Leather Bags Australia | Canvas Bags for Men (2024)

Related categories: Men's wallets | Men's belts | Men's hats and caps

Guide to buying a leather or canvas bag

Your bag can be one of your most indispensable everyday accessories. Whether you’re looking for sophisticated style or rugged durability, your bag should be a dependable companion for whatever your day has in store. Leather and canvas are staple materials for premium-quality bags of all types, and each of these sturdy textiles has its own set of distinct qualities depending on what you need in a bag.

Leather is the material of choice for its timeless elegance, durability and its tendency to develop in form and finish over the lifetime of a bag. As a material, premium leather is well-suited for bags that blend functionality with style, such as messenger bags and briefcases. Available in a variety of shapes and colours, leather bags are the premium option for everyday use.

Canvas is similarly known for its durability and versatility as a bag textile. Lighter in weight and more flexible than leather, canvas is ideal for larger gear, including sports bags and duffle bags. Canvas is both water-resistant and breathable, making it well-suited for a variety of weather conditions, as well as for long-haul journeys when you need a dependable travelling companion.

Men’s leather bag FAQs

Which type of leather is best for bags?

  • Full grain leather is the optimal choice for leather bags due to its natural durability, timeless style and tendency to age and develop into a unique piece over the course of a bag’s lifetime. The strength and durability of leather also help to protect against damage and wear from everyday use. Full grain leather also carries a distinctive natural variability, meaning that every piece will have its own subtly unique appearance and age in its own way. With unmatched elegance, strength and dependability, full grain leather is the premium choice for leather bags.

Should I buy a black or brown leather bag?

  • Choosing between a black or brown leather bag depends on your personal style, preferences and needs. Black leather bags are a sophisticated option, with an elegant appearance well-suited for formal attire. Conversely, a brown leather bag evokes a more classic, versatile look, suitable for contexts that require both professionalism and warmth of character.

    When choosing between black or brown leather, consider the circumstances in which you’ll use your bag, as well as the kinds of clothing styles that you’d normally pair with them. For example, consider carefully what type of leather belt or leather shoes you would normally wear with your bag.

How to style a black or brown leather bag?

  • Styling a black or brown leather bag can be simple if you pay attention to your context and clothing style. For a black leather bag, opt for a polished outfit such as formal suits or work attire, and make sure to match the black leather with black accessories and black leather shoes.

    Brown leather bags suit a wider range of looks, from modern style to smart casual attire. Brown leather bags are also best matched with similarly-toned clothes and accessories, including earth-toned pants and coats, jackets or vests. While brown leather is the more casual option of the two, both tones of leather bag can elevate your style and be the finishing touch on a range of personal ensembles.

Are leather bags worth the investment?

  • While leather bags, especially full grain leather ones, can cost more than cheaper alternatives, they are great value for money. Leather bags offer a much longer lifespan when compared to other materials and they go against the ever-changing trends of fast fashion, offering a timeless and classic appeal. Purchased once, a leather bag becomes a staple accessory worthy of its original price tag for years to come.

    R.M.Williams offers Afterpay for online purchases, so you can spread out the cost of your premium-quality leather bag.

How long will a leather bag last?

  • The lifespan of a leather bag will vary greatly based on a number of factors, including leather quality, care and frequency of use. High-quality full grain leather bags can last 10 - 20 years and beyond when properly maintained and cared for. As your leather bag ages, it will naturally change in form and look over time, softening and developing its own unique appearance and patina. As a long-lasting wardrobe staple or everyday accessory, high-quality leather bags can serve you for many years, making them a valuable addition to your wardrobe.

How do I take care of a leather bag?

  • Properly caring for your leather bag requires routine maintenance and careful attention to the unique needs of the natural textile from which it is made. Regularly wipe your leather bag with a damp cloth to remove any built-up dust or dirt. Once cleaned, apply a leather conditioner product every 6 - 12 months to help maintain the leather’s natural suppleness and prevent cracking.

    When in use, avoid overloading your bag in order to prevent stretching and deformation. In the event of light scuffing or staining, be sure to address the problem promptly with a gentle leather cleaning solution. Finally, store your bag in a dry, cool environment where it will be safe from scratches, dampness and sunlight.

Are leather bags waterproof?

  • Leather bags are naturally water-resistant, but not entirely waterproof. Like other natural textiles, leather is porous and can absorb moisture. Prolonged exposure to water can damage leather bags, leading to deformation, damage or a stained appearance.

