We offer 127 different bifolds in 26 distinct styles.  There is an interior configuration to meet everyone’s needs.

• Do you, (or your Dad) carry cash? You’ll want a currency well. If so, is it $US or do you also carry other currencies? We have that covered with the style 58.
• We’ve got wallets with a single cash wells, as seen in style 81, and divided double cash wells as seen in the style 95, 98, and other styles.
• Do you carry cards? One card? Many cards? We have wallets with 5 (the style 95) 6 (style 81) and many with 8 card slots, like the classic style 98 or the 195 with 8 card pockets plus a removable ID passcase. Even 11 card pockets with the style 97.
• Have an ID? Multiple ID’s? We have the perfect layout for every organizational style. We have ID windows, double ID windows, removable ID holders, small styles, super-slim styles, and more (and more and more!)

In addition to all this there are also front-pocket wallets, dedicated card cases, money clips, and coat pocket wallets. In our experience guys are pretty particular about their wallet.  If you need help just let us know, it’s our specialty.

So – To discover the range of choices check the interiors closely.   If in the end you do want to judge our wallets by their covers, that’s OK too.  Our rich, penetrating hand-stained Italian leathers are almost irresistible

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La Carta is our newest line of accessories for women. This month we introduce the first two bags in this collection. The name La Carta translates from Italian as The Paper. This textile is manufactured in Italy. It is made mostly of cellulose fibers, just like paper. These fibers come from oxygen-producing managed cultivation, having no part in deforestation.  (More on our sustainability credentials later.) Unlike normal paper this paper is bonded with biodegradable natural latex, so it is tough, resilient and flexible. It is 100% recyclable. It can be washed, flattened, ironed, rolled, folded- you name it. It can even be dry-cleaned. It is also very light in weight, so this is an easy carry. The bags are made in our favorite little Italian factory outside of Florence. We offer this line first under our “pre-sale” program. This is our effort to help our manufacturing partners re-start their business after the prolonged shut down.

The leather trim is what we use as the base for our full line of accessories in Italian hand-stained vegetable tanned leather (more on the eco-characteristics of our leather later too!) Unlike our signature hand-stained leathers the La Carta trim has almost no color in or on its surface. The natural tan color will darken slightly with exposure to sun, much as a genuine Louis Vuitton bag will do.  This is the kind of leather that just keeps getting better with use.

Our leathers have a natural organic look and feel to them. The La Carta fabric also exhibits these characteristics. Its look and feel is warm, organic, inviting, and reassuring.

La Carta – The Collection

The La Carta line of bags and accessories is created in a material that is vegetable cellulose fiber from managed forests and inert biodegradable latex. Manufacture of the material is traceable and sustainable, and the material is European Union EcoLable Certified.

La Carta is responsible, lightweight, and fun. Trimmed in vegetable-tanned leather produced under the auspices of the Tuscan Leather District Eco auditing scheme.

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   Many thanks to all of you who participated in the Italo Card Cases Pre-Sale. The initial
production has begun.
About two weeks ago the tannery began re-opening their facility. Their business is suffering from the global shut-down so they are very happy to have some work to come back to. The Italo pre-sale has been a big help. The Italo leather is our trademark Italian vegetable tanned leather. It is supple but firm. Natural characteristics, including some healed scars are
emphasized by our finishing process. The rich, organic coloring showcases the real look and feel of the leather.

This leather has no protective coating. It is buffed with this machine shown above. Natural proteins in the materials give it a gentle luster. No coating certainly does not mean that it will not withstand hard use. In fact, this vegetable tanned leather tends to look better and better with use.

After the finishing we normally personally inspect all leather that is approved for production but this time, given the situation, Manuel is giving every hide a close look for us.

The leather is then moved to the factory, just a few kilometers away, over the Arno River- the same river that runs through Florence. At the Factory the steel cutting molds have all been prepared. Cutting can begin right away. Here the dies are used with a “clicker” which applies pressure to the molds to cut the leather. With each cut the characteristics of the leather and its  “flaws” are considered with a goal of creating a beautiful product with a minimum of waste.  This is a job where an experienced eye makes all the difference.

