your full grain Portland Leather Goods items will be stunning when you use them for the first time, and only increase in beauty every day, becoming something you will treasure for a lifetime.
Protect your leather
1. Your leather product is made from the most durable full grain or brushed American Cowhide. With use, the leather will condition itself from the inside out, developing a beautiful patina and unique character over time. Resist the urge to treat or clean minor stains and scratches. Most small scratches and stains will become less noticeable over time and contribute to the character of an authentic leather bag.
2. To proactively treat your leather for basic water and stain resistance, a lightweight protector is the way to go! Our Natural Leather Protector is an odorless, wax-free formulation that helps to wick away small spills and water droplets with ease! For any light staining that may occur or for cleaning off pollutants from everyday wear, we’d recommend pairing this with the Natural Leather Cleaner.
3. Scuffs and scratches happen – it comes with the territory of full-grain leather! Periodically conditioning your leather will restore its patina and will help to buff out any superficial scratches. Our all-time favorite is the Ultimate Leather Conditioner. Bonus: this product also helps to clean leather, with a formula that reaches deep within the fibers. Feel free to pair this treatment with our Natural Leather Cleaner to treat more difficult stains.
Protect your leather
4. Accidents happen! For major stains, we recommend consulting a leather specialist who knows the best way to remove stains without changing the color or appearance of the leather.
5. If you carry your bags as we do - all the time - you may notice that the leather at the corners of some bags may become dry more quickly. Give your bag a little TLC with a small dab of Revitalizing Distressed Leather Conditioner. Formulated with mink oil, this rich treatment is great for worn out leathers that need some extra love! A little goes a long way!
6. Footwear: If your shoes work as hard as you do, we recommend opting for an extra layer of protection right off the bat. Whether you live in a particularly rainy or humid climate, or simply want to extend the lifespan of your footwear, a waterproofing treatment is your first line of defense. Elevate your shoe care routine with our Rain & Snow Shield – this formula will aid in repelling moisture, dirt and stains, while simultaneously conditioning leather footwear to retain its supple texture and rich color. Please note: this product is not recommended for suede or Nubuck leather.
For more information on caring for your leather please visit our Total Leather Care Guide blog page.
Leather Types
Beauty & Texture
Pebbled leather is created through a unique tumbling process that gives these bags a slouchier silhouette and relaxed, pre-broken in feel right out of the box. Its surface is textured or “pebbly” to the touch.
Nutmeg is a toasty, medium brown that is tumbled to achieve a pebbled texture. This color has been our best-seller for years! The leather is soft, malleable and naturally scratch resistant. Very few can resist the warm allure of our Nutmeg.
Coldbrew is a pebbled dark chestnut brown leather that reminds us of our favorite caffeinated beverage. With minimal pull-up, Coldbrew has a uniform color that shows off its lovely pebbled texture. Thick, slouchy and lightweight with an easy wax finish that is naturally scratch resistant, it's no surprise Coldbrew is a best-seller.
Cozy up to Cinnamon Bear, a warm, rusty brown with deep red undertones. Full-grain leather is tumbled to achieve a pebbled texture that is naturally scratch resistant. This leather has a soft and malleable feel, with a waxed finish for a bit of shine. A versatile neutral with a spicy kick, a pinch of Cinnamon Bear goes a long way in any wardrobe.
Our Pebbled Black has a uniform color with a distinct shine. Tumbled to achieve its hallmark pebbled texture, this leather is thick, slouchy and light-weight with an easy wax finish that is naturally scratch resistant. Think of it as the little black dress that every wardrobe needs.
A vintage-inspired floral meets our best-selling Black. Expertly embossed to give the look of traditional hand-tooling, Dahlia has moderate structure and very little pull-up. Equal parts darling and daring.
Evoking the look of traditional hand-tooling, Meadow is our best-selling Honey embossed with a vintage year-round floral. Think big blooms meet Fleur de lis. Natural character marks frolic among the added dimension – each piece
is truly a work of art!
