Colombian leather is rooted in a tradition that’s thousands of years old, where the indigenous peoples used cowhides from their kills to stay warm throughout the winter. They kept their leather clothing in prime condition by slathering animal fat over the hides to keep them soft and supple. Now, Colombia is known worldwide as one of the best sources for leather goods, rivaling countries such as Italy and other top leather producers for the highest quality hides.

So what makes Colombian leather brands different? Let’s take a look at the defining traits of a full-grain Colombian cowhide.

The climate and altitude the animals live in means there are fewer insects to bite them, leaving fewer scars and imperfections in the skin. Because the weather stays temperate throughout the year, the animals are rarely stressed by heat. This encourages the cows to develop thicker hides, which makes for more durable leather. Colombian cattle produce beautifully textured hides in a range of bold colors, making them an ideal choice for minimally processed leathers in their most natural state.

The Full Grain Difference

At Le Donne Leather, we only use the finest cuts of full grain leather for our handbags. Full-grain leather is sourced from the outermost layer of the cowhide, where the fibers are tightly interlinked for increased durability. That means only the hair has been removed, leaving the natural appearance of the skin intact. Cheaper leathers have been buffed and sanded down for a smoother look, making them easier to work with. The trade-off is they lose some strength and durability in the process, as well as the ability to resist moisture.

Unrivaled Durability

Full-grain vaquetta leather is sourced from the toughest parts of the hide that are difficult to tear. That means with routine cleaning and care, your handbag can last for decades without giving out on you. At Le Donne Leather, our handbags are handcrafted with rugged hardware and hardy Colombian leather that can stand the test of time.

Improves with Age

Full-grain leather is the only type of leather that gets better with age. Colombian Vaquetta leather gets softer over the years for a velvety touch you can enjoy every time you run your hand across your bag. It will also develop a rich patina and unique markings as it absorbs oils from your skin and responds to wear. Because Colombian leather has impressive longevity, you can continue to carry it for years and watch it improve over time.

Easy Maintenance

Colombian vaquetta leather’s natural strength and moisture resistance make it the easiest leather to clean and maintain. You only need to clean and condition it monthly to keep it in good shape. Stains can be prevented with prompt treatment.

Made with Love for Over 30 Years

Le Donne Leather is one of the top distributors of Colombian Leather in the U.S., and all of our goods are produced from the finest vaquetta leather hides in our factory in Bogotá, Colombia. We take pride in producing high-quality bags and accessories all for an affordable price so everyone can enjoy the luxury of fine leather goods.