What Is Epi Leather?
Epi leather was not that popular a while ago but then, Louis Vuitton started making bags using this leather and made it famous. Epi leather is basically vegetable-tanned leather that has stamp patterns all over it. Vegetable tanning could be done on cowhide, full-grain, or top-grain, and then coated using the vegetable tanning method that is produced with natural plant extracts. This process turns the hide into wearable leather that is durable, smooth, and soft. Many imperfections such as wrinkles and scratches are also fixed during the process. Calfskin is known to be softer and more supple as compared to cowhide which makes it a better option for turning into Epi leather. The identical texture of horizontal lines throughout the leather really stands out as it’s not just great to look at but the special feel of it is also something unusual in a good way.
Louis Vuitton, the fashion company came up with the Epi leather inspired from a leather trunk crafted back in 1926. The company took a risk with this venture as they had never worked with leather before. However, the handbags made out of Epi leather took the popularity of this brand to new heights. Their textured epi leather bags became a staple accessory for every closet in no time.
What Kind Of Leather Is Epi Leather?
Epi leather is often categorized into two sections by fashion brands; Classic Epi leather and Epi Electric Leather.
Classic Epi Leather was introduced by Louis Vuitton in 1985 and it came with a unique and strong textured pattern of horizontal lines. It instantly became popular among people and is still going strong. The dying process of this leather is also unique using all-natural elements i.e. the dyes are extracted from barks and juice which makes the epi leather even more special.
Electric Epi Leather, on the other hand, has comparatively bigger texture lines & clearer interlacing and comes in a more polished, shiny finish. The finishing is done using such dyes and oils that make the leather water and scratch-resistant. How cool is that? You get a leather bag that looks stunning and will last for a long time. This one is also a bit easier to clean, thanks to that bigger texture design.
Is Epi Leather Waterproof?
With so much treatment and coating of chemicals or in this case, plant derivatives, leather can be water-resistant to some extent. Epi leather is treated with waxes and then coated with dyes to create a textured pattern, it not only brings out the real charm and beauty of the leather but also makes it waterproof and resistant to scratches and heat damage. However, this does not mean that you can carry your epi leather bag in heavy rain or put a water bottle in it with a loose lid. Always, always be careful.
How Do You Clean Louis Vuitton Epi Leather?
Just like every other piece of leather accessory, epi leather also needs to be taken special care of. Always use cleaning products that are specifically made for leather items i.e leather detergent and leather conditioner. If you see a stain on your accessory, try to get rid of it asap before it sticks there forever. And while cleaning, be gentle, and don't forget to apply leather moisturizer once in a while to prevent dryness and stiffness.
Hope your favorite Epi leather bag lasts a lifetime and you keep enjoying its company. If you ever need a change and look for a tote or a laptop bag, try mont5. You won’t regret it.
