What Is Ostrich Leather And How Do I Protect It?

6 years ago

Leather Types

History of Ostrich Leather

One of the most popular and recognised exotic skins is Ostrich leather. Originating in South Africa in the 1850s, it was discovered as a unique byproduct from the Ostriches farmed for their feathers & meat. Ostrich leather is characterised by its raised points in the hide that create little bumps, which are centered in the middle of the skin. This area is called the ‘Crown’ and is where the animal’s neck meets its body and is about one third of the entire skin. Ostrich leather is relatively rare, making it desirable and thus expensive. It’s generally used for luxury leather items, such as the iconic Hermés Birkin handbag.

There are many cheaper imitations of Ostrich leather available and used by the high street on low end fashion items such as handbags. Called ‘Ostrich Print Leather’ manufacturers create a similar bumpy texture by embossing the indentations into the leather (or PU), by using a heavy rolling plate during the tanning process. Ostrich Print differs from Ostrich Leather, because the man-made quill bumps are uniform. Therefore they’re not unique like the bumps on actual Ostrich Leather, so this helps to distinguish between the real deal and imitations.

Benefits of Ostrich Leather

Ostrich Leather is coveted for its unique look and texture, but it does have benefits which are more than just aesthetically based. It’s known for being for tough, pliable, durable and yet supple. Ostrich leather contains natural oils, which means it resists cracking and stiffness.

Ostrich leather is used by many designer brands in their handbag collections such as:

Bottega Veneta / Gucci / Hermès / Louis Vuitton / Mulberry / Prada / Smythson

How to Care for Ostrich Leather

The experts at The Handbag Spa have years of experience working with Ostrich leather and furthermore have worked with the world’s finest leather chemists to create a range of care products. This water-based range has been designed for use on delicate handbag leather (including Ostrich). If you scroll down, you’ll discover which products we recommend for protecting and cleaning Ostrich leather.

Dermo Protect

Dermo Protect is a water based handbag protector spray, which protects finished and un-finished leathers from day to day staining, liquids, dye transfer, ink, oil, sunlight damage and more!

Unlike it’s competitors, Dermo Protect protects the leather, whilst hydrating it at the same time and therefore allowing it to breath. This in turns ensure the leather is kept soft, supple and feeling the way it should

CAN BE USED ON: Finished & Unfinished Leather, Full Grain, Aniline Leather, Lambskin, Calfskin, Exotic, Ostrich, Saffiano, Epi and Vachetta Leather.

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HOW TO USE

– Just spray a light layer evenly onto a clean lint free cloth

– Test on an inconspicuous area such as the bottom or inside

– Wipe the cloth onto the leather focusing on one panel at a time

– Leave to air dry

Use monthly to ensure maximum stain guard protection is achieved!

Please note, this product may darken unfinished leathers when first applied, but the leather will dry back to it’s original colour.

Sensitive Cleanse

For finished & unfinished leathers, there’s Sensitive Cleanse, a cleaning product specifically designer for this type of leather. Sensitive Cleanse is a thick solution that sits on the surface for longer than other products. This allows you to clean off the day-to-day buildup of dirt. Use every couple of months & remember to protect your leather after cleaning with Dermo Protect.

CAN BE USED ON: Finished & Unfinished Leather, Full Grain, Aniline, Lambskin, Caviar, Calfskin, Exotic, Ostrich, Saffiano, Epi and Vachetta Leather.

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HOW TO USE

– Just spray a light layer evenly onto a clean lint free cloth.

– Test on an inconspicuous area (such as the bottom or inside).

– Wipe focusing on one panel at a time.

– Leave to air dry

Please note, this product will darken unfinished leathers when first applied, but the leather will dry back to it’s original colour.

Pure Hydrate

Pure Hydrate is a deep hydration créme for finished and unfinished leather bags. It restores natural softness by replenishing the natural oils to the leather. This gives an intense hydration treatment for your exotic leathers, to use when needed.

CAN BE USED ON: Finished & Unfinished Leather, Full Grain, Aniline Leather, Lambskin, Caviar, Calfskin, Exotic, Ostrich, Saffiano, Epi and Vachetta Leather.

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HOW TO USE

– Just spray evenly onto a clean lint free cloth.

– Test on an inconspicuous area (such as the bottom or inside).

– Massage in & leave to air dry.

Please note, this product may darken unfinished leathers when first applied, but the leather will dry back to it’s original colour.

Ostrich Leather Before & After

If your handbag has been used for a number of years, it might be better to send it in to the experts at The Handbag Spa. Here it can undergo treatments to restore and refresh its appearance.

This Mulberry Ostrich leather purse, had some noticeable colour loss and marks when it came into the spa. After our expert technicians undertook a Colour Touch Up treatment (by matching the colour by eye), the purse was back to looking its best.