How to Wear and Care for Patent Leather ?

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Patent Leather is experiencing a bit of a comeback, and I for one am stoked about it. Maybe it's the little girl in me, but I never really got past being attracted to shiny shoes - or anything shiny, for that matter.

What Exactly is Patent Leather?

Patent leather is basically a leather that has been coated with a high gloss finish, so that it has exceptional shine. Patent leather shoes are relatively easy to care for, but be certain to use products actually made for this type of material, rather than "home remedies" such as petroleum jelly. Urad manufactures leather care products, and has some great tips for maintaining patent leather:

Patent leather
Red patent leather
GENERAL INFORMATIONPatent leather is normal leather with a high gloss finish. To obtain this hard, glossy surface, in the final steps of tanning, a varnish or lacquer is applied. This process was invented by an American named Boyden .The use of the word Patent most probably refers to the meaning of protection, and ironically, Mr. Boyden omitted patenting his inventions and did not benefit financially on the invention of the process to “patent leather”...Because of its glossy finishes, patent leather is very popular for dance shoes and tuxedo dress shoes. But it is also used for hand bags, purses, apparels, and, even for some sexy clothing or garments...Although very easy maintenance, Patent leather is not the most comfortable leather and its hard finish varnish is not very breathable. But, its unique high gloss and its classy and sexy looks are more then enough to keep high demand for this type of leather.

PATENT LEATHER MAINTENANCE TIPSThere are only two simple steps to care for patent leather: cleaning and shining. Cleaning is easily done with a mild soap and a wet cloth or ideally using shoe polish (Urad's gentle leather cleaner).

Some advantages of using shoe polish are to prevent the side effects of chlorine and minerals contained in water and to dissolve any dirt or grease accumulations. This should be done after each use; otherwise this dirt starts attacking the varnish, eventually reducing its shiny finish. At the very least dust should be removed with a dry, but very soft cloth (chamois or shoe shine cloth).

Cleaning the leather as above will go a long way in keeping your patent leather shiny. But applying VERNICE will go the extra mile! This will give it the “red carpet” glow!

VERNICE (pronounced VERNI-TCHEI) can be applied with a soft cloth. Spray and spread the VERNICE evenly and leave to dry. It dries in only a few seconds and there's no need for buffing.

VERNICE is liquid silicon that protects and shines. Another benefit, especially for dance shoes, it lubricates leather and helps prevent scuffs marks and scratches. It will not stay greasy so it can also be used on purses, belts etc..

Do not use grease or Vaseline!! Sure it shines for a few minutes but then, literally a minute later, dust starts sticking to it, it starts looking kind of muddy. There goes the shine, the class and the sex appeal !
Black patent leathermen shoes
Patent leatherblack dress shoe and purse
CONCLUSIONChic, elegant, classy and sexy are words that can fit many type of leathers but, when it's time to dress-up, patent leather shines!

When to Wear Patent Leather Shoes?

So caring for patent leather is simple, but wearing patent leather can be a little tricky. First, let's dispel some myths about this wonderful surface. While the shine of patent leather lends itself to dressy occasions, shiny leather footwear is not just for tuxedos or black tie events. Casual shoes and boots, such as Dr. Martens come in patent finishes that completely rock with jeans. Patent leather also isn't necessarily always the right choice for a dressy event. The shine of the shoes can make a shoe seem too bulky or heavy for very elegant dress. Patent leather shoes used to be considered more of a spring or summer footwear choice - luckily, in these "anything goes" times, those of us who like a little extra polish, are free to pull on patent shoes or boots whenever the mood strikes us.

How to Wear Patent Leather Shoes?

My favorite looks for patent leather are either all out shine, or used as accents. Patent shoes, paired with a wide patent belt and bag can give a totally retro-mod look, while patent leather accents on shoes of other fabrics are a more subtle way to work patent leather into your wardrobe.