The difference between Togo and Epsom leather

Epsom leather stands out due to its embossed grain surface, structural stiffness, and ease of cleaning. In contrast, Togo leather features a distinct veiny grain surface and appears slouchy when used for items such as clutch, bags.

Togo Leather:

Togo leather is crafted from the hide of a baby calf or calfskin, resulting in a lighter and easily shape-holding leather. Introduced by Hermès in 1997, Togo is a practical choice for those seeking easy maintenance. Its exterior showcases a soft pebbled finish, offering a combination of smoothness and pronounced graininess. The veining varies in depth, depending on the specific batch of Togo leather. This leather type is popular for Birkin bags due to its lightweight nature and excellent shape retention. Togo leather’s visual appearance includes vertical veins and a light-reflective quality, making it less prone to displaying scratches. Furthermore, it is easy to refurbish if damaged.

Epsom Leather:

Epsom leather, introduced in 2003 as a replacement for Courchevel, features an embossed grain surface, unlike other natural leather types. It doesn’t reflect the original animal grain patterns, giving it a laminated appearance. Items made from Epsom leather, such as bags, are stiff, lightweight (compared to Togo), and highly durable. Epsom leather excels in resisting scratches and is easily cleaned with a damp cloth. It retains its shape consistently over time, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers who require durable travel bags.

Comparison:

When comparing Epsom and Togo leather, several factors come into play:

Color: Epsom absorbs color well, resulting in products with richer and brighter hues compared to Togo leather.

Feel: Epsom leather feels dry with a subtle shine, standing out from other leather types. Togo leather has larger grainy bumps and a rich, traditional leather feel.

Capacity: Togo leather, due to its slouchy nature, accommodates more items, making it suitable for larger bags. Epsom leather’s stiffness limits its capacity and is better suited for smaller items like wallets.
Beauty: Both leather types offer unique aesthetics, with Togo’s veiny appearance contrasting with Epsom’s embossed grain patterns. Customers appreciate the quality of both, even though they are not among the most expensive exotic leathers.

Durability: Togo leather is slightly heavier than Epsom leather, but both are highly durable and resistant to scratches. Additionally, they are easy to clean and maintain.

Commonalities:

Epsom and Togo leather share several characteristics, such as being sourced from animals, scratch resistance, excellent shape retention, a wide range of color options, a similar price range, and ease of cleaning and beautiful colors.

Care Tips:

Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth for regular cleaning, and for tough stains, employ a damp cloth or sponge with mild soap and water, avoiding excessive moisture or harsh chemicals.

Conditioning: Apply a leather conditioner designed for these leathers to maintain their softness and moisture.
Storage: Store bags in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, using dust bags or breathable fabric covers to prevent dust and dirt.

Maintenance: Regularly inspect bags for wear and tear and seek professional repair if needed.

In conclusion, both Epsom and Togo leather are excellent choices, but the decision should be based on personal preferences and lifestyle. Togo leather is ideal for those who prioritize accommodating more items, a slouchy grainy appearance, and travel-friendliness. On the other hand, Epsom leather is suitable for those who prefer a stiff, structured look with minimal space for essentials.