When it comes to choosing the best leather for a crossbody bag, there are several factors to consider in Nigeria.
In Nigeria, the options depend on your needs and pocket. As far as a crossbody bag is concerned, comfort is important as they are suited for those on the go. You need to ascertain what is more important on your scale. Is it style, durability, or cost?
If you are a cycler or traveler, chances are you own a crossbody bag. And we are hoping you own 3 or more! And if you don’t own any, your toolkit is grossly incomplete. You need to add it to your purchase list, now.
So what is a cross-body bag, why is it a great option for those on the go, and how do you choose the best leather for crossbody bag in Nigeria?
These and many more fashion questions are what we are going to answer in this blog post.
Read on to find answers to them. You bet we have more info on this topic for you.
What is a Cross-body Bag?
A cross-body bag is a bag that is worn diagonally across the body with a strap over one shoulder and the bag on the opposite hip.
These bags offer a hands-free option and are perfect for those on the go. You can carry items in the bag hands-free with the option to adjust the strap as you like.
They come in various sizes and designs – from small to compact to larger and more structured.
While some are minimalist in design, others can have multiple compartments to organise your stuff. It all depends on your cross-body bag needs.
Why you need a cross-body bag
If you cycle a lot and hop on the bus now and then for errands, you should choose a cross-body bag over bulky ones. Cross-body bags are comfortable and easy to carry with the weight of the bag content evenly distributed across the body.
Your shoulders and back will thank you for this convenience which is lacking in other bag structures. Additionally, it is a hands-free design which is great for if you have to walk, cycle or travel by public transport.
Cross-body bags don’t sacrifice space for convenience at least for your essentials. Your phone, money, keys, sunglasses, and cards can easily fit in where a typical purse would fail.
What’s more? Many crossbody bags have several pockets and compartments, so you can keep your stuff organised. No need to hysterically rummage through a big bag or pocket in search of keys.
A crossbody bag is not only functional, it is a smart fashion accessory that can accentuate your outfit and shoes nicely.
You can hop for a minimalist design, elegant or sleek look. The material for your cross-body bag also plays a key role here.
Would you go for classy leather, nylon or canvas? The choice is yours.
Moreover, the fact that you wear a cross-body bag like a second skin makes it relatively more secure than other bags. For instance, market pick-pockets would have a harder challenge slipping away your valuables. Not to mention that, many crossbody bags have zips or buckles that provide extra security.
Also Read: 10 Leather Terminologies in the Nigerian Leather Industry
What type of leather is best for a cross-body bag in Nigeria
Firstly, you need to understand the different types of leather to know what is best for a cross-body bag. So here we go:
Full-Grain Leather
Full-grain leather stands out as the premium choice for crossbody bags. It is the highest possible quality of leather available with the natural grain intact.
It is mighty durable with the ability to age beautifully while developing a patina over time.
Its durability and resilience make it an ideal choice for the daily wear and tear of a crossbody bag.
Top-Grain Leather
If you’re looking for a blend of quality and affordability, top-grain leather is a fantastic choice.
Most times it is from the same split as its more premium counterpart – full-grain. Just that, it is refined to remove imperfections (which is an aesthetically positive thing in the leather world).
Thus, providing a more uniform appearance.
While it may not develop the same patina, top-grain leather maintains durability and offers a sleek look for your crossbody bag.
Exotic Leather
If you want to make a bold fashion statement, you should consider exotic leathers like crocodile or snake skin.
These leathers offer a unique texture and pattern, elevating the overall aesthetics of your crossbody bag.
However, they may require more care and attention to maintain their appearance.
Nubuck and Suede
If you prefer a softer and more textured feel, nubuck and suede are excellent choices.
Nubuck is essentially top-grain leather that has been buffed to create a velvety surface, while suede is made from the inner split of the hide. Keep in mind that these leathers may be more susceptible to stains and require regular maintenance.
Also Read: What is the Best Leather Material for Making Bags in Nigeria?
How to Identify the Right Leather for Your Cross-body Bag
The best leather for your cross-body should not only be of high quality but should be well-crafted. Look out for the following:
Look for full-grain or top-grain leather:
We recommend that you choose full-grain leather or its close counterpart- top-grain. They are durable and have the classy natural appearance of leather.
Bonded or genuine leather are low-quality leather akin plywood of the wood world. You should avoid those.
To know if your cross-body bag is top quality, check if it has a feel and the smell of plastic and chemicals. If you decide to do a water test, the liquid should not run off as it would on a plastic surface.
The leather should absorb some of the water, then dry out back to its normal form within a short time. Also, the leather material should feel supple and smooth to the touch.
Inspect the stitching:
Your high-quality leather bags should not have uneven stitching. The stitches should be even and tight. Loose, uneven and tacky stitches are a negative reflection on the craftsmanship.
Check the hardware and finishing:
Quality cross-bag bags will have solid hardware. The zippers should glide smoothly. All metal accents should be solid and well-finished. The compartments should be neatly incorporated into the bag.
Check out brand reputation:
Research the brand online and see reviews for yourself. If the brand has a reputation for producing high-quality leather bags, chances are that you won’t have buyer’s remorse. But if they don’t – why do you want to push your luck?
Also Read: Beyond Bags: Unexpected Uses of Leather in Nigerian Home Decor
Conclusion
Choosing the right leather for your crossbody bag in Nigeria involves considering factors like style, budget, and maintenance.
Full-grain leather stands out for its premium quality, while top-grain leather offers a balance between cost and quality.
Exotic leathers can make a bold statement while Nubuck and suede provide a softer touch but require more care.
We recommend that you avoid bonded leather mostly called genuine leather. Those are made up of 20% leather or less and are low-class leather if we can call it so.
Beyond the material, we advise that you look out for the finishing as quality leather in our book means great craftsmanship.
Ultimately, the perfect leather for your crossbody bag depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use the bag.
By understanding the characteristics of each type of leather, you can make an informed decision for your crossbody bag in Nigeria that aligns with your style and lifestyle.
Ready to elevate your crossbody bag game? Then hit the leather boutiques near you or go online and immerse yourself in the diverse textures and colours of leather cross-body bags.
Would you like to purchase upholstery fabric, leather or tarpaulin? Contact any of the Nestken Masters’ offices in Lagos or Aba. Call: 08039388366