Stay tuned for more updates as the production continues.  In the meantime- watch for news on our next pre-sale for the La Carta bags!

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Artisan Leathers We Use for Our Leather Bags

Since 1911, we’ve used our signature hand-staining process for our Old Leather goods. Our traditional method produces rich, gorgeous coloration in leather not found in others. We take such pride in our functional and luxurious leather accessories that we even sign each and every hand-stained hide. No matter how you anticipate using your leather bags—travel, everyday style, business, or a mix of uses—our leathers will stand the test of time and prove themselves to be lifelong companions.

Old Leather

Our Old Leather options feature a brilliant glossy finish with turned edge construction and finely stitched detailing. These colors include 27 Amber, 24 Brick Red, 59 Black, and 58 Dark Brown. We offer these in the forms of briefcases, stringer bags, utilikits, brief bags, and portfolios.

Dolce Leather

With a softer, polished semi-gloss appeal, our Dolce Leathers feature buff raw edge construction and fine stitched detailing. Experience the richness and sophistication of our Dolce leather bags in colors like 219 Black, 217 Amber, 218 Dark Brown, and 212 Red Dolce. We’ve handcrafted backpacks, messenger bags, shave kits, duffle bags, briefcases, and more in our Dolce Leathers.

Washed Leather

Need leather bags with a heavy-duty stitching? Our Washed Leather collection boasts a professional, sleek matte finish with neutral colorization and raw edge construction. The leather is washed to open the grain to give it a vintage appeal. While many of these Washed Leather bags are completely leather, others are dual fabric and leather. Color selections for these include 158 Dark Brown, 8271 Beige, and Brown. Our Washed Leather includes duffle bags, zip-top bags, shave kits, messenger bags, and brief bags.

So, does it truly matter which of our artisan leathers you choose for your next bag? No! As only 1% of the world’s leather supply meets our strict standards, you’re choosing no less than perfection when you shop Bosca. With hand-staining techniques and a commitment to excellence, our leather bags are built for the years ahead. We’ve had customers send in photos of their Bosca leather crafted over 20 years ago still in beautiful condition. The true factor that makes the difference in leather bag lifespan is your willingness to partake in continued leather care.

Leather Care and Its Significance in Longevity

All fine leathers deserve proper care no matter what. At Bosca, we pour our love and stubborn dedication to true craftsmanship into every leather accessory we produce. Because of this, our leathers have real value and must be well preserved. Amidst your everyday life with your leather bags, it’s important that you take time to clean and condition them as needed. Depending on the frequency of your use, cleaning may be every month or every other month. Surface dirt and scuffs will accumulate on your bags over time, and if not addressed immediately, will cause abrasion damage to the material. As your leather ages, it’ll need conditioning to replenish lost moisture. Neglecting to do these things will result in premature aging. When dried out, leather can crack and show signs of wear rapidly, which is called oxidation.

Storage is also important when considering leather lifespan. To extend the life as much as possible, store your leather away from direct sunlight and in cool, ventilated spaces. Say you leave your leather bag in the car during the day or set it in the sun at the office. The heat of the sun’s rays can damage the integrity and colorization of your leather. After heading home during a rainstorm or dropping your bag in water, allow it to dry on its own. Direct application of heat from dryers, space heaters, and other sources can quickly shrink wet leather, making it stiff and brittle.

With the proper care and mindfulness, your genuine leather bags will last a lifetime. When you shop Bosca leather, our promise to you is that our artisan leathers will be functional and beautiful for years to come.

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Exterior Glove Cleaning

Before washing your gloves, it’s imperative that the soap you choose is not formulated with harsh chemicals. These wash out the natural oils in the leather, which will make the gloves stiff and uncomfortable. Plus, removing the oils greatly prematurely shortens their lifespan. Be sure to have a mild soap like Marseille soap or saddle soap.

