At Late to Work Studio, our pieces are created to be lived with. Materials are chosen for how they feel, soften and wear in alongside you. Take a closer look at the leathers we use, and how to care for them below.
Leather types
Top-grain cowhide
Textured and durable. Our heavy-grained cowhide has a pronounced, consistent grain with minimal surface finishing, giving it a structured feel that ages gently with use.
Top-grain nappa
Supple and exceptionally smooth, nappa is known for its fine grain and fluid feel. Ours is sourced from a Leather Working Group Gold-rated tannery and lightly finished to retain its flexibility, allowing the leather to relax and develop character over time.
Top-grain suede
Velvety and tactile, suede is defined by its softly brushed nap, giving the leather depth and a rich, dimensional appearance. Sourced from a LWG Gold-rated tannery, our suede has natural variations in the nap that shift subtly with touch.
Second-layer cowhide
Buttery and relaxed from the outset. Our second-layer cowhide has a smooth surface and softer structure, giving pieces an easy, lived-in quality that becomes more pronounced with use.
Some styles also feature a patent leather finish, creating a distinctive high-shine surface with added resistance to water, stains and light scratches.
Any closures, finishes or material details specific to each style are noted on individual product pages.
How to care for leather
Leather is a natural material. Like all things in nature, it responds to the way it’s treated. A bit of gentle care will help in preserving its strength and appearance.
For grained or smooth leather
- Use a leather-safe cleaner or moisturiser, applied to a soft cloth—not directly onto the leather.
- Always spot-test products in an inconspicuous area first.
- For added protection, you can use a leather-safe protective spray to help guard against water and surface stains.
For suede
Suede is naturally more delicate and benefits from a little extra care to protect its soft, textured finish.
- Gently brush with a suede brush to remove surface dirt and maintain the nap.
- For added protection, use a suede-safe water and stain protector, always spot-testing first.
- If your suede gets wet, gently blot away excess moisture and allow it to air-dry naturally, away from direct heat. Once dry, lightly brush to restore the nap.
- Due to the nature of suede, some colour transfer may occur, particularly with friction, moisture or contact with lighter-coloured materials. Take care when wearing against light clothing and surfaces.
For all leather
- Store your bag in its dust bag and, if you want to maintain its shape, gently stuff it with soft paper or bubble wrap.
- Keep silica packets inside while storing to help prevent excess moisture, and occasionally air the bag out to maintain freshness.
To avoid
- Don’t let moisture sit—wipe it away immediately.
- Avoid products containing alcohol or harsh chemicals, as they can dry or discolour the leather.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to water, direct sunlight, or heat, as these may alter colour or accelerate ageing.
Stainless steel jewellery
Our stainless steel jewellery is designed for everyday wear. It's tarnish-free, water-resistant, and extremely low-maintenance.
Care tips
- To keep the shine at its best, occasionally wipe with a soft cloth.
- Avoid contact with strong chemicals (perfume, hairspray, cleaning products) where possible.
Storage and longevity
Whether it’s leather or jewellery, storing pieces properly helps them last:
- Keep items in their original protective pouches or dust bags.
- Avoid storing bags or jewellery in damp areas.
- For leather pieces, keep out of direct sunlight when not in use to prevent fading.