"Made in Italy" appears on many leather bags, but what does it actually mean, and how do you recognise a women's leather bag that is worth the money? This guide explains what is behind the label, how "Italian leather" differs from "Made in Italy", and what to check when you buy a leather bag from Italy. At the end we answer the questions customers ask us most, including what to do if your leather bag gets wet.
What does "Made in Italy" mean on a leather bag?
"Made in Italy" is a statement of origin. It tells you in which country the bag was made. Under EU rules of origin, a product is considered to come from the country where it underwent its last substantial transformation; for a bag, that is where leather, lining and hardware become the finished bag. The claim must be accurate and a reputable seller can back it up through its supply chain.
Origin labelling is not compulsory for bags in the EU. A bag without it is not necessarily poor, but you simply do not know where it was made. Our bags are handmade in Florence, Italy, and every product page states this under Origin.
Italian leather or Made in Italy: the difference
The two are often confused:
- Italian leather describes the material: leather tanned and finished in Italy.
- Made in Italy describes where the finished bag was made.
A bag can contain Italian leather and still be sewn elsewhere, and "Made in Italy" on its own says nothing about the type of leather. Always read the product details, not just the name. Our guide on how to tell real Italian leather goes into more detail.
What to check before you buy
1. Material and finish
Smooth leather looks classic and shows the natural character of the hide. Croc-embossed leather has a pressed pattern that adds texture and keeps small everyday marks discreet. Quilted leather is softer and more elegant for evenings. See our croc-embossed leather bags and quilted leather bags.
2. Measurements in centimetres
Photos can mislead. Compare width, height, depth and handle drop. The Maxima Croco Tote measures 48 × 30 × 14 cm, has a handle drop of about 26 cm and takes a 15.6" laptop plus A4 documents. Read more in what fits in a 15.6-inch laptop tote.
3. Hardware, stitching and lining
Hardware should feel solid, and stitching should run evenly with no loose threads. A well-fitted lining, such as the suede lining of the Maxima, protects your laptop and screen.
4. Delivery
Free delivery to Europe, the UK and the USA: 1–3 business days in Europe, 2–5 in the UK and 3–7 in the USA.
Why Florence?
Florence has been a city of leather for centuries, and it is where we design every bag: clean lines, quiet details and shapes that do not date after one season. Read more in why Florence is the home of leather craft.
Our women's leather bags, made in Italy
- The Maxima Croco Tote: the croc-embossed Italian leather work tote in black, grey, red, camel and white, for laptop, office and weekend.
- The Navona Classic: the structured top-handle bag in smooth black full-grain leather with the gold AF logo, also worn crossbody with its removable strap.
- The Alita: the compact quilted shoulder bag in white for evenings, weddings and polished days.
Browse all our leather bags, our Italian leather laptop and work bags or our leather tote bags.
Ready to choose? Browse our Italian leather bags, from leather tote bags for women and leather shoulder bags to Italian leather work bags and laptop totes, all handcrafted from full-grain leather and delivered free to Europe, the UK and the USA.
Frequently asked questions
What is Italian leather?
Leather tanned and finished in Italy. Italy has a long leather tradition, especially in Tuscany around Florence, and Italian leather is known for its feel, its colours and the way it ages.
My leather bag got wet. What should I do?
Blot it with a soft, dry cloth, fill it loosely with paper so it keeps its shape and let it dry at room temperature. Do not put it on a radiator or use a hairdryer, as heat dries leather out. Once dry, apply a little leather conditioner.
Can a leather bag get wet?
A few raindrops will not harm it if you dry it properly afterwards, but heavy rain should be the exception. See our leather care guide.
How do I care for a black leather bag?
Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth, apply a thin layer of colourless leather conditioner a few times a year and keep it out of sun and heat. See our black leather bags.