1. If your gloves have stains, use a white vinegar and water solution (equal parts of each) to remove them. To do this, take a cotton ball coated with the solution and coat your gloves. With a soft microfiber cloth, dab the solution off and allow them to dry.
2. With a damp cloth, lather up your chosen soap and coat your leather gloves, making sure to get the soap in between the fingers. Then, use a clean damp microfiber cloth to wipe off the soap completely. This microfiber cloth should also help to provide a nice sheen to the leather.
3. Allow your gloves to dry, but in the meantime, pull them on a few times to allow the leather to stretch and take on its original shape. Do not attempt to dry them with external heat or with sunlight. When wet leather dries too quickly, it can stiffen and become brittle.

Now that your leather gloves are clean, what about waterproofing them? This is easily done as well, although it is not entirely necessary. So long as leather isn’t submerged or dropped in a rain puddle, the leather will hold up fine in the rain or snow. If you find that you do need to waterproof your gloves, use a high-quality product like Nikwax to help repel water. These steps apply to both faux and genuine leather, but not suede. As it’s the most delicate leather, suede must be expertly handled when it becomes too dirty to brush off with a soft wire brush or toothbrush.

Interior Glove Cleaning

Leather gloves can be lined with materials like silk, cashmere, and wool. Because leather cannot be fully submerged, cleaning your gloves’ lining is complicated. If you must clean the lining immediately and can’t wait to seek out a professional, you can try the following:

1. Turn your gloves inside out so that the interior is exposed.
2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to spray the lining (but keeping in mind to not soak the material).
3. Allow the solution to sit for 20 minutes, then pat dry.
4. Allow lining to completely dry in a cool, ventilated space. Do not place them in direct sunlight or attempt to dry them yourself.
5. Turn them right side out and pull them on to help them take on their original shape. If the exterior leather appears creased, smooth it out and apply a leather conditioner.

If you’d prefer not to take this route, you may also lightly spray the inside of the gloves with this solution, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol.

At Bosca, we line our gloves with lambswool for a superior level of comfort and warmth. Since our leathers are specially handcrafted by our artisans using vegetable tanning for rich, natural color, we simply don’t recommend that you attempt to clean your gloves’ lining. Instead, seek out a specialty dry cleaner that will be able to properly address your gloves. When leather gloves are properly cleaned and conditioned, they can last for years to come. You’ll be able to ward the build-up of germs and grime while maintaining the quality and color of your leather. If you own a pair of Bosca leather gloves and have questions about cleaning, please feel free to contact us.

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Florence, Italy, May 2020

Last week our friends in Italy were finally able to return to their businesses and get out for a breath of fresh air.  Here in the US many states have also loosened the grip of economic freeze.   Here and there everyone is taking first steps cautiously.  In Italy particularly, the ongoing chill of Covid-19 is starkly evident. Streets that are normally vibrant are still empty.

   Florence is usually crowded with business travelers, tourists, and international student of language, architecture, music, and indeed, all of the arts.   In the 1500’s Florence was the center of the Renaissance period.  It led the way out of the late “dark” or late middle age period which was marked by the black death of bubonic plague.   Today as we battle a modern pandemic Italy leads again. Italy was hard-hit with infection, mortality, and one of the most severe lockdowns in the Western world.  Things will remain difficult and re-starting the economy presents challenges.

Our pre-sale event featuring the Italo card case group began last week and is still under way now. You can help us to restart our business, and also to “pay-forward” some love and assistance to our friends and partners in Italy.

For those of you who have already pre-purchased your Italo card wallet updates on the manufacturing of your product will follow later this week.  Thanks so much for your support of Bosca and for helping us to help our partners get re-started.

The post Florence, Italy is Still Empty appeared first on Bosca.

