Our harnesses, collars and outfits come in genuine leather or faux leather: the material is shown on each product page. Both last for years with a little care, but they are not looked after in quite the same way.
Genuine leather
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth. For a stain, dab with a barely damp cloth, without rubbing.
- Never use household soap, alcohol, solvents or latex products: they dry out and discolour leather.
- Condition the leather two or three times a year with a smooth-leather lotion or balm, in a thin layer; test on a hidden area first.
- If the leather gets wet, let it dry flat in the open air, away from radiators and sunlight.
- Never machine wash or tumble dry it.
Faux leather
- Wipe with a damp cloth and, if needed, a drop of mild soap; wipe again with a clean cloth and dry.
- No solvents, alcohol or shine products: they make the surface sticky or cause it to crack.
- No need to condition it; just keep it away from heat and direct sunlight, which harden it.
Rings, buckles and metal parts
- Wipe them after each wear to remove sweat, then dry them well to avoid tarnish marks.
- If you wear your harness over latex, do not store the metal touching the latex: some metals, such as copper and brass, leave permanent stains on latex.
Storage
- Store your pieces clean and dry, flat or hanging, in a breathable fabric cover, away from light.
- Never store leather in a plastic bag: it needs to breathe and could go mouldy.
- Do not store leather or faux leather pressed against latex: separate them with a piece of fabric, as dyes can transfer.
Allergies: leather, chromium and nickel
Leather allergy does exist: it is most often caused by the chromium used to tan most leathers, more rarely by dyes. In the European Union, the chromium VI content of leather articles in contact with the skin is limited to 3 mg/kg (REACH regulation). Metal rings and buckles may contain nickel, one of the most common contact allergies. If you are allergic to chromium or nickel, wear these pieces over clothing rather than on bare skin, stop wearing them if redness or itching appears, and see a doctor if it persists. Datex contains latex: see our latex allergy guide.
More advice in our guides.