Materials & Care Guide

Close-up of red leather surface with gold text reading 'Yan-Yak, England' at the bottom

Vegetable-tanned leather

Vegetable-tanned leather is one of the most traditional and sustainable methods of tanning leather. This Leather is dyed or tanned using plant-based tannins found in tree bark and leaves.

This leather is full of character, meaning each hide has its own natural variations in tone and textures. We see these not as imperfections but as valued features, that give each bag its own identity.

Over time, your bag will develop a rich patina – a surface that changes with use. Scratches, creases and sun exposure all leave their mark, telling the story of how the bag is carried.

As your bag ages simple care will preserve its character and durability because we want this to be a bag you carry for life.

    • Keep the bag away from direct sunlight, heat and excessive humidity.

    • Avoid contact with liquids, such as oils, make-up and alcohol based products which may stain.

    • If wet, dab immediately with a soft, dry cloth, without rubbing and let it air dry naturally.

    • Store your bag in a cool, dry place when not in use, ideally in a dust bag.

Close-up of a gold chain and a black leather strap with a gold buckle on a leopard print fabric.

Haircalf

Haircalf leather is crafted from calfskin with the hair left intact. We print a leopard pattern on the leather using a gentle process that keeps its natural feel.

Haircalf is durable yet soft and its natural hairs provides a soft luxurious feel to the touch. 

Haircalf is a natural material, variations in the hair pattern and texture are to be expected – these are features which add to its own character.

    • Keep dry, if wet blot gently and air dry.

    • Avoid, oils, make up and liquids that could stain or affect the print.

    • Handle gently to avoid rubbing that can wear down the hair  and print.

    • Keep the bag away from direct sunlight, heat and excessive humidity.

    • Store your bag in a cool, dry place when not in use, ideally in a dust bag.

Close-up of a yellow fabric label inside a bag, with black text that reads "Yan Yak" and smaller text below that reads "England".

Suede

Our Suede is crafted from calf leather or pig leather. We use the calf leather for the exterior of bags and the pig leather to line the bags. 

Suede has a smooth, velvety surface which provides a soft velour feel to touch yet is durable.

Suede is a natural material which means there will be slight colour variations and hair follicles on the suede surface. These are not imperfections but part of the natural patina of the skin.

    • Keep dry. Suede should avoid contact with water or oils. If your bag gets damaged by water or oils take it to a leather dry cleaning  specialist.

    • Waterproofing sprays can help to protect the suede from light contact with water, although we recommend this is applied by a professional.

    • If the bag gets surface dirt. You can use a gentle, clean, soft, dry  brush to clean the pile. Brush away from the residue.

    • Store your bag in a cool, dry place when not in use, ideally in a  dust bag.

Cross-stitch embroidery of pink and yellow roses with green leaves on black fabric.

Needlepoint

Our needlepoints are one of a kind and sourced from French  flea markets. Meaning each piece is different and vintage. We select each needlepoint carefully but be aware that there might be small signs of wear and tear as these are vintage items.

    • Avoid excessive friction. Needlepoint can snag if rubbed against rough surfaces. 

    • Keep dry, if wet blot gently and air dry.

    • Spot clean carefully. Use a soft brush or cloth with cold water to  remove dirt or stains. Dab rather than rub. 

    • Store your bag in a cool, dry place when not in use, ideally in a  dust bag.

Close-up of brown cotton canvas fabric.

Cotton canvas / Cotton twill

Some of our bags have a cotton twill or cotton canvas lining. Our cotton canvas lining is from Halley Stevenson in Dundee, Scotland and is made with BCI cotton. Our cotton twill is from Sevenberry and is made in Japan. 

Our cotton canvas is abrasion resistant, rain resistant and tough making it an ideal lining for our totes. Our cotton twill has a softer hand feel making it perfect for our Pat Pillow pouch. 

    • Keep dry and avoid moisture. If the lining gets wet, spot clean only. Use a soft cloth with cold water to gently remove surface marks and then allow to air dry fully.

    • Avoid, oils, make up and liquids that could stain or affect the lining. Ideally carry these in a pouch inside your bag. 

    • Store your bag in a cool, dry place when not in use, ideally in a dust bag.

Gold chain strap on white textured background.

Brass hardware

Your bag is finished with brass hardware. Each piece of brass hardware will age uniquely (tarnish), reflecting how you carry and use your bag. Tarnishing is a natural property of brass, and we consider it part of its natural charm.

    • Wipe regular with a soft dry microfibre cloth to remove oils and  prevent oxidation

    • Keep dry & avoid moisture. Water can cause brass to oxidize and accelerate tarnishing. If it gets wet, dry immediately with a soft cloth. 

    • Store your bag in a cool, dry place when not in use, ideally in a  dust bag.