Leather Scratches

Scratched leather is difficult to ignore. There are different ways to go about scratch repair depending on the severity of the scratch. If scratches are very light, a leather touch-up marker can be a huge help. Simply dab the marker color onto the scratch and allow to dry for a few minutes. Then apply a quality leather conditioner to both blend in the color and replenish lost moisture to the leather. For light to medium scratches, use leather oil on the affected area. Start by cleaning the area so you don’t rub any contaminants into the leather. With a small amount of oil, rub it into the scratch with a circular motion. Allow this to completely dry, and then repeat this process with leather conditioner. This will replace the moisture in the leather and improve its water resistance. Be sure to wipe off any excess conditioner and allow it to dry before using your leather again.

For deeper scratches, there are several ways to approach them depending on what you have on hand and the seriousness of the scratch. You’ll begin the repair by cleaning the scratched portion of the leather. If the scratch must be repaired very quickly, you can address it with petroleum jelly. This will be absorbed by the leather, hopefully lessening the harshness of the scratch. If you have a bit more time, you can continue on by using a very small dab of distilled white vinegar on the scratch. Next, there are a few different options you can try. One is olive oil, which is what you may see suggested by others. You may also try colorless shoe polish to try to blend the scratched area. What about suede? Since it’s a very fragile type of leather, your options are limited to using a soft wire brush and a suede specific conditioner to buff it out.

Leather Scuffs

Much like scratches, scuffs in leather can typically be repaired with conditioner. These can happen from everyday use like tossing a leather bag onto the ground or dropping a purse on a rough surface. Scuffs are very common around the edges of bags, on the face of wallets, around zippers, and other areas that take on impact. The good news is that leather scuffs are easily remedied. After cleaning the scuffed portions of the leather, use a high-quality leather touch-up marker in the right color. Don’t get any color on the stitches and other embroidery, as this won’t be able to be blended in. Let the color dry before applying leather conditioner. Not only will this help buff out the scuff marks but will also blend in the color from the leather touch-up marker. Allow the conditioner to completely dry and finish up by buffing off any excess still left.

Leather Tears

Tears in leathers are alarming, but they don’t necessarily render leather goods useless. For small tears, you can mend them with a few different items. You’ll need a sewing needle, fingernail scissors, thread, fabric scrap (close to if not the same color as your leather), fabric glue, and tape (scotch tape is fine).

First, replace the edges back into their original position and tape them down. Turn the leather item inside out to access the tear from the interior. If it’s near the seam, use a seam ripper to open the seam. If not near the seam, use fingernail scissors to open the lining. It very well may be that neither of these apply to your item if you have direct access. Take your fabric scrap and place it over the tear. With the fabric glue, affix it into place and hold it in place for a while to let the glue set. Make sure the scrap is larger than the tear! Turn the leather item right side out and apply the fabric glue underneath the torn edges to complete the scrap repair. Allow the patched area to air dry naturally. Once completely dry, stitch the hole closed that was opened to access the leather (this may not be applicable to your item).

When scratches or tears are too severe to handle on your own, enlist the help of a leather professional. Own Bosca leather than has been deeply scratched or torn? You are welcome to contact us so that we may offer recommendations on how to best treat your genuine leather or a good replacement for your item. Like you, we want you to get the most out of your Bosca leather accessories for as long as possible.

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For the first time in our history, we are offering a pre-order product. Why? The answer is simple, our friends need help. Our small family-owned Italian manufacturing partners are all suffering. Our goal is to give them something to work on as soon as their doors open. We hope you can help.

Our suppliers are like us. They are small factories that value independence, creativity, determination, and persistence. We view these as the core values of small business. In these strange times when our retail partners are closed, Bosca, our employees, and our family-owned manufacturing partners are all struggling to live up to these values. This preorder offering is a way to say to our team: We are in this together.

At this time Italy is still closed. We do not know when the tannery and factory will reopen, but we are hopeful that production can begin in earnest sometime in May. We want to be upfront with you, this product will take a while to ship, but when it does you will receive an Italian-made card case crafted from our finest hand-stained Bosca leather. It is at the lowest price you will ever see this quality of product. Your purchase will help small family-based manufacturers stay alive as we go through this trying time together.

