How to reanimate an old suede purse?
July 21, 2018 6:31 AM   Subscribe

The bag in question is over a decade old, but I keep wondering if I can't do something to make it presentable again because the shape and number of pockets is perfect. Construction-wise it's held up the best of the bags I own, but after a couple of years of wear it looks... decidedly shabby, and not in a chic way.

The original dark blue suede has patchily faded to a dirty grey, and in may places is shiny from wear - this is particularly noticeable on the sides, the outside lower parts of the front and on the handles. I can't quite capture the problem in photos. I've tried a foam cleaner meant for suede and brushing with a suede brush - no measurable improvement.

What can I do to either make it look better, or make it over so that the shabby suede looks intentional? It's the only bag I ever found where I didn't break the handles or inside pockets within 6 months!
posted by I claim sanctuary to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (8 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: That's a really great bag! I had two bags in worn condition and went to a repair place that was recommended by a high-end leather goods shop. They said they could fix both of them; one came back really satisfactory and one not so much. With the first it was mostly a matter of re-dyeing and minor repair; with the second they actually added some structure and I didn't like the result. Your bag is so nice the way it is, I would try to just get a thorough professional reconditioning, redyeing and some minor stitching and not let them touch the structure of the bag.
posted by BibiRose at 7:29 AM on July 21, 2018 [2 favorites]


If you have the label, you might be able to find it on eBay. I have a standing search for my favorite discontinued skirt, and I periodically find one in like-new condition.
posted by FencingGal at 8:11 AM on July 21, 2018


Suede collects dirt and crud. Get a short-bristled brush and brush it frequently to keep it clean. Over time, it sags. Use a skirt hanger to hang it upside down to stop it from sagging more. If there is a Very Good dry-cleaner in your area that has experience with suede, getting it cleaned might make the suede a bit stiffer again. It might be possible to open the lining, and re-add some kind of sizing to the back of the suede to bring back some body, that's beyond my experience.
posted by theora55 at 8:58 AM on July 21, 2018 [1 favorite]


This might be expensive, but I would consider taking the bag to someone who works with leather to have them make me an identical new bag using the old one as a pattern and salvaging the hardware to use on the new suede or leather bag. A shoemaker might be able to do it. If you have the sewing skills and a sewing machine, you might be able to do it yourself, though you'd need to use a fabric or vinyl rather than leather or suede.
posted by orange swan at 3:23 PM on July 21, 2018 [1 favorite]


Best answer: I think you could easily get several more years out of this bag with just a simple dye job and a professional cleaning/conditioning. I got good results using the arbitrarily chosen Angelus Suede Dye to redye a scruffy pair of black suede shoes. The color came out nice and even and flattened out the shiny worn spots. If you really love the bag, you might want to get it dyed professionally, especially with a handbag that will be rubbing against your clothes.
posted by yeahlikethat at 11:42 AM on July 22, 2018


I just want to encourage you on your search to find someone who can save the bag. I have a pair of white/gray patent leather heels 10 years old, scuffed and going yellow- but that matched everything and the shoe part was in perfect condition, just not the leather. I loved them so much. I asked maybe 3 really TOP shoe restoration people and all said it was impossible- all they could do was a clean... then I sent them to Paris and they came back- clean? But definitely not restored at all. Then I had a long long email conversation about various issues with a sofa restoration gentleman and he suggested I contact the handbag clinic in Leeds. Well? 2 years later (from when my search started) I have a pair of exact color restored perfect shoes (they aren’t shiny any more, which was expected) but I am here to tell you, don’t take no for an answer, just keep trying and maybe send them to the handbag clinic- or talk to them anyway.
posted by catspajammies at 12:13 PM on July 22, 2018 [1 favorite]


This was expensive though- 90 euros for the Paris treatment and 150 euros for the successful restoration. But I could have looked for years and never find a pair as wonderful so I was happy to pay.
posted by catspajammies at 12:16 PM on July 22, 2018


Response by poster: I ended up dropping the bag off at a local 5àSec franchise for a "premium" restoration service and just picked it up after two weeks. The handles are still shined smooth and the colour (after a phone consultation with the restorer) is deep denim blue instead of the original blue-grey, but the restored suede is stunning. And it cost under 25 euro! If not for this question I wouldn't even think of searching for professional handbag restoration services.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 9:45 AM on August 21, 2018 [1 favorite]


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