Leather is arguably more popular than ever before, and sales of leather products are projected to keep rising from here. Why is leather seeing such a surge in popularity? And how should you take advantage of it?
Motivations for the Leather Trend
There are a few potential explanations for the rising trend of leather:
- Material quality. Leather has historically been used as a form of protection, due to the material’s durability and versatility. Leather flats, for example, last longer and can take more damage than comparable flats. Leather is strong, yet flexible enough to work with, and it’s an expensive product without being unreasonable. Because of this, it’s sought after not only for its practical applications, but also because of its impressive image.
- Comfort. Some people are turning to more leather clothes and accessories because of the comfort factor. While different people have different tastes when it comes to comfort, most people find that leather lends itself to a comfortable fit – and more warmth than comparable materials.
- Style. Stylistic trends come and go, but right now, leather is a hot look. Regardless of what color of leather you get or how you use leather, adding a bit of this material to your ensemble can help you stand out and improve your image.
- The classic image. Leather is a classic fashion image, and one that’s never really gone out of style. Even though it’s seeing a temporary surge in popularity in the current moment, leather can be described as timeless. Because of this, people see leather as a lifetime investment; when they purchase a new article of clothing made from leather, they can rest assured that they’ll be able to use it for years to come.
- Versatility. What types of clothing and accessories make good use of leather? Because the material is so versatile, you can use it for almost anything. This is another reason why so many leather crafters are jumping into the business.
- Resistance to absorption and staining. These days, people are interested in clothes and accessories that can’t be easily ruined or damaged. We’ve already covered leather’s durability and toughness, but there’s another factor that works in leather’s favor: resistance to absorption and staining. Leather doesn’t absorb sweat or other liquids the way that most materials do, so it’s ideal if you want to keep your clothes and accessories in good condition.
- Long-term value. Buying an article of leather clothing is a long-term investment. Leather items have a tendency to retain their value over time, so if you ever want to sell them in the future, you can probably make most of your money back.
Tips for the New Wave of Leather
What should you do to take advantage of this surge in popularity?
- Buy from the right brands. Not all leather products are created equally. Some brands use better quality leather and have stricter quality control procedures, ultimately resulting in stronger, more valuable products. Do your research before you purchase anything, so you can buy from the right brands and end up with the best possible leather items.
- Choose the right color. Natural leather can be found in a wide range of shades, from light to dark, and with proper staining and coloring, you can demonstrate leather with a wide variety of different colors. Choose the right color for your leather clothes and accessories so these items stand out without clashing with the rest of your wardrobe.
- Nail the fit. While leather is versatile, it’s not especially flexible when the product is complete, at least when compared to other clothing materials. Accordingly, it’s very important to nail the fit. Try on all your leather goods before you commit to the purchase.
- Consider both formal and casual applications. Many people love leather because it can be used for almost any event or application. You can wear it to formal and casual events alike. With that in mind, it’s important to consider both formal and casual applications when buying leather. Is this pair of shoes or this new accessory suitable for a range of activities?
- Condition your leather. It’s important to condition your leather if you want it to last as long as possible. It’s an inexpensive and relatively easy activity, so don’t skimp on it.
- Get involved. Consider starting your own leather crafting operation; it takes lots of practice, but you could end up making your own products.
Leather is a timeless look, and to an extent, it’s always been popular. There’s never been a time when leather was completely out of fashion. However, this recent explosion in popularity has allowed leather to skyrocket to new heights. Now could be the perfect time to stock up on amazing leather clothes and accessories, or even start your own leatherworking operation.
