Italian Leather Embodies Italian Finesse

Italy is synonymous with good food and excellent style. A wise old Italian man once told me that Italy has no real natural resources and that as a country they are not terribly hard working but they more than make up for it with their creativity, passion and flair. Italian leather is as much a part of the culture as pasta and Opera, and famous designers and leather manufacturers certainly express the innate style with their fine shoes, wallets and handbags. Italian leather work is as old as the culture itself as the process of tanning  has been employed for thousands of years.

Italian leather is different (or superior) to other leathers because it uses  very top quality material that is both soft and durable. It is usually "full grain"  which comes from the best hides and does not need to be sanded like other leather. Cow hides are usually used, but Ostrich skin can also be used and is very sought after by fashion designers, as it is more durable than cow leather. Italian designers, Gucci and Prada, source the very best leather from small traditional manufacturers around the peninsular instead of producing it themselves to make their famous bags and shoes.

Another advantage of Italian-made leather is that it develops a pleasing sheen as it ages. All leather, no matter where it is made, is graded according to quality. 'First cut' leather is the best quality, while patchwork leather is sown together from leftover pieces and is a lower grade leather. Buyers should be aware of these differences before making an expensive purchase. Another important consideration is that sometimes this leather is used to make goods in a different country all together. If you want the good Italian leather, as well as the good Italian leatherwork, make sure the product is "Made in Italy from Italian leather" and not only one of the two.

Leather made in Italy is soft, attractive and long lasting and so it translates well to men's and women's designer footwear and bags. Everyone wants clothes and bags that are durable and look good but what wearers notice most about wearing the best leather is how good it makes them feel about themselves. People from Milan can probably give credit to the leather manufacturers for their reputation as a leading city in fashion, as luxury leather goods are central to the city's legendary style.