A little care goes a long way. With a few simple habits, your favourite shoes and bags can stay looking good season after season. Here is our general guide by material. Always check the label or product description first, and test any product on a small, hidden spot before using it on the whole piece.
Suede
Suede is soft and beautiful, but it does not like water or heavy rubbing.
- Brush it gently with a soft suede brush to lift the nap and remove dust. Always brush in one direction.
- For small marks, try a suede eraser or a clean, dry cloth before anything else.
- A suede protector spray can help it resist water and stains. Spray from a distance and let it dry fully before wearing.
- If suede gets wet, blot it with a dry cloth, let it dry naturally away from heaters, then brush it once it is dry.
Leather
Smooth leather is easy to live with if you keep it clean and nourished.
- Wipe off dust and dirt with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry it.
- Every now and then, use a leather cleaner and conditioner to help keep the leather supple and stop it from cracking.
- Polish or cream in a matching colour can refresh small scuffs on shoes.
- Avoid harsh household cleaners, which can dry leather out.
Faux leather
Faux (synthetic) leather needs less care than real leather, but a gentle hand still helps.
- Wipe it with a soft cloth and a little mild soap and water, then dry it straight away.
- Leather conditioners are not needed and some are not made for synthetic materials, so check the label.
- Keep faux leather away from strong heat and direct sun for long periods, as it can crack or fade.
Satin and bridal shoes
Satin and embellished shoes are delicate, so treat them as the special pieces they are.
- Keep them in their box or a soft dust bag, away from light, to avoid marks and fading.
- For small spots, dab gently with a clean cloth. Do not rub, as rubbing can damage the fabric.
- Try your wedding shoes on at home on a clean floor before the day, so the soles stay fresh.
- Check any stones, beads or bows before wearing, and store the shoes so decorations are not pressed.
Looking for your wedding pair? Browse our shoes and check the size guide before ordering.
Storing shoes and bags
- Store shoes and bags in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
- Use dust bags or boxes to keep dust off, and give each pair a little space so they are not crushed.
- Stuff bags with tissue paper to help them keep their shape. Empty them first, as heavy items can stretch the handles.
- Shoe trees or rolled paper help closed shoes and boots keep their shape.
- Let shoes air out after wearing before you put them away.
- Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage, as they can trap moisture.
Rainy days
- On wet days, choose smooth leather or synthetic shoes and bags, and keep suede and satin for dry weather.
- If your shoes get wet, remove excess water with a cloth, stuff them with paper to absorb moisture, and let them dry naturally at room temperature. Change the paper if it gets soaked.
- Never dry shoes or bags on a heater or with a hair dryer, as strong heat can warp soles and crack materials.
- Once dry, clean and condition leather to bring it back to life.
A few everyday habits
- Rotate your shoes so each pair has time to rest and dry out between wears.
- Use a shoehorn with closed shoes to protect the heel counter.
- Check heels and soles from time to time and have them repaired by a cobbler when needed.
- Do not overfill your bag, and hang or set it down carefully to protect the straps.
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