A soothing tan with slight pink undertones. Our almond is mostly smooth with occasional patches of soft wrinkling. Opaque finish hides most natural character marks. Plays well with pastels, bolds, and other neutrals – mix it up with heather gray, chocolate brown, and crisp white.
Moody marbling meets dark brown with deep burgundy undertones. Highly responsive pull-up means you can bend and buff the leather to achieve different effects. Texture varies across each hide – structured and smooth to slouchy and wrinkled. Our Lava rocks!
Creamy, dreamy muted orange with gorgeous pebbled texture just like it's namesake. Pinkish undertones and solid, opaque hue give Satsuma a distinct allure that even non-orange lovers can't resist.
Like a fresh slice of watermelon, this reddish pink has a pebbled texture and natural striations. Character marks appear dark pink and moderate pull up means high individuality. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Sugar!
A purplish hue with plummy undertones. Hides are tumbled, with a range of results from smooth with visible grain to a more traditional pebbled look. Raised areas are more purple and crevices are more pink creating a dynamic finish. Choosing Mulberry is easy as pie!
Like the beloved fruit, this juicy, dark purple has an eye-catching shine. A bit of pull-up combined with pebbling, create a dynamic, touchable texture. If you like purple, Plum is sure to please!
Gaze into the depths of Lagoon. This tropical blue-green enchants with gorgeous pebbling and moderate pull-up. Some natural character is visible below the surface but the deep aqua hue is what makes the biggest splash!
Blue skies and mermaid vibes - Aqua is a turquoise-blue shade with a unique, wax-buffed texture and matte finish. Tumbling creates a faded marbling of light and dark hues throughout, like the swirl of ocean tides, and gives flexible structure. With Aqua, paradise is always within reach!
Float away on this dreamy powder blue. Semi-aniline finish creates a smooth, uniform color while allowing textural marks to stay true on this pebbled leather. Enjoy the soothing and cheerful hue that is Dream!
An intriguing play of texture and color. Hazy, pale blue crevices surround ridges of semi-iridescent dark blue. The pebbling tends to be tight and even, and the interior is black. Step into the allure of Fog!
Inspired by our best known tote photo, Eucalyptus is a lush, medium green. Hides are tumbled, with a range of results from smooth with visible grain to a more traditional pebbled look. Natural marks show through as dark green adding character. We are absolutely wild about it!
A sturdy, dark green with a moderate shine that catches the sunlight. Strong pebbling with lovely natural character marks that tell a story. Like a true evergreen, Forest is always in season.
Straight off the boardwalk, this bodacious aqua is gently buffed and has a waxy finish. Tumbled to give a faded look, we love Reef for its endless-summer vibes.
Timeless Classics
Smooth leather has structure and a sleek finish. These bags will generally “stand up” on their own when new, although the leather will relax as it breaks in.
Cognac is a rich, medium brown leather with red undertones and a moderate amount of pull-up. A smooth and luscious finish makes Cognac a sleek and classic option. Customers can't get enough of Cognac for its timeless appeal and versatility.
Honey is a captivating blend of amber and light-brown hues that complement each other beautifully. With a gentle pull-up effect, this leather develops an alluring patina as it ages. Our customers love Honey because it's a magical neutral that complements every outfit!
Grizzly is a captivating deep, dark brown shade adorned with a moderate shine and understated pull-up effect. This leather's smooth and firm texture gracefully matures, revealing a stunning patina that tells the story of its timeless charm. Customers gravitate to Grizzly because its gorgeous hue never goes out of style.
Our Black leather is a matte, oil-tanned leather that is saturated with rich aniline dye to create a uniform color. Natural character marks are commonly more textural and less visual on this dark hue. The porous finish will buff out to a gorgeous shine over time. An elegant and classic leather that you'll reach for again and again.
Canyon is a western brown, pull-up leather with a smooth, wax finish. Simply flex, bend or roll to create a marbled pattern that is unique to you. Sturdy and rugged, Canyon has a vintage look that is easy to love.
A caramely, blonde-brown with strong vintage appeal. This nubuck leather has a rich, oily texture and heavy pull-up so your bag will be ever-evolving. Dakota gives both Boho and Wild West energy.
