Leather Care guide

Everyday Care + Maintenance

  • Gently dust your leather item with a dry, soft cloth. If wet, blot immediately and let air dry. Leather is sensitive to water, stains, and color transfer. 
  • Optional: Apple Brand Leather Care Rain & Stain Repellent—always test in a hidden area first. 
  • Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and friction that may cause color transfer. 

Spot cleaning

  • Use a soft, damp cloth to gently clean the surface in light circular motions. Avoid scrubbing or applying excessive pressure. 
  • Let leather air dry; never apply heat. 
  • Note: Some stains may not fully clean from semi-aniline or aniline leathers. 

Annual Cleaning + Maintenance 

  • Follow everyday care and spot cleaning instructions first. 
  • Apply a leather balm or cream (e.g., Chamberlain’s Leather Milk Formula No. 1) once a year or as needed. 
  • Use a soft cloth in light circular motions, testing first in a hidden area. Conditioners may darken or cause uneven color—avoid over-conditioning. 
  • Navigator

    Infused with oils during tanning, Navigator leather offers a rich, smooth hand feel and distinctive pull-up effect that reveals tonal variations with creasing and wear. Its rugged surface develops character over time, showing marks from daily use. As an untreated leather, it is sensitive to water, stains, and color transfer. Natural markings and color variations make each piece uniquely yours.

  • Vachetta

    Premium leather crafted using traditional vegetable tanning. Features a smooth texture and rich, varied tones that develop a unique patina over time with use and exposure to the elements. As a naked, untreated leather, it is prone to water damage, staining and color transfer. Natural markings like scars, scratches, and wrinkles vary from piece to piece. Leather color variation is common making each piece unique.

  • Natural

    This smooth, premium leather features a buttery hand feel and subtle sheen. Over time, it develops a rich patina from exposure to sunlight and daily use, enhancing its character. As a naked, untreated leather, it is sensitive to water, stains, and color transfer. Natural markings like scars, scratches, and wrinkles vary from piece to piece. Leather color variation is common between batches, and ensures each item is uniquely yours.

  • Natural Grain

    This premium leather is soft yet full-bodied, showcasing natural grain and tumbled pebble texture. Over time, it develops a patina from sunlight and environmental exposure, enhancing its unique character. As a semi-aniline leather, it is prone to water damage, staining, and color transfer. Natural markings like scars, scratches, and wrinkles vary from piece to piece. Leather color variation is common between batches, and ensures each item is uniquely yours.

  • pebbled

    This full-grain leather boasts a textured pebble deboss that enhances its visual appeal while offering exceptional durability. As a natural material color may vary from batch to batch. A semi-aniline finish helps the leather maintain its rich color and provides better resistance to everyday wear and natural sun discoloration. This leather combines beauty and resilience in perfect harmony.

  • nubuck

    Nubuck is a durable, top-grain leather that is buffed on the outside to give it a velvety feel.

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Some things get even better with age

Shinola leather may develop a rich patina over time, with certain types aging especially beautifully. Each piece gains character and depth as it adapts to your daily life, crafted to last a lifetime.