The post Pre-Selling: New Times Call for New Ways appeared first on Bosca.

Water and Moisture

There will come a time when your leather gets wet, either from the rain, a spilled drink, and dozens of other situations. Attending to the affected area will help ensure the leather is kept protected. Blot it dry and allow it to finish drying naturally. We strongly recommend that you don’t attempt to speed up the process by placing your leather in the sun or in front of a heater. When heated quickly, wet leather can shrink and dry out, which could lead to cracking. Instead, allow your leather to dry on its own, even if that takes several days. For leather bags, stuff newspaper inside them to preserve the original shape. If you’ve just conditioned your leather, be sure to not use it again until completely dry. If you’ll be storing it, choose a ventilated and cool space away from sunlight.

What about water resistance? Choose a quality leather wax to apply periodically depending on the frequency of your use. Wax goes on easily and quickly, acting as a protective barrier for genuine leather against water damage. Keep in mind that wax cannot be used with suede leather, as it’s much too fragile. It will work fine on all other genuine leathers. For additional water resistance, condition your leather.

Addressing Leather Age

Over time and with use, your leather goods will begin to dry out. Have you ever seen an old, incredibly cracked and worn leather chair? This became so because it was not tended to properly over the years. You can offset the effects of aging by conditioning your quality leather with a wax or cream product. Conditioners, unlike wax, do not have the shine factor. Instead, they replenish moisture into the leather to keep it soft and beautiful. It’ll keep your leather protected from drying out and cracking – two things that can ruin your investment of high-quality leather goods. Using a damp cloth, apply a natural or neutral colored conditioner in a small area on your leather to test out how it affects the color. If you approve after 24 hours, condition the rest of the leather and wipe off the excess. Many condition every few months, but depending on your personal taste, you can go up to almost a year.

Everyday Leather Grime

From leather wallets and purses to backpacks and duffle bags, these items will accumulate dirt, dust, and small stains from everyday use. If not taken care of immediately, these abrasive particles could lead to premature aging. An easy way to address this is with a simple damp cloth. Gently wipe your leather off every week to rid your leather of grime. No matter what, be sure to have clean hands every time you handle your leather! Just like skin, the oils and residues from your hands will transfer to the leather. For stains, you can enlist the aid of a leather cleaner from a reputable source.

For handbags, purses, briefcases, and shoes, you may wish to polish them for that great leather shine. Many polishes offer moisturizing benefits, so having a nice polish on hand will allow you to keep the aesthetics of your leather at its best.

Best Methods of Storing Leather Goods

When your leather is not in use, it must be properly stored. Avoid areas where direct sunlight, heat, and humidity could be present. The sun’s rays and heat can easily alter the look of leather, changing the color and drying it out. The spot you choose for your leather goods should also be ventilated. Any presence of moisture in the air when your leather is in a tight space—like in a plastic bag—could invite mold growth and rot. Choose an open area on a shelf or store in a fabric bin. This means your garage is not an ideal location, but a bedroom or storage closet will work instead. Just be sure these areas aren’t so full that your leather has no room to breathe.

There is much to gain from taking great care of your leather apparel, accessories, and other goods. Not only will you be able to keep them looking, feeling, and functioning well, but you’ll also innately preserve the craftsmanship that went into creating your leather. At Bosca, our goods are of the highest quality, designed and crafted by hand by our artisans. Maintain the excellence of our goods by tending to them as needed. Clean, condition, and waterproof your leather as often as your environment and usage require. Whichever products you choose from your leather, ensure they’re free of toxic chemicals, synthetics, and additives, as these can damage your leather over time. If you’re a new genuine leather owner, know that even with the utmost attention to maintenance, your leather will change as it ages. While you can slow the effects of it, aging is what makes leather timeless. Like bronze metal, genuine leather patinas, meaning it darkens with age. This gives your leather bag, briefcase, purse, or other item that undeniable character and air of sophistication.

