A good leather wallet gets better with age, but only if you look after it a little. Here is the simple routine we use on our own wallets, and what to avoid.
Wipe it down
Every few weeks, wipe the wallet with a dry or barely damp soft cloth to remove dust and pocket lint. Do not soak it. Vegetable-tanned leather absorbs water, and a heavy soaking can leave stains and stiffen the leather.
Condition it twice a year
Leather dries out as the natural oils leave it. Once or twice a year, rub in a small amount of leather conditioner with a clean cloth, let it sit for 15 minutes, then buff off the extra. A little goes a long way. Too much conditioner makes the leather soft and greasy.
What to avoid
- Leaving the wallet on a car dashboard or near a heater
- Overstuffing it with cards and receipts, which stretches the leather and strains the stitching
- Household cleaners, wipes and hair dryers
- Sitting on it in a back pocket every day
If it gets wet
Blot it with a towel, let it dry flat at room temperature, away from direct heat, then add a little conditioner. Do not use a hair dryer.
Expect it to change
Full-grain vegetable-tanned leather darkens and picks up scratches as you use it. That patina is normal and most people like it. It is not covered by our warranty, which is 5 years on stitching and hardware.
Our Leather Care Kit ($24) has everything above in one box. Looking for a new wallet? Read the best front pocket wallet.