Madrone is a deep reddish-brown that is remarkably smooth and shiny. Good structure with a cork-like interior. Natural character marks appear dark and flat and tend to be apparent up-close. A beloved, old-timey leather look.
Heat things up with Havana! A true-copper shade with an iridescent finish that shimmers and shines like the Golden-Hour sun. Lightly tumbled for a bit of texture, with soft structure and a smooth finish. From day to night, Havana will keep you glowing!
Merlot is a deep wine color that is gently buffed for a velvety finish. The rich oils and waxes in this leather will help to repel water and daily scuffs buff out with ease. When present, scars, bug bites and other natural character marks may appear black. Over time, Merlot will develop a luxurious shine.
A vibrant and juicy shade with a transparent quality that
allows natural character to come through. Gentle pull-up lends a multi-dimensional effect to this smooth & semi-shiny leather.
Boysenberry is a burst of berry goodness!
Ripe and ready to pick, Guava is a muted rose with lavender undertones. A smooth, eggshell finish that catches just a hint of light. A fun color to get playful with!
A playful pink with just the right amount of pep. Tulip is put through a retanning process which results in good structure, a touch of stretch, and a cushy hand-feel. Through a subtle sheen, the leather's natural texture comes through. Tulip adds a kiss of color to your favorite look.
If you’ve ever seen a field of foxgloves, you’ll get a sense of this pinkish-purple hue. A brushed nubuck leather that's pillowy soft with a dry, matte finish, and holds its shape well. Whether it’s worn as a statement or as an accent, Foxglove adds interest to any arrangement!
Oh my Mauve! Unbelievably soft and velvety finish. Very little pull up for a uniform and opaque hue. An illusive and shifting tone that appears dusty pink or more neutral depending on the lighting and surrounding colors.
Sunflower is a sunny mustard yellow that develops a beautiful patina with use. This buttery soft leather compliments many other colors and transitions between seasons with ease. Light tumbling creates a grain that is unique, so subtle pebbling or wrinkling is normal. Our Sunflower will certainly make you smile!
Deep Water is a bright navy blue, gently buffed for a sueded feel. The rich oils and waxes in this leather will help to repel water and make buffing out daily scuffs easier. Neutral enough to be an everyday staple, Deep Water is an effortless way to make a colorful statement.
A dark blue with a jolt of energy! Bright undertones are visible along the edges of this all-over deep sea shade. Light to moderate pebbling relaxes the structure, and a semi-waxy finish gives way to a light shine. Don’t be shocked if you fall for Electric Blue!
Exquisite and opaque like the moments before a storm, this dark grey has blue undertones. This oily nubuck is gently buffed for softness & is highly responsive to its environment. Smooth surface, visible pores, and moderate pull-up add to the allure of this go-to grey.
Our Indigo has a hand-dyed effect that mimics washed denim. Finished with a white wax that enhances the hide’s natural texture, expect this medium blue to transform & darken with use. Milled to bring out light-to-moderate pebbling. Casual and carefree, our Indigo is far-out!
A cool, pastel green that is ultra opaque and smooth. Soft and spongy to the touch with a firm structure. The solid tone means that natural character rarely shows though leaving a uniform color throughout. Freshen up your color palette with Mint!
A jewel-toned bluish-green lightly tumbled to enhance its natural texture and beauty. Complemented by a mild sheen, it effortlessly captures the perfect light. Supple to the touch with moderate structure. Strut all you want – Peacock wants to be noticed!
This cool-toned, emerald green is buffed to create contrast and depth for a worn, Western flair. With a shiny wax finish and moderate structure, Cowboy Mint strikes the perfect balance of polished and rugged. Yeehaw!
A simply lovely shade. Both structured & lightly stretchy,
this leather goes through a special retanning process that lends a cushy hand-feel. Through a subtle sheen, the leather's natural texture comes through. Pale enough to pair with bold hues to create fresh color combinations. We think you’ll love our lavender!
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