Leather care

Aftercare

Leather That
Grows Better.

Full-grain leather isn't like other materials. It breathes, it ages, and with the right care, it outlasts everything you own. Here's how to keep your St.David's piece looking better every year.

Do

  • Condition every 3-4 months with a quality leather conditioner
  • Clean gently with a slightly damp cloth — never soak
  • Pat dry immediately if wet — never rub or apply heat
  • Store in dust bags away from direct sunlight and humidity
  • Let leather rest between heavy use days

Don't

  • Never use water alone to clean — always condition afterward
  • Never dry near radiators, hair dryers, or direct sunlight
  • Never store in plastic bags — leather needs to breathe
  • Never use silicone-based products — they block the pores
  • Never use household cleaners, alcohol, or baby wipes on leather
  • Never machine wash or submerge in water

Step by Step

By Product Type

Bags & Backpacks

  1. 1Empty the bag completely and brush out any dust or debris.
  2. 2Wipe the exterior with a slightly damp cloth — never soak or rub aggressively.
  3. 3Apply a pea-sized amount of leather conditioner in circular motions with a soft cloth.
  4. 4Stuff with tissue paper (not newspaper) to maintain shape during storage.
  5. 5Store in the dust bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  6. 6Avoid hanging by the straps; the weight stretches leather over time.

Belts

  1. 1Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth after each use.
  2. 2Apply leather conditioner every 3–4 months to prevent drying and cracking.
  3. 3Hang vertically or coil loosely — never fold flat or buckle tightly.
  4. 4If wet, dry naturally away from heat. Never use a hair dryer or radiator.
  5. 5Buff lightly with a soft cloth to restore surface lustre.

Wallets & Small Goods

  1. 1Empty completely and shake out any dust or debris weekly.
  2. 2Wipe exterior with a slightly damp cloth — avoid getting edges wet.
  3. 3Apply conditioner sparingly every 4–6 months (a little goes a long way).
  4. 4Do not overstuff — stretched seams cannot be undone.
  5. 5Store in the provided dust bag when not in your pocket or bag.

Can't fix it yourself?

Every St.David's piece comes with a lifetime guarantee. If your belt needs a new buckle, your bag needs restitching, or your wallet needs refinishing — send it back. We repair what we make. Always.

Request a Repair →

Marks are not mistakes.
They are memories.

Full-grain leather absorbs the oils from your hands, the light from the sun, and the rhythm of your daily life. Over time, it develops a patina that is entirely yours — darker in some places, softer in others, beautiful because of where you've taken it.

28, Barikisu Iyede Street, Yaba — Lagos

A few steps from the University of Lagos. A world away from fast fashion.