Hermes is a company known for its high-quality leather products. But one question many people have is whether or not the Togo leather used in their bags is water resistant. In this article, I conducted a test and research, and I’m ready to share all that I found with you!
To answer my main question briefly, Togo leather is made from the hides of calfskin, and its finishing makes it resistant to water. Because of this, Togo leather is very easy to maintain. However, this does not mean that your Hermes Togo leather bag will be 100% waterproof.
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of my investigation so you can be as prepared as possible when carrying your Hermes around in all kinds of weather or during cleaning routines.
Reasons Togo Leather Is Water Resistant
Here are a few of the main reasons Togo leather is water-resistant;
1. Togo Leather Is Calfskin Leather
Calfskin leather is already known to be resistant to water. Calfskin is a young cowhide that’s been carefully tanned to maintain its natural strength and elasticity.
Calfskin is also used to make other types of water-resistant leather, like chamois. So, you can rest assured that Togo leather is just as resistant to water, if not more so.
So essentially, your Hermes Togo leather bags are water resistant due to the fact that the leather is made of calfskin.
2. The Finishing Makes Togo Leather More Water Resistant
Togo leather has a special finishing process that makes it even more water-resistant.
During this process, a polymer is applied to the surface of the leather. This polymer creates a barrier that helps repel water.
Also, Togo leather is treated with polishes that further help to protect it from water damage.
So, the finishing touches that Hermes puts on their Togo leather definitely make it more resistant to water than other types of leather.
3. Togo Leather Has A Tightly Interwoven Fiber Structure
Togo leather has a very tight weave, which also helps to make it water-resistant.
This is because the tightly interwoven fibers don’t allow water to penetrate the surface of the leather as easily.
As we all know, natural leathers, because they are made of animal skin, will have a fibrous layer that is usually porous.
The pores on the surface of the leather can allow water to seep in, which will cause the leather to swell and change shape.
However, because Togo leather has a tight weave down its fibers, even if your Togo leather bag gets wet, the water will have a harder time seeping in and causing damage.
4. Togo Leather Has A Very Smooth Fine Grain Surface
The grain surface of leather is the outer layer that you see when you look at the leather.
Togo leather has a very smooth grain surface. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons why Hermes Togo leather is so sought-after.
This smooth grain surface helps to create an extra barrier against water. So, even if water does come into contact with the leather, it’s less likely to cause any damage.
Caring for Your Hermes Togo Leather Bag
Now that we’ve gone over some of the reasons why Togo leather is water resistant let’s talk about how you can care for your Hermes Togo leather bag to keep it in pristine condition.
Benefits of Togo Leather Being Water Resistant
There are a lot of perks to having water-resistant leather like Togo.
It Makes It Very Easy To Maintain
One of the best things about Togo leather is that it’s very easy to maintain.
This is because you don’t have to worry about water damage as much as you would with other types of leather.
Togo leather is also resistant to dirt and stains, so you can just wipe it down with a damp, lint-free cloth if it gets dirty.
This makes Togo leather the perfect choice for those who want a premium leather bag with low maintenance that will still look great after years of use.
It Gives Togo Leather The Ability To Hold Shape Much Easier
Another benefit to Togo leather’s water-resistant properties is that it has the ability to hold shape much easier.
Leather generally loses its shape when it gets wet or damp.
This is because water causes the leather to swell, which changes its original shape.
However, because Togo leather is more resistant to water, it’s less likely to change shape when it gets wet.
So, if you’re looking for a leather bag that will keep its shape over time, Togo leather is a great option.
This also means it is easier to fix slouchiness when they do occur.
Resists Color Fading Caused By Water Damage
Another common problem with leather is that it can fade in color if it gets too wet.
This is because the water causes the dye in the leather to bleed out, resulting in a faded or discolored appearance.
However, Togo leather is much more resistant to color fading caused by water damage.
It Makes It Resistant To Stains
Togo leather is also resistant to stains. This is because the tight grain surface of the leather doesn’t allow liquids to penetrate as easily.
So, if you accidentally spill something on your Togo leather bag, it’s less likely to cause a stain.
This makes Togo leather a great option for those who are looking for a leather bag that is easy to keep clean.
Makes It Durable
Togo leather is also very durable. This is because the tight grain surface of the leather makes it more resistant to scratches and scuffs.
So, if you’re looking for a leather bag that will withstand the rigors of daily use, Togo leather is a great option.
Caring For Togo Leather
Here are a few tips to help you give your Togo leather bag the best care possible:
1. Use A Lint Free Cloth To Dust It Regularly
One of the best ways to keep your Togo leather bag looking its best is to dust it regularly with a lint-free cloth.
This will help to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the surface of the leather.
2. Wipe It Down With A Damp Cloth When It Gets Dirty
If your Togo leather bag does get dirty, you can simply wipe it down with a damp, lint-free cloth.
This will help to remove any dirt or grime that has built up on the surface of the leather.
3. Avoid Getting Your Togo Leather Bag Wet
Even though Togo leather is water resistant, it’s still best to avoid getting your Hermes Togo leather bag wet if at all possible.
Water can still cause damage to the leather, even if it’s not as likely as with other types of leather.
So, if you know you’re going to be in a situation where your Togo leather bag might get wet, it’s best to take some precautions.
4. Wipe Up Any Water Spills Immediately
If you get your Togo leather bag wet, it’s important to wipe up any water spills immediately.
Allowing the water to sit on the surface of the leather for too long can cause the water to seep gradually into the fibers and cause damage.
5. Don’t Use Commercial Products On Togo Leather
Hermes recommends that you only use their special leather care products on Togo leather.
Commercial products, even those that are marketed as being safe for leather, can still damage the surface of the leather.
So, it’s best to stick with Hermes’ special care products to keep your Togo leather looking its best, or take it to Hermes to have it professionally cleaned.
6. Store Your Togo Leather Bag In A Cool, Dry Place
When you’re not using your Togo leather bag, it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place.
Direct sunlight and heat can cause the leather to fade and eventually crack. And as we all know, humidity is leather’s worst enemy.
So, make sure to store your Togo leather bag in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it.
Final Thoughts
Togo leather is a great option if you’re looking for a Hermes bag that’s water-resistant leather.
This is because Togo leather is made from calfskin and has a tight grain surface that doesn’t allow liquids to penetrate as easily.
So, if you’re looking for a Hermes leather bag that is easy to keep clean and resistant to water damage, Togo leather is a great option.
