Leather in Florence | Don’t Be Fooled | Be Smart

Leather in Florence

Buying real leather in Florence is a bit overwhelming. When you walk through the streets, almost every third store seems to be selling leather goods. Jackets, handbags, wallets, etc. can be found hanging in an array of colors, styles, and designs.

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Decisions On What To Buy

Let’s look at purchasing a jacket. You need to ask yourself:

• Do I want an “Italian” leather jacket, one that is made in Italy?
• Do I want an  “Italian leather” jacket, that is made with Italian leather? from Italy? From Florence?

The Allure of Florentine Leather: A Timeless Tradition

Florence and leather: a pairing as iconic as David and his slingshot. But this connection goes far deeper than souvenir shops. Leatherworking in Florence boasts a rich history, with its roots tangled in the very fabric of the city’s development. So, before you succumb to that perfectly crafted bag, delve into the fascinating story behind Florentine leather.

A Walk Through Time

Florence’s love affair with leather began in the Middle Ages, fueled by two key factors: plentiful cattle in the surrounding Tuscan countryside and the mighty Arno River. This waterway provided the “tanners” (essential figures in the leatherworking process), with a steady supply of water. However, tanning wasn’t exactly a pleasant business. The pungent fumes from the process relegated these tanneries to the city’s outskirts – particularly the Santa Croce district. Street names like Via dei Conciatori (Street of the Tanners) and Via delle Conce (Street of Tanning) still echo this industrial past.

But these stinky beginnings paved the way for a flourishing industry. By the thirteenth century, Florentine artisans formed the Arte dei Cuoiai, a leatherworkers’ guild. These guilds, a hallmark of medieval Florence, safeguarded trade secrets, ensured quality, and fostered a spirit of innovation. This focus on quality and craftsmanship propelled Florentine leather to prominence throughout Europe.

Fast forward to today, and Florence is synonymous with leather goods. The city boasts plenty of shops, from high-end boutiques to bustling markets like San Lorenzo. But amidst this abundance, a question arises: Is it all genuine Italian leather?

The Truth Behind the Label: Navigating the Leather Labyrinth

Unfortunately, not everything labeled “leather” in Florence is created equal. Mass-produced, lower-quality leather goods can find their way onto shelves. Here’s how to be a savvy shopper:

• Feel the Difference: Real leather has a distinct texture. It should feel supple yet firm, and it will develop a beautiful patina with age.
• Look for Imperfections: Unlike machine-made perfection, genuine leather often has slight variations in color or texture. These imperfections are a mark of authenticity.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to engage with the shopkeepers. Reputable vendors will be happy to answer questions about the origin and tanning process of their leather.
• Ask friends and family for recommendations: Like us, we have a wonderful rapport with Massimo Leather and frankly, we wouldn’t purchase anywhere else. Unless Massimo advised us, of course.
• Seek Out the Guild: The Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) is a haven for traditional Florentine craftsmanship. Here, you can witness artisans working their magic and purchase exquisite, handcrafted leather goods. It’s a fun place to visit and located right behind Santa Croce church.

Beyond the Label: The Soul of Florentine Leather

While recognizing genuine leather is important, the true magic lies in the Florentine approach. It’s a commitment to time-tested techniques, meticulous attention to detail, and a dedication to quality that transcends mere labels. This passion is evident in the beautiful stitching, the rich dyes, and the timeless designs that grace Florentine leather goods.

So, is all Florentine Leather Real?

There’s a chance you might encounter imitations. But by familiarizing yourself with the signs of quality and seeking out reputable sellers, you can ensure you’re taking home a piece of Florentine history – a genuine leather product that embodies the legacy of this remarkable city.

Price of Leather in Italy

Jackets that cost under 200€, may indeed be made in Italy…. however, the leather may have come from another country. You need to investigate and find out if the jacket is “Italian” and “real” leather, OR if has it been “sewn” in Italy. Not easy to do when standing in a leather store as you are relying on the store owner for this information. So what to do?

Our Experience

Gary was after a leather jacket and I wouldn’t consider us just average shoppers. We knew we didn’t want to purchase from one of the market vendors, our preference.  We were given a recommendation by a fellow blogger who lives in Florence.

The owner Massimo speaks English and was just wonderful. Actually, the entire staff is great and there is no pressure to buy when you enter the store. We even met Massimo’s wife, Collette… what a really nice couple!

While Gary was trying on a few jackets, ya… I did too! Massimo gave us a nice deal for the two jackets and even did an alteration, at no charge on our jackets. I would return to this store the next time we visit Florence. They have become friends and we visit them every chance we can. We highly recommend this wonderful couple.

Pelletteria Massimo Leather

Via Borgo La Noce, 13/R
50123 – Firenze, FI
Tel. +39 055218634
Email: massimoleather@gmail.com

Website: http://www.massimoleather.com

In Conclusion

Remember, a genuine Florentine leather good isn’t just a souvenir; it’s an investment in quality, a testament to timeless tradition, and a reminder of your unforgettable Florentine adventure.

_{Editor’s Note:  This post was initially published in August 2017, and was updated in July 2024 for accuracy and additional information.}