How to care for and shape your handcrafted leather pieces
Tips from our workshop so your leather armor and accessories can accompany you on many adventures.
Leather is a natural, resistant, and flexible material that changes with use. When you receive a new piece, it may seem a bit stiff, but over time it adapts to your movements and becomes more comfortable.
At Costurero Real, we work and mold each piece by hand. Here are some tricks we use in our workshop so you can take care of yours at home.
1. Is your piece a bit stiff? That's normal
Freshly worked leather can feel harder at first. With use, it will gain flexibility and adapt to your movements. You can gently flex the areas that need to adapt, without forcing the creases or abruptly bending the painted or decorated parts.
2. How to mold leather to fit your body
One of the advantages of our moldable leather pieces is that you can shape them. Lightly dampen the inside with a water sprayer or a soft brush, wait a few moments, and mold it little by little with your hands. Then, let it dry completely at room temperature while maintaining the desired shape.
Important: Do not soak the leather or get the painted or decorated exterior wet. This advice is for the moldable leather pieces from our workshop and does not necessarily apply to all types of leather, bags, or finishes.
3. How to moisturize and soften your piece
If you notice that the leather needs more flexibility, you can use a conditioning cream or a specific leather product, following its instructions.
A trick from our workshop: When we don't have a specific product on hand, we have used a small amount of classic white Nivea cream on some leathers to soften the inside face. Plus, it leaves a pleasant scent. This is a one-time trick, not a substitute for maintenance with products formulated for leather: skin creams can leave residue, stain, or alter certain finishes.
Always apply a very small amount, only on the unfinished interior face when appropriate, and test it first in an inconspicuous area. Avoid painted surfaces, remove any excess, and let it absorb before using the piece again.
4. How to clean your leather accessories
To remove dust, a soft, dry cloth is enough. If there is a small surface stain, test first in an inconspicuous area with a barely dampened cloth, without rubbing hard and avoiding painted areas. Do not use harsh detergents, alcohol, or abrasive products. Never put your leather pieces in the washing machine or submerge them in water.
5. How to store your pieces correctly
Store them in a dry, ventilated place away from prolonged direct sunlight. Do not place heavy objects on top that could deform them. If they have gotten wet during an adventure, let them dry completely before storing. Avoid hair dryers, radiators, and other sources of direct heat.
A little secret from our workshop
Before reaching your hands, each piece goes through different handcrafted stages. We use oils, dyes, and finishes according to the needs of each creation, and we mold the leather to achieve its characteristic shapes. That is why each piece has its own character and small particularities that are part of the handmade work.
With simple care, your armor or accessory will be able to accompany you on many adventures. Do you have questions about how to adapt your piece? Write to us and we will be happy to guide you.
What if your next adventure starts with a piece of leather?
You don't need a full set of armor to incorporate a bit of fantasy into your daily life. An elven detail, a forest-inspired mask, or an accessory to carry your books can be the beginning of a new story. We have chosen five very different creations, all handcrafted in our workshop.
Handmade · Dreamt in the forest
