Florence, Italy, is often hailed as the world capital of leather craftsmanship. The city’s rich heritage, artisan markets, and storefronts promise top-tier goods that scream authenticity. But as I discovered during a week-long exploration — spending over €3,300 on 12 leather items — not everything in Florence is as “Made in Italy” as it appears.

The Dream of Italian Leather vs. Reality

When you hear "Florence leather," your mind instantly jumps to fine craftsmanship, vegetable-tanned hides, and multi-generational family artisans. Buying leather here seems foolproof — it’s Italy, after all! But there’s a catch: the “Made in Italy” label can often be misleading. Some products are made with imported leather, some are assembled elsewhere, and others are simply not leather at all.

Exploring the Florence Leather Markets

My journey began in Florence’s famous street markets — vibrant, tourist-filled, and overflowing with leather bags, jackets, and wallets. Here, I spoke with travelers who were lured in by flashy deals and charming vendors. One visitor from Miami bought a backpack for €100 and considered the deal fair, even if the quality didn’t quite match the Italian leather reputation.

Another tourist walked away with multiple bags, only to find that one was plastic and the others weren’t far off. The leather market, while colorful and exciting, proved to be a mixed bag — literally.

Stepping Into Established Leather Shops

I then moved on to more established stores in the city, randomly selecting a few to test quality, pricing, and transparency. In one shop, a wallet originally priced at €40 dropped to €30 with just one question — a red flag in itself. The craftsmanship felt mediocre and resembled mass-produced items available online for less.

In contrast, when I visited a 4.9-star-rated shop, the difference was clear. The staff explained details about vegetable tanning, showed certificates, and let the products speak for themselves. The smell, texture, and aging process of the leather aligned perfectly with what you'd expect from true Italian artisanship.

Behind the Curtain of “Made in Italy”

A high-rated store claimed to produce its items in Santa Croce — Florence’s renowned leather district. But when I asked to visit the workshop, I was met with excuses like “everyone’s on vacation” or “too busy,” raising my suspicions. If you're proud of your craftsmanship, why hide it?

Another shop, Vale Leather, with equally high reviews, restored my faith. They displayed certified Tuscan vegetable-tanned leathers and explained how to identify genuine Italian products. This store featured multiple Italian brands and a refreshing level of honesty.

Genuine Artisans and Iconic Brands

Among all the visits, Il Bisonte stood out. This Florence-based brand offered beautifully aged vegetable-tanned leather bags that were clearly crafted with care. Their tote bag, priced at €495, was a great example of fair pricing for genuine Italian quality.

I also rediscovered Benheart, a store I stumbled upon that left a lasting impression. Their woven leather shoes were among the most comfortable I’ve worn, and the founder’s inspiring story made the experience even more special. The craftsmanship was flawless, and I left with a new appreciation for modern Italian design.

A Return to a Personal Favorite

Years ago, I bought a pen case and card holder from a small artisan I found by chance. Returning to his shop this time was like a full-circle moment. Watching him touch up the very same pen case he made years ago, talking about vegetable-tanned leather with such passion — it was a reminder of why handmade goods matter.

A Stop at the Ferragamo Museum

No Florence leather journey would be complete without a nod to Salvatore Ferragamo. I visited the brand’s flagship store and museum, learning about its 368 patents and iconic heritage. I left with a pair of Tramazzo shoes, priced at €1,150. It’s a steep price, yes — but the materials, comfort, and story behind them justified every cent.

The Final Purchase — and a Surprise

At the Rome airport, I stumbled upon Piquadro, an Italian brand with stylish leather travel gear. Their €480 backpack, though made outside Italy, was meticulously designed and executed. While it wasn’t made in Florence, it showed how Italian design can shine even beyond its borders.

Ranking the Leather Goods

Once back in my studio in Ubrique, Spain, I reviewed all 12 leather goods:

Low-tier leather wallet (€30): Likely not made in Italy. Price matches quality — basic, but not Italian-standard.
Mid-range bag with certificate (€280): Genuine Tuscan leather. Worth every euro.
Leather jacket (€240): Questionable origin. Feels like Pakistani or Indian craftsmanship.
Il Bisonte tote + accessories (€495 + wallet & belt): Truly made in Italy. Exceptional quality.
Benheart shoes (€390): Premium craftsmanship. One of the most comfortable I’ve worn.
Credit card holder (wet-formed) (€85): Artisan masterpiece. Possibly underpriced.
Ferragamo shoes (€1,150): Top-tier fashion and heritage combined.
Piquadro backpack (€480): Made outside Italy but superb design and execution.

What You Need to Know Before Buying Leather in Florence

Florence offers everything — from the cheapest faux leather to museum-quality goods. What sets the best apart?

Trust your senses: Smell, touch, and inspect the details.
Ask for certificates: Genuine Italian brands proudly offer them.
Price is a clue: True Italian craftsmanship comes with a higher price tag.
Check the shop: High reviews and clear transparency matter.

Final Thoughts: Leathertainment in Florence

This trip reminded me that while Florence is a leather lover’s paradise, it's also full of marketing traps. If you want real Italian leather, you must know what you're looking for, ask the right questions, and follow your instincts.

Whether you’re shopping at a street market or a flagship store, leather is all about the feel. And as I like to say: Leather is a feeling thing. You don’t need to know — you just need to feel.

Until next time, stay leathertained.

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Guest

Jul 28

What an interesting read! I will be in Florence at the end of august and was wondering if you might be willing to share the artisan who made the credit card holder. I’m not an influencer, just interested in good quality!

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