Handbag Materials Tips

Straw Handbags

Straw handbags are perfect for anyone looking for a casual, summer look. Since straw is not an expensive material, these handbags are usually very affordable. However, you should be prepared to pay more for a straw bag with a designer label. Although straw purses can be used year round, they are more appropriate for the summer months. Some types of straw bags are very fragile and should be treated extremely carefully. To care for your straw handbag:

• Always keep it in its dustbag when not in use. Straw can easily weather with age so you definitely want to protect it from the elements. Take special care that the straw doesn't begin to unravel.
• Clean your straw bag carefully with a damp cloth.

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Silk Handbags

Silk handbags are elegant and sophisticated and are perfect for formal events. Be careful because silk purses are very delicate and can stain easily; you may not want to use your silk handbag as an everyday bag, and instead save it for special occasions. If you notice your silk handbag is getting dirty or has a stain on it, your best bet is to take it to the dry cleaners. Never put it in the washing machine or dryer.

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Knit Handbags

Knit handbags are perfect for people of all ages. Not usually the best purse option for a formal event, knit handbags are great for an afternoon of shopping or for traveling. One of the best things about knit handbags is that many people actually choose to make the purses themselves. Some complicated looking knit purses are actually quite simple to make. You can go to any craft stores and find the patterns and other materials so that you can easily knit your own purse. A search on the Internet will also give you a lot of advice on how to knit your own bag. However, if you'd rather purchase a knit handbag than make it on your own, there are plenty of great ones you can buy. Always read the tags on your bag before washing. Some knit handbags are okay to go in the washing machine but some require that you hand wash them. When in doubt, hand wash your knit handbag or bring it to the dry cleaner. You should never put your knit handbag in the dryer as this may cause shrinkage.

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Suede Handbags

Suede handbags are extremely stylish and can usually dress up any look. Even canvas bags or bags manufactured with other types of fabric often have some sort of suede detailing or decoration. The downside to suede is that it can become dirty very easily and the material is difficult to clean. For the best results when cleaning your suede handbag:

• you should bring it to a professional dry cleaner. Even then, the cleaner may not be able to make your bag look like new again so you should always take extra care to keep your bag clean to begin with.
• If you want to clean your suede handbag on your own, buy a special suede cleaner sold at many designer handbag stores. Ask a store employee if you need help choosing the best one.
• Never use a leather cleaner or protector on your suede bag.
• for an easy, quick cleaning of suede details, try rubbing the material with an eraser. This will not do a perfect job but may help to lessen the staining her discoloration.

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Leather Handbags

Leather is one of the most popular materials with which handbags are made. Because leather can be quite expensive, many people consider having a leather handbag a status symbol. If you want your leather bag to last a lifetime, you must be certain to take proper care of it. To care for your leather handbag:

• Try to keep your purse in its dustbag as this will prevent the bag from getting dusty or from having any type of liquid spill on it.
• Using a leather conditioner on your bag a few times a year will help it remain durable and shiny. This will also prevent the leather from cracking.
• If you spill any type of oil or grease on your leather purse, try grinding up blackboard chalk and sprinkling it over the stain. Leave the chalk on the stain for 24 hours before brushing it away.
• Avoid using any shoe polishes or waxes when cleaning your leather handbag.
• When in doubt, take your handbag to a professional cleaner as you don't want to cause damage to your bag.

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Plastic Handbags

Plastic handbags are perfect for anyone looking for a fun, casual look. First popular in the 1940's and 50's, they can have a cute retro look and they can also be great for a fun children's handbag. Plastic purses won't usually help you dress up an outfit so if you're going to a formal event you will probably want to choose an option other than plastic. Not just for functional purposes, some people actually choose to collect plastic handbags as they often have fun retro designs or cartoon characters on them. Plastic handbags can be bought at an extremely low price, but if you want a real vintage plastic bag, you'll need to be willing to shell out a bit more. Sometimes adorned with fake fur or feathers, mini plastic totes are the perfect favor for a child's birthday party. The best thing about plastic handbags is how easy they are to care for. Simply wipe the bag with a wet cloth and a gentle cleaner.

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Canvas Handbags

Canvas handbags are great for a casual look but can also be dressed up for a night on the town. Canvas is an ideal material because it is so easy to care for. If you get stains on you canvas bag or just need to give it a general cleaning:

• Don't put the bag in a washing machine; always hand wash your canvas handbag.
• Use a gentle fabric cleanser. Woolite is usually a good choice with which to clean your canvas bag.
• When air drying your bag, stuff it with tissue paper or newspaper so it retains its shape. Do not put bag in dryer.
• Be sure not to iron your canvas handbag.

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