A HEIGS bag is made to be used, not spared. Our pieces are built from natural cotton canvas and undyed, full-grain calfskin — materials chosen precisely because they improve with life. Here is how to let them.
Undyed calfskin wants to age
Left in its natural state, full-grain calfskin develops a patina: a deepening of tone and softness that no factory finish can imitate. Sunlight, hand-oils, the ordinary marks of use — these are not damage. They are the record of a life carried well.
Keep the leather dry where you can, and let it breathe — store the bag out of direct heat, loosely filled to hold its shape. A clean, dry cloth handles most everyday marks. Condition sparingly, once or twice a year, with a neutral leather balm; over-conditioning does more harm than neglect.
Natural canvas
Untreated cotton canvas is forgiving. Brush away dust with a soft, dry brush, and treat the occasional spot with a little cold water and patience — blotting, never rubbing. Let it air-dry away from radiators. Small shadows and softening at the corners are, again, the bag settling into itself.
The house philosophy
Some objects are made to be admired. Ours are made to accompany a lifetime — one artisan, made start to finish in France, for a Swiss house born in Bern. Cared for simply, a HEIGS bag is not something you replace. It is something you keep.
