Get the latest gossip

How to restore a leather handbag at home

Handbag rescue videos are one of TikTok’s most wholesome, soothing trends. And as a professional handbag repairer confirms, the results are achievable at home too

While I scrolled for vintage Coach on my phone, I had tabs open on my computer for the products he recommends – saddle soap, a horsehair brush and leather conditioner. Photograph: wildernesstyler/TikTokCoach bags from that era were made with full-grain leather and solid brass hardware, materials that respond well to a little bit of care but are by no means exclusive to Coach. Tyler did not respond to requests to comment for this piece, but I cross-referenced his techniques with advice from Jessica Jarrett, the operations manager of SoleHeeled, a professional shoe and hand-bag repairer, on the best way to restore leather handbags at home.

Get the Android app