Oh that's also an interesting point! Do you think you'd be more inclined to use the bag more often when it's had some wear and tear as compared to something totally pristine?
Thoughts on well-used bags?
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Oh that's also an interesting point! Do you think you'd be more inclined to use the bag more often when it's had some wear and tear as compared to something totally pristine?
I am fine with slouch and wear that I myself add to a new bag over its lifetime. About buying preloved, I almost exclusively don't anymore. I learned a big lesson with my last vintage bag: there's wear, and there's too much wear. Sometimes you don't know until you've bought the thing. The fine line between them is subtle, but I can tell when a bag says, "I gave up."
It depends on the leather type, bag, and the type of wear. I love the look of well-worn, natural leather, but it needs to be clean and the patina even. I ease up in the rotation when I start to see signs of structural impact though, like stretching or scuffing that can't be maintained through leather conditioner and buffing though.
Yes, exactly! My Proenza is quite 'relaxed,' especially the straps on the flap. But I don't mind that, it looks good on this bag. My Prada Saffiano tote, however, sports a few scratches and some corner wear and it isn't as structured as it once was, and that's about how far I'm willing to take it. When I'm not wearing it (which is most of the time after the pandemic hit...) I keep it stuffed so that it doesn't lose more of its shape. I never really handled the Cabas ChYc (unfortunately
It's a beautiful bag,) but I think it's the kind of style that's sort of in the middle... It sags quite charmingly. IMO, it looks great when it's new and just as great when it's slouchy. I personally wouldn't dye any of my bags or buy one that's been dyed, even by a professional. I feel like the leather is just isn't the same after this procedure. Perhaps I've just come across poorly dyed ones, so YMMV, of course
I buy 90% preloved. There is a big difference between worn out and worn in. I'm ok with bags that are lightly worn in with gentle use, but worn corners and dirty linings and leather cracking are a huge turnoff. Some unstructured and soft leathers (like older Bals) are supposed to look more worn so I try to always look at older bags from brands to see how they're supposed to age.
That's a good question. Finding some wear (from me) made me actually treat them with more care and use them more occasionally because I do want to keep them beautiful. To me they're wearable works of art, and I wouldn't want to trash a Picasso. So they've become more special occasion bags, definitely in use but not knockabout bags either
I agree with this. When I bought my Miu Miu mini bow, I knew I wanted it to be pre-loved because to me, that style bag just looks so nice even when it's a bit worn.
For my Chanel classic WOC GHW, I bought it from the boutique, but I don't think I would have bought it preloved unless it was in superb condition because it feels much more formal and structured. Creases or scuffs wouldn't suit it very well.
For my Chanel boy RHW, it's an edgier looking bag already and the RHW has an aged feel. I know that boy bags tend to get a lot of scuffs around the edges even if you're very careful, so for this bag, I was actually relieved to buy one that already has some wear. This way, I wouldn't have to go through the horror of noticing it go from brand new to a bit scuffed (I usually won't buy a bag if I have to baby it; it has to be extra special). I also got an amazing deal so, for me, it was worth it to be a little worn to get a discount. TBH, I don't even notice the scuffs unless I get up close and really look for them.
I feel like I kind of embrace the well-used look for everyday bags but would dislike it for more formal bags
For me I tend to go for pebbled / textured leather because I think they can go for longer without showing significant signs of age. I do have smooth leather bags and I tend to baby them. I can’t stand heavily-scratched and creased smooth leather and scratches are inevitable for me because I have long nails 
. I do keep a milk crate full of leather dyes, cleansers, moisturizers, stain repellents, etc. to do my own rehabbing and maintenance if needed.
I’ve tried to buy preloved and if I can’t clean and moisturizer the scuffs and marks away, I sell them. Something about I don’t know where the wear came from bothers me deep down. I’d rather buy new and know how the wear and tear came to be.
. I do keep a milk crate full of leather dyes, cleansers, moisturizers, stain repellents, etc. to do my own rehabbing and maintenance if needed.I’ve tried to buy preloved and if I can’t clean and moisturizer the scuffs and marks away, I sell them. Something about I don’t know where the wear came from bothers me deep down. I’d rather buy new and know how the wear and tear came to be.
I actively wear all my bags and I actively care for my bags.
I absolutely won’t carry a bag that’s dirty or lost structure. Nor will I carry a bag in need of significant repair (obvious scratches, etc.) These bags get touched up / repaired to like new or sold.
I will deal with normal wear and tear - very minor scratches or rubbing that can’t be seen from a normal distance. But, even with those I’ll do maintenance/ get them serviced to get as close to new looking as possible.
I like taking care of all my things well because I get optimum enjoyment. I don’t drive a dirty car, have a messy home, go out with my hair a mess, etc. My things don’t own me by any stretch - they serve me. So, I want the best experience possible.
I absolutely won’t carry a bag that’s dirty or lost structure. Nor will I carry a bag in need of significant repair (obvious scratches, etc.) These bags get touched up / repaired to like new or sold.
I will deal with normal wear and tear - very minor scratches or rubbing that can’t be seen from a normal distance. But, even with those I’ll do maintenance/ get them serviced to get as close to new looking as possible.
I like taking care of all my things well because I get optimum enjoyment. I don’t drive a dirty car, have a messy home, go out with my hair a mess, etc. My things don’t own me by any stretch - they serve me. So, I want the best experience possible.
it becomes easy for me to use a bag that already has some wear on it, or else i would be too much careful with a new bag.
I purchased 4/5 bags directly from the retailer this year and 1/5 new with tags from a reseller, and that is typically the only way I buy something pre-loved anymore. I don’t want to buy a bag that already looks worn (misshapen, creased, obvious flaws, etc.) and I definitely can’t do dirty linings or odors. Normal wear and tear doesn’t bother me as much when I’m the cause of it.
I think any brand once it gets popular they thin the leather or materials. The materials goes up too so they take it out in their production and up the price which is so unfair for us consumers. Its the same with anything even with food in restaurant. They serve smaller and pricier. In jewelry they thin out the gold too. It happens to everything!