    Many types of leather can be treated with leather protectants and waterproofing sprays to improve their water resistance. However, even treated leather bags should be protected from excessive moisture and kept out of the rain as much as possible. In the event of water exposure, your leather bag should be promptly pat-dried and left to air out at room temperature, before applying a leather conditioner once completely dry.

Leather Bags Australia | Canvas Bags for Men (2024)

FAQs

Which is better canvas bag or leather bag? ›

It depends on individual needs and preferences; canvas is usually lighter and more versatile, while leather offers a sleek and formal appearance.

Which one is better canvas or leather? ›

Both materials have their own advantages: While leather convinces with its durability, elegant look and ability to develop a unique patina over time, Canvas scores with its robustness, lightweight and easy care.

Which lasts longer leather or canvas? ›

Beyond the fashion differences, canvas is better than leather in terms of maintenance, durability, and reliability. Moreover, and we can't stress this enough, Canvas is eco-friendly and no animal has to die in order for you to carry your things.

Is canvas leather real leather? ›

So what is Coated Canvas? This may come as a shock to some handbag enthusiasts, but simply put, it's cotton canvas (or fabric) coated with PVC. It can be surprising to discover that your Polyvinyl Chloride coated bag is not in fact leather.

Which is more expensive canvas or leather? ›

Key differences. As there is so much variety in each material let's narrow the field to the top quality leathers and waxed canvases. Firstly price, seeing as it's often the first thing people think of. Comparing two identical bags, the leather version will cost you 20% to 50% more.

What is the disadvantage of canvas bag? ›

Unfortunately, unlike leather bags, canvas bags will not necessarily suit all styles; they may not be the best choice for a formal event, for example. Canvas bags are also more susceptible to wear and tear.

Does Louis Vuitton use canvas or leather? ›

The Classic Canvas: Louis Vuitton's Signature Material

This durable material is often adorned with the iconic LV Monogram, Damier, or Damier Azur patterns. The canvas is made of cotton, coated with a layer of PVC for added durability and resistance to water, stains, and scratches.

What are the disadvantages of leather bags? ›

Some potential cons of buying a leather bag or briefcase are:
  • Leather can be more expensive than other materials.
  • It requires special care to maintain its condition, such as regular cleaning and conditioning.
  • Some people may have moral or environmental concerns about using leather products.
Jan 19, 2023

Why does Louis Vuitton use canvas instead of leather? ›

Louis Vuitton's coated canvas is particularly known for its durability and resistance to water and scratches, making it an excellent choice for everyday use and in varying weather conditions.

Is Louis Vuitton canvas more durable than leather? ›

Coated with a layer of polyvinylchloride, a Louis Vuitton canvas bag is durable and resistant to heat, water, and most chemicals. Generally tougher than all-leather bags, Louis Vuitton's canvas bags can last up to many years with proper care and delicate treatment.

How long does canvas bags last? ›

The 10 oz canvas material is reserved for high quality totes that are durable and last several years of use. This material looks even better with age, as it washes and wears well.

Which is easier to clean canvas or leather? ›

How do clean White Shoes–whether they're Canvas, Leather, or Suede? Leather is one of the easier materials to clean because it doesn't absorb as much water as some other fabrics.

Is Louis Vuitton made of canvas? ›

In the clip, Luxe Collective cofounder Ben Gallagher, 23, and content creator Alexandra Gorska explained that many LV products are actually made with super durable, plastic-coated canvas.

Why is Louis Vuitton canvas so expensive? ›

Impeccable craftsmanship is at the core of every Louis Vuitton bag. The brand is relentless in sourcing the finest materials, from exquisite leathers to the iconic Monogram canvas. This pursuit of quality, while ensuring longevity, undoubtedly contributes to the premium pricing.

Is a canvas bag good? ›

Are canvas bags durable? Whilst canvas is not the most unique of materials, its durability means that it is a favourite amongst those looking for a simple yet strong design. The durability comes from the fact that it is a plain-woven fabric, providing strength which is important when you are carrying heavy loads.

Which type of bag material is best? ›

Leather is a very reliable and highly sought-after materials bags are made from. Known for being sturdy, durable, soft to the touch, and easy to style with a number of different colors, this versatile material is made from the tanned hides of skinned animals.

Do canvas bags get dirty easily? ›

In each form, the bag maintained outstanding durability without compromising flexibility and softness. Yet, it's still vulnerable to the accumulation of dirt and grime. Luckily, this is easy to take care of.

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