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Types of Leather

Faux Leather

Faux leather is not really leather at all. Made of polyurethane (a type of plastic), faux leather doesn’t need to be waterproofed, as plastic doesn’t have pores in the material like true leather. Protectants are for genuine leather only. These are plastic-based, so applying a wax or conditioner to faux leather offers no real benefit.

Synthetic Leather

Synthetic leather is extremely common, as it’s very cheap and light. However, the quality of it is inferior to that of genuine leather. This type of leather is porous, so water and other liquid can cause damage. For greater water resistance, it must be treated with a quality wax or conditioner.

Suede Leather

As you likely know, suede is a soft type of leather made from the underside of the skin. It’s rubbed to soften the fibers, producing the velvet-like texture we know and love. However, suede leather is extremely sensitive. If you have suede leather goods, they must constantly be conditioned and protected to preventing cracking, discoloration, and water damage. Leather wax absolutely cannot be used on suede, as it will ruin this delicate leather. Instead, use a spray conditioner that is oil-repellent and water-resistant.

Nubuck Leather

Nubuck leather is a type of full-grain leather buffed down to feel like suede, but more durable. It offers some water resistance, so walking in the rain or snow won’t cause irreversible damage. Should you need a higher degree of water protection, nubuck leather will need to be treated with a protectant spray, wax, or conditioner.

Full and Top Grain Leather

Full and Top Grain leathers are the toughest and highest quality of this group, as they’re taken from the toughest parts of the hide. They’re more water-resistant than the above, but still aren’t entirely waterproof. While Top Grain leather isn’t truly top tier, Full-Grain is the best leather that you can buy. It patinas beautifully, has superior durability, and overall is the type of leather most want in top-of-the-line leather goods. Wax and conditioner may be used on Full and Top Grain leathers.

Treatments for Water Resistance

Unless you have faux leather, water-resistance treatments will be necessary to protect your genuine leather goods. You may choose to either condition or wax your leather. Popular waxes, likes those from Nikwax, are very easy to apply and will keep your leather protected from moisture. However, wax cannot be used on all types of genuine leather. With its fibers, suede can be destroyed with wax. Below are the step-by-step directions for each of these methods.

Leather Waxing

Applying leather wax is quick, easy, and effective so long as you follow the proper steps. First, clean your leather. Wax must be able to penetrate the material, so it must be free of dirt and dried-on stains. Then, place a small amount of wax onto a dry cloth. Warm it up by rubbing the cloth together and then spread it on the leather in small areas. It must be spread as evenly as possible all around the leather. Once you’ve done this, place the leather in a cool area to naturally dry. After an hour, buff off any excess wax to get that fantastic leather shine.

Note that waxing is different than conditioning. While wax acts as a protective layer, conditioner is what will keep your leather from cracking. As your leather goods age, they will appear more and more dried out without the use of conditioner. While wax is great for monthly application, don’t forget to take time to condition your leather to extend its lifespan.

Leathering Conditioning

Conditioning your leather is easy and can be done with just a few items. First, the leather must be cleaned and dampened for the conditioner to do its job. This is not to say you should submerge it, but rather, spray it with water or take a cloth to dampen it. Then, using your fingertips or a dry cloth, spread the conditioner over the leather, making sure to get it massaged in everywhere you can. Wipe off excess conditioner and place in a cool area to allow the leather to naturally dry. Keep in mind that over conditioning is not a good thing! Too much conditioner will make the leather too soft, which sounds great, but isn’t in terms of durability. Don’t place it in direct sunlight either, as it could warp the leather’s natural color.

While there are many types of leather, we only use artisan leathers. Our goods are crafted from Old Leather, Correspondent, and Old Washed leather with little or no finish. Because of our commitment to authentic leather goods crafted by hand, they do not offer much in the way of water resistance. Depending on your personal preference, you can treat your Bosca leather with a quality wax and conditioner, which will make the material softer, more resistant to water damage, and restore it to its original look. Always be sure to test waxes and conditioners on inconspicuous areas to see how it impacts the color.

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