The city of Florence is known for its leather, and opportunities to buy range from luxury boutiques to raucous street markets. However, discerning between industrially and artisanally made items is tricky.
The best guarantee of quality is buying directly from the artisan. This is easy for small, portable items like boxes and change purses but harder to do for apparel.
Wallets
While Florence is known for its leather, it’s important to understand that the quality of products sold at the city’s many shops and markets varies widely. The best way to gauge the quality of a leather bag is to see how it’s put together. It should have tight and even stitching, and the clasps and zippers should work smoothly.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish wallet, a chic pochette or a practical briefcase, there are plenty of leather accessories to choose from in Florence. Many are designed with the modern man in mind, and feature a classic Italian vegetable-tanned leather that is recognizable as Made in Italy throughout the world.
Some leather boutiques, such as Giorgio 1966 (Via del Canto dei Nelli 34), carry a variety of styles and price ranges, while others are more specialized. The best option is to ask locals for recommendations, as they often know the quality of various products better than tourists do.
Messenger bags
Originally inspired by the bags carried by postal workers, this type of bag is practical and elegant at the same time. It is also extremely versatile, as you can choose from a range of colors and designs. These leather accessories are a must-have for any woman’s wardrobe.
The quality of leather bags from florence is usually quite good, but you must be careful to avoid buying fakes. The best way to tell is by smelling it: genuine leather should smell musky and natural. If it smells like paint, then you should walk away.
If you want to buy a bag from a leather maker in Florence, it is best to go to the market, such as San Lorenzo or the Mercato Nuovo. These are specialized markets where you can find many small pieces of leather trinkets and accessories, as well as some larger items, such as jackets and bags. You can even visit a leather artisan’s shop to see how they work.
Backpacks
A leather backpack is a great way to carry books, papers and accessories while traveling or hiking. The best ones are made from full-grain leather, which is durable and waterproof. It is also easier to clean than other types of leather.
Whether you’re looking for a functional leather backpack or a stylish backpack to add to your collection, Florence Leather Market has a variety of options for you to choose from. They’re all made from high-quality materials that are designed and manufactured by skilled artisans. You can choose from a wide selection of styles, colors and sizes to match your personality and style.
The city of Florence is well known for its leather goods, and the outdoor markets overflow with them. But it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. The Florence Leather Market is a good place to start, but be sure to keep your purchases to small items that are easy to pack and ship.
Shoulder bags
Florence is famous for its leather and has long been a destination for visitors seeking beautifully crafted leather souvenirs. The San Lorenzo Market and the Mercato Nuovo both overflow with street vendors and retail stores offering leather goods, but it is important to be wary of some of the lower quality products that are on offer here.
When buying leather in Florence, it is best to shop directly from the maker and focus on small items like boxes, change purses and wallets rather than apparel. This is because a lot of leather sold in the markets is prepared in medium-sized industrial enterprises that are outside of Florence and distributed to the shops by wholesalers.
One good option is Frau Leman, which guarantees that its leather comes from Tuscan tanneries and that it is worked in Florence. The brand offers gorgeous leather pochettes that can be used for a night out or to add a touch of sophistication to an outfit.florence leather bags