Every Shibari Sir piece is cut, dyed and finished by hand in our Queensland workshop, and made to last a lifetime. Good leather is a natural material: it breathes, moves and ages with you. A few minutes of care keeps it supple, strong and beautiful for years.
The basics, for all leather
- Keep it dry. If your leather gets wet, blot it with a soft towel and let it air dry naturally at room temperature. Never use a hair dryer, heater or direct sun to speed it up, as heat makes leather stiff and brittle.
- Wipe, don't scrub. After use, wipe the surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then let it dry. Avoid household cleaners, alcohol wipes and soaps, which strip the leather's natural oils.
- Condition regularly. Every 3 to 6 months, or whenever the leather feels dry, rub in a small amount of good leather conditioner with a soft cloth. Let it soak in, then buff off any excess. A little goes a long way.
- Let it breathe. Store leather somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight. Avoid plastic bags and airtight boxes, which trap moisture and can cause mould. A cotton bag or open shelf is ideal.
- Look after the hardware. Our hardware is stainless steel or solid brass. If it gets wet, dry it off. Brass will develop a natural patina; polish it with a brass cleaner if you prefer it bright, keeping the cleaner off the leather.
Natural veg tan leather
Natural vegetable-tanned leather is the most alive of all leathers. It starts pale and deepens to a rich honey or tan over time, from sunlight, handling and the natural oils in your skin. This patina is part of its beauty and makes every piece uniquely yours.
- Light-coloured leather shows marks more easily. Keep it away from oils, lotions and dark fabrics that can transfer colour.
- A single drop of water can leave a darker spot. If that happens, dampen the whole panel evenly with a damp cloth so it dries to one even tone.
- Natural leather drinks conditioner, so it may need it a little more often than dyed leather. Expect conditioner to darken it slightly.
Hand-dyed leather
Our coloured pieces are dyed by hand and sealed to lock in the colour. Each one has natural variation in tone, which is part of its character.
- The first few wears: a small amount of colour can transfer, especially from bright or dark dyes, or when the leather is damp or warm. Avoid wearing new pieces against light-coloured clothing or upholstery until they have settled in.
- Use a neutral, colourless conditioner so you don't alter the shade.
- Never use alcohol, solvents or harsh cleaners. They lift the dye and leave patches.
- Prolonged direct sunlight fades colour over time. Store your pieces out of the sun.
Floggers
A flogger's tails need to fall freely to give the right feel. How you store it matters most.
- Hang it up. Hang your flogger by its handle loop or a hook, so the tails hang straight down under their own weight.
- Never fold, twist or coil it. Folding, twisting or wrapping the tails creates permanent kinks and creases that change how the flogger lands.
- Separate the tails. After use, run your fingers through the tails to untangle them before hanging.
- Fur floggers: brush gently with a soft brush and keep them completely dry. Never soak fur, and don't apply leather conditioner or wax to the fur.
- Exotic leathers such as crocodile and kudu: wipe clean and condition sparingly with a conditioner suited to exotic or reptile leather.
Harnesses, collars, cuffs and belts
- Hang or lay flat. Hang harnesses on a wide hanger or hook, or lay them flat. Don't fold them or roll them tightly like a belt, as sharp folds leave permanent creases and weaken the leather over time.
- Unbuckle when stored. Undo buckles and straps so the leather isn't held under tension in one spot.
- Wipe after wear. Sweat and body oils are absorbed by leather. Wipe the inside with a damp cloth after each wear and let it air dry before putting it away.
Waterproofing
For extra protection against water, sweat and spills, apply a thin layer of beeswax-based leather wax or balm. Work it in with a soft cloth or your fingers, let it sit for a few minutes, then buff to a soft sheen. Reapply every few months, or after the leather has been wet.
Wax can darken leather slightly, especially natural veg tan. Always test on a hidden spot first. Never wax fur.
A note on hygiene
Leather is porous and can't be fully sterilised. Wipe impact toys clean after each use, and for best practice keep toys that contact skin or body fluids dedicated to one partner.
Need help?
Not sure what your piece needs, or want to know which conditioner or wax we recommend? Just get in touch. We're always happy to help you keep your leather looking its best.
As always: safe, sane and consensual.