With the arrival of summer, the clothes become lighter, such as T-shirts or single shirts. However, one of the problems that comes with this is how to carry your belongings, such as your wallet and keys .
Pants pockets bulge unnaturally, and on days when you go out without a bag, you may find it difficult to handle the small items that end up in your hand.
In this article, we will introduce in detail some recommended minimalist leather accessories that will make your daily summer life smarter and more comfortable, as well as tips on how to use leather safely even in the summer .
First, let’s take a look at the secret to using leather products well in summer, using “Buttero”, Munekawa’s main leather material, as an example.
How to care for leather products in summer
The leather that makes up most of Munekawa's products is "Buttero", a vegetable tanned leather made by a long-established Italian tanner .
The beautiful, transparent coloring is the result of fine fiber and skilled craftsmanship. And best of all, the more it is used, the more it fits comfortably in the owner's hand, and the deeper the color and luster it changes over time, which continues to fascinate leather lovers around the world.
Some people may be wondering, " But isn't vegetable tanned leather vulnerable to sweat and water? "
That's right. Buttero is not a particularly resistant material to water or moisture. However, with the right knowledge and a little effort, you can continue to use it in the summer without losing its charm and deepen your love for it.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy leather products in the summer.
Regular care is just "gently wiping"
After handling with sweaty hands or at the end of the day, gently wipe the surface of the leather with a dry, soft cloth. This alone will remove moisture and unseen dirt on the surface and keep the leather in good condition. Simple daily care is the best way to make your product last longer.
If it gets wet
If your leather gets wet due to a sudden shower, there is no need to panic. Simply use a highly absorbent cloth to gently dab the leather without rubbing it to remove the moisture.
After that, reshape it in a well-ventilated, shady area and let it dry naturally.
Be sure to avoid heat from a hair dryer or direct sunlight, as this can cause stains and deformation. If the leather feels a little stiff after it has completely dried, apply a small amount of leather care cream to restore its suppleness.
It takes a little care and effort.
That time is the key to enjoying Buttero leather. By being exposed to the summer sun and absorbing the sweat and oils of the owner, the color of the leather deepens and the luster quietly increases.
"Chrome-tanned leather" that is resistant to rain and sweat
In contrast to leathers like Buttero, which change over time, chrome-tanned leather is recommended for those who want to use leather products in a more casual and active way.
This method, which uses a chemical called "basic chromium sulfate" during the tanning process, is the mainstream in modern leather product manufacturing, and has the following characteristics compared to vegetable tanning methods such as Buttero:
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Highly water resistant and durable
It is water resistant and does not harden easily even when wet. It is also relatively scratch resistant. -
Easy to maintain
It doesn't require as much care as vegetable-tanned leather and requires less maintenance. -
Stable quality and color development
It can produce uniform and beautiful colors with little fading or change.
For example, chrome-tanned leather accessories can be used relatively safely when riding a bicycle or engaging in outdoor or leisure activities where changes in the weather are a concern.
If you want a leather product but want something easy to use and low maintenance, chrome-tanned leather is a great entry-level material.
However, please note that chrome-tanned leather is not waterproof .
Minimalist leather accessories to keep you light this summer
From here, we will introduce Munekawa's leather accessories that will fit in with light summer outfits. If you are thinking of purchasing new leather products this summer, please refer to this article.
① Thin bi-fold wallet Carriage
Carriage is a wallet like a money clip that can store bills and cards compactly.
At first, the leather is stiff, but as you start to use it, it will gradually become thinner and slimmer with age. Even when wearing a simple outfit like a T-shirt and jeans, the silhouette of the pocket will not be affected at all.
It fits neatly into the breast pocket of a jacket, and once you experience its thinness and lightness, many people will never want to let it go.
At first glance, this leather wallet may seem a little unusual, but it is actually a very rational design that has been perfected over many years. If you would like to know more, please watch this video.
▶︎Order the slim bi-fold wallet Carriage here
② L-shaped zipper wallet Cram
If you want to keep your baggage to a minimum but still want to carry some bills, coins, and cards, we recommend the Cram L-shaped zipper wallet.
It is smaller than a typical L-shaped zipper wallet. Munekawa has incorporated its own ingenuity into the mini wallet to address the inconveniences that are unique to mini wallets, such as "it's hard to take things in and out" and "the zipper gets stuck on bills."
It fits neatly into the back pocket of your trousers or a small bag, making it the perfect item for a light summer look.
Cram also comes in a type that uses Epson, a chrome-tanned leather.
The unique texture gives it a refined look, and it has a different appearance from Buttero. Choose according to your taste and lifestyle.
▶︎ Click here to order the L-shaped zipper wallet Cram (Buttero)
▶︎ Click here to order the L-shaped zipper wallet Cram (Epson)
▶︎See other Cram products here
③IC card case Tuck
For those who rely heavily on credit cards and transportation IC cards in their daily lives, we recommend using a card case as your main wallet.
The Tuck card case is a multi-card case that can be used as a pass case, business card holder, and even as a cashless wallet. Despite its compact size, it has three pockets, allowing for functional use according to your needs.
Tuck also comes in a type that uses Epson.
If you want something that is somewhat resistant to water and scratches because it's something you'll use on a daily basis, then this is the one for you.
▶︎Click here to order the Tuck (Buttero) card case
▶︎Order the Tuck card case (Epson) here
At the end of summer, leather goods become even more cherished.
There is no doubt that summer is a season when leather products require a little more care. However, that doesn't mean you should avoid them. With just a little knowledge and care, leather will develop a deeper, more beautiful look, bringing back memories of summer.
MUNEKAWA hopes that you will enjoy living with this rich leather all year round.
By having the right knowledge about leather and choosing products that suit your lifestyle, you can enjoy using leather products this summer as well.
