Ceci's Topics

Covering an ecletic variety of informative miscellany from our resident Trivia Maven

Clothing designers and manufacturers tie their production lines to the seasons of the year, so the serious bargain hunter tries to hit the stores at the end of the season when the sales abound.  Years ago, department store buyers followed rigid and set-in-stone guidelines; no self-respecting, fashion conscious consumer would be caught dead in white after Labor Day and by October, wool was "in".  So for those of us who lived in warmer climes, the end of summer sales meant we needed to hit the stores in order to stockpile our closets with lighter weight wear that would hold us over until spring when the designer cruise lines would appear.

With the advent of the internet, we are no longer tied to the whims and foibles of outrageous designers.   We can find "wear" ever, whenever, whatever we need just by surfing the web and clicking a button.  And speaking of "surfing", one can always find a bathing suit in the "dead" of winter, as well as a parka in the heat of summer.  Plug in a keyword (a word that describes) and with a touch of your mouse, away you go to anywhere in the world to find that necessary or "can't live without" item. 

Waterproofing Your Leather

If you need to waterproof your item, there are four methods for leather:

1. Oil Based:  This method softens the leather, makes it more plyable and makes it more rip proof. 
2. Wax Based:  This method is good for waterproofing riding boots, but you need to reapply the wax regularly and make sure to buff the excess wax off.  If you don’t, it can attract dirt and grime.  Major drawback to this method is that it cuts down the breathability of the leather and once the boots are wet, they will take longer to dry.  Your feet will also not get as much air when you sweat.  This method is only recommended for boots.
3. Silicone Based:  Silicone treatment is recommended only for boots with a Gore-Tex liner because it is more breathable than wax based treatment.  Silicone can break down stitching and glue; will stiffen the leather when exposed to low temperatures and does not aid in conditioning.  Silicone will also cause your leather to give off fumes while drying.  And last, but not least
4. Water Based Fluoropolymer:  This treatment comes in a spray can and can be used leather that has been previously treated with another method of waterproofing.  It dries quickly, repels stains and does not change the appearance of the leather.  It does not condition the leather and should be tested in an inconspicuous area first if you are concerned with staining.  Leading authorities have rated this method the best.

Remember this simple rule when buying leather:

Look for garments with as few seams as possible.  Stitched seams can become weak spots as the leather ages and this can invite leaks.