Do you find it difficult to distinguish Saffiano from other fine leathers? Then this article is for you. Find all the information you need to know about Saffiano in this handy guide.
A long staple of any luxury shop, this Italian textured leather is known for its durability and elegant crosshatch finish. It is a premium product that usually has a high price tag at retail.
In this guide, we will first answer the question "What is Saffiano leather?". Next, we look at the history, key uses, pros and cons, and manufacturing process of this coveted textured leather. And to keep your elegant Saffiano products looking new for a long time, we give you a few tips on cleaning and care.
What is saffiano leather?
Saffiano is a type of pressed, textured leather that uses a special embossing process to create the desired grain. Essentially, the tanner uses a custom-built Saffiano embossing machine to emboss a distinct cross-hatch pattern - the product's most iconic feature.
Any type of leather can be hidden under the finish, from vegetable tanned to vegan to PVC and PU. As long as the leather is cross-hatched, it's officially considered "Saffiano," and the manufacturer proudly embroidered that illustrious title on the label.
Saffiano leather is wax coated and not dyed (although it is sometimes dyed and waxed). Since the crosshatch hides the underlying leather and any imaginable color can be added to the resin, the dying process is virtually eliminated.
The wax coating makes Saffiano particularly durable and gives it its typical shine. In addition, wax-coated leather is easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for everyday use.
While saffiano is incredible in many ways, the right, high quality doesn't come cheap. And even if an inferior part of the hide is used, the manufacturing process is labor intensive and requires expensive machinery.
The origins of Saffiano leather
A certain Mario Prada (sounds familiar?) started the Saffiano story in 1913 with the help of his brother Martino. The style-savvy siblings ran an upscale leather goods shop called Fratelli Prada (Prada Brothers) in Milan, selling everything from handbags to accessories to English steamers.
Fratelli Prada quickly earned an excellent reputation among aristocratic customers for its superb craftsmanship and aesthetically pleasing leather goods.
Over the years, the duo noticed an increasing demand for luxury accessories from Europe's elite traveling around the world. To capitalize on this, they set out to develop a new type of durable, high-quality leather. The brothers teamed up with one of Milan's best tanneries to develop a unique pressing method for high-quality calfskin. After extensive experimentation, they succeeded in developing Saffiano crosshatch, which is still used today.
In 1913, the brothers launched their first (and patented) Saffiano handbag. Sleek and durable, the accessory became an instant hit with European royalty and the travel elite.
The Saffiano style was so successful that in 1919 Prada became the official supplier to the Italian royal family and a globally recognized brand. Elements of the coat of arms of the Italian royal family can still be found in the brand's logo today.
Since the patent has long since expired, other brands have also started making leather goods in the characteristic Saffiano style. While Prada still uses high-quality calf leather, many competitors are making cheaper versions from more affordable alternatives (e.g. Saffiano PVC or vegan leather). Nowadays it's more about the look than the material used or the method.
Possible uses of Saffiano leather
Saffiano is tough, durable and blessed with a beautiful, lustrous appearance. It is the perfect choice for high quality leather accessories. Its hard, unyielding nature makes it particularly suitable for handbags and purses - you won't find this premium product on items of clothing such as jackets or pants.
The most common products made from Saffiano include:
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handbags
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briefcase
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suitcase
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laptop bags
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tote bags
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satchel
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cases
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wallets
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purses
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watch straps
Benefits of Saffiano Leather
So what makes this particular type of crosshatch leather so great? Let's take a look at the main benefits of Saffiano leather.
longevity
Is Saffiano leather durable? Yes, it does. Thanks to its strong wax surface, Saffiano leather can withstand the scratches that naturally occur with everyday use. And if slight scratches do occur, they are hardly visible due to the coarse, hatched pattern. In addition, the stiff surface does not soften so easily, even under heavy use.
Easy care
The semi-gloss wax ensures that most dirt and grime does not stick to the surface in the first place. You may need to clean it occasionally, but not every day. And unlike other types of leather, the surface is very easy to clean because no special preparation is required.
water resistance
Leather and water don't usually mix well - but Saffiano leather is an exception. The synthetic wax finish ensures that small amounts of water will bead right off the surface, making it suitable for regular outdoor use. But is Saffiano leather "waterproof"? Not quite. You still need to protect it from heavy rain.
Attractive aesthetics
In addition to its alluring crosshatched texture, Saffiano boasts a brilliant, lustrous sheen. This glamorous aesthetic makes it look extra elegant on accessories. Have you ever wondered why Saffiano leather handbags are so popular? Now you know.
How is Saffiano leather made?
If you're a leather fanatic, you might be interested in how Saffiano is made.
What is the exact process to achieve the coveted crosshatch look? Below we go through the process in four steps.
1. Preparation
In a comprehensive tanning process, the skins are processed into leather and prepared for commercial use. Although Saffiano leather is not typically dyed, some brands add their signature colors directly to the skin, creating a visual contrast when using a translucent finish.
2. Heating
There is no point in pressing a crosshatch pattern onto stone cold leather as the fibers are not flexible enough to be embossed. To loosen them up, the leather processor first heats the material to around 70 °C.
3. Pressing
Special machines with large metal plates etch a hatched pattern into the hot leather. Since the pressing machines require an enormous amount of force, the process does not take long, usually only around 15 seconds.
To achieve the desired result, each surface must be etched with a mirror image plate - the same concept applies to casting a coin with a stamp.
4. Completion
The freshly pressed leather needs to cool down before it is given a finish. The most common option is the ubiquitous wax finish, which protects the surface from damage and gives it that signature shine.
How to clean saffiano leather
One of the great things about Saffiano leather is that you don't have to clean it often. As with patent leather, the smooth top layer allows dirt to simply slide off.
However, over time, some dirt will inevitably stick to the surface. But don't worry, because Saffiano is easy to clean. Start with a damp cloth or microfiber cloth and wipe gently in straight strokes. Baby wipes also work well.
Pro Tip: No matter how safe a cleaning method appears to be, always test it on an inconspicuous corner first. Even a harmless microfiber cloth could potentially transfer color to the surface - the last thing you want is expensive leather goods accidentally stained.
Sometimes it is difficult to remove dirt that has become lodged in the grooves between the scars. In this case, take a damp brush with soft bristles and gently stroke the grain. Don't try too hard, though, or you might accidentally scrub away the shine.
Heavy soiling may require a commercial stain remover. While industrial detergents can remove any stain in the world, they can also ruin your expensive leather. Opt for a cleaner specifically designed for Saffiano leather, or a compatible product.
How to care for Saffiano leather
Although Saffiano leather doesn't need much maintenance, there are a few things you can do to extend its life.
- When you're not using your Saffiano bag, stuff it with crumpled newspaper or old rags to keep it in its original shape.
- Store your Saffiano leather in a dust bag to keep it clean.
- Apply a protective cream approved for Saffiano leather to protect the surface from water damage and stains.
- When using the product, keep it away from sharp objects, e.g. B. of kitchen utensils and jagged pieces of steel.
PS:
So is this textured leather the right choice for you?
That depends on what you're looking for. This high-quality product belongs to the category of small travel and lifestyle accessories.
If you're looking for a smooth, textured leather bag that's tough enough to withstand the rigors of modern life, Saffiano is a solid choice.