What is it about leather handbags that make them so intriguing? They come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and styles. Maybe it is the butter soft material they are made from. There is also a fashion status attached to a good leather handbag. Many famous fashion conscious women carry them, making them even more popular. A nice bag that completes an outfit can give someone a little extra confidence as they go about their day.

Leather in its most basic form is made from the hide of an animal. First they are cleaned to remove the hair and any other debris. These hides are stretched and tanned through the use of a chemical process. During this time, depending on the process and chemicals used the type of leather produced is determined. It can be from very soft leather to suede to hard stiff leather depending on how it is treated.

Fashion designers use this leather to make many products, not just handbags. There are also shoes, belts, and hats. So an entire ensemble can be achieved. No one wants to have the wrong shoes with the right bag. Leather is a very durable material that can withstand the every day use, wear, and tear the average person can put on it. It is one of the reasons leather is such a popular material to use in clothing. There are still many vintage leather handbags out there, and rarely do they go out of style.

Leather goods are made to last a lifetime. But you have to take care of them. The best way is to keep them clean and supple with the use of a good leather cleaner. Leather cleaners can smell bad so if you are planning to use your bag on the weekend it would be better to clean it earlier in the week. Before cleaning your bag with any product it is always recommended to test it on an area that won't be seen.

Just in case the cleaner is too harsh and changes the color or texture of the leather. Usually after a good cleaning your handbag will look brand new. There are many animal rights groups that are trying to ban or just discourage people from the use of leather in fashion. Some of these groups are very aggressive and will try to destroy animal goods by throwing paint on them. Or just make the owner feel immense guilt over the use of leather.

What these groups are fighting against is an age old tradition. The earliest man made his clothing from the hides of the animals he killed. In most cases these animals are not killed just for the hide, the whole animal is used for a variety of purposes. Most importantly they are used for food.