A FIVE MINUTE MASTERCLASS ON WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BAG

We are proud to have established a reputation for distinctive bags, so don't be surprised if you turn heads when you carry a Gladstn London bag. In this blog we sit with our Master Craftsman to compare notes on the details to look for in a great bag. So next time you see a bag that catches your eye remember these little tips!

Looking better as it gets older!

One of those rare things in life that looks better as it gets older, leather is a great fabric of choice. Look no further than a grade A first selection leather. Why? Because it lasts a lifeltime and develops a beautiful patina. It’s the “hand” of the leather – a term used to describe the softness and feel of the fabric which is very important. Using your sense of touch and smell is a simple yet important test. And if you are after a name then we look no further than Barenia leather – one of the most precious and beautiful to work with.

Yes we really look at the stitching!

Ok, so you have never paid that much attention to the stitching on your bag. It’s simple – look for six to eight stiches per centimeter and, if you have them on your bag, it is likely to show a finer hand. Always look for a good strong cotton - for the best quality, it will generally be run through beeswax first which acts as both a lubricant and will also make the cotton waterproof. Found some irregularities in the stitching on the bag? Lucky you! You're most likely the owner of a hand-stitched piece.

There are more to handles than you might think...

The 'light' - what’s that? It’s the distance from the top of the bag to the top of the handle – we talk about this all the time in design!
Next time you look at a bag, look for a good strong light as it gives the room to carry the bag comfortably in your hand or on the shoulder without leaving red marks on your skin!

Hardware is King!

So we may like a little or a lot of bling on our bags – it’s the hardware that’s always King. We always look closely at the hardware on any bag. It’s all about weight.
The next time you pick up a bag, just feel the weight of the hardware on it. It should be weighty, ideally made of brass and then coated in a precious metal. If the hardware is light or sounds hollow when you tap your finger on it, generally inferior materials have been used.