How a Touch of Vintage Leads to Bags of Style

Quality Considerations

• Top-quality leather bags have several layers of padding and support in between the interior and exterior, giving the leather a plush, cushy feel (see the description of Leiber bags here).
• As with a great suit, the interior of a top-of-the-line bag is as beautiful as the exterior. The best examples are lined in fine suede or silk. Lesser bags are line in nylon. At the lowest end, they’re unlined.
• The surest give-away of an inferior bag is cheap hardware. Make sure all buckles, clasps, zips and bolts are solid metal rather that cheap moulded or plastic substitutes, especially on hot-name fabric bags whish are easy to counterfeit.
• Finer bags often have magnets helping clasps grip.
• The clasps on great bags usually ‘thunk’ together in a heavy, satisfying way, while on cheaper bags the attachment is flimsy.
• The finest framed bags (those designed to keep their shape no matter what) often have four rounded metal ‘rest’ on the underside.
• Real leather takes a tiny scratch (do this discreetly on a hidden part) and smells like leather. Vinyl resists scratching and smells like nothing.
• Straps should be stitched together rather than glued.
• All stitching (unless decorative) should be tiny and regular.
• If you opt for straw bag, select one with a distinctive pattern and tight weave, with all raw edges carefully bound.
• Beaded and sequined bags are som common at vintage it makes sense to hold out for perfection. Metallic mesh is a sturdier alternative.
• Fabric bags should show the same kind of seaming and overall workmanship seen in fine clothing.

See also How a Touch of Vintage Leads to Bags of Style - Style Considerations.