The Louis Vuitton company has been in business for almost 170 years. During their long reign as a luxury retailer, they have created travel accessories of all shapes and sizes. It wasn’t until 1985 that they introduced their first line of leather products, which is when Epi leather made its debut. So, what is Epi leather, and what makes it such an exceptional choice for those in the market for high-quality leather bags?

Elegant Epi leather features a distinctive pattern of horizontal lines that create a rippled appearance. The method for creating the textured material is as unique as the leather itself. The process begins with high-quality calfskinleather, which has an extremely fine grain and feels silky smooth against the skin.

The hide is vegetable-tanned using natural plant extracts and then dyed using a specialized method to give it a deep, flawless color. Over a dozen shade options are available, though they are separated into Classic and Electric Epi leathers, depending on the finished look.

After dying, the leather is pressed with reversed metal plates to create textured, horizontal lines. Then a coating is applied to the leather to increase durability and prevent damage from scratches and moisture. The result is a two-toned look that is appealing as it is strong.

Classic Epi leather is known for its matte coloring and smooth look. The ripples are shallow and somewhat close together, softening the texture.

Though created using an almost identical process, Electric Epi leather has a high shine, similar to the finish of patent leather. The ripples are larger and deeper, adding a higher level of attraction to these distinctive pieces.

Epi leather is one of the most distinct leather types on the market. In fact, only one other product comes close to it in appearance, which is Saffiano leather. Both use a press to create their unique pattern, though the process isn’t the same. While Epi leather has its textured pattern stamped right into the material, the cross-hatch design on Saffiano leather is applied to the wax coating.

When Epi leather was first introduced, it was primarily used for handbags. Since then, products made of this premium-quality leather have expanded significantly. You can find Epi leather luggage, backpacks, totes, wallets, card holders, belts, and many other accessories in over s dozen colors.

The combination of calfskin, vegetable tanning, and protective finish create one of the most durable leathers on the market. In fact, Epi leather resists wear, scratches, and moisture damage better than any other leather on the market. Even after several years, bags and other accessories made of Epi leather look as phenomenal as they did when they were brand new.

The strength and finish of Epi leather products also reduce the maintenance required, preventing dirt or moisture from coating the surface or soaking into the leather. If the leather does need cleaning, the task is simple, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away the dirt.

As well as reducing moisture damage and scratches, the coating on the leather has an extra benefit. It locks in the natural oils, preventing moisture loss and eliminating the need for conditioning.

Epi leather is durable, soft, pliable, and gorgeous, though it does have a flaw that may prevent some individuals from adding one of these pieces to their fashion accessories. The specialized processing method combined with luxury brand names ensures any Epi leather product comes with an extremely high price tag that few can afford.

There are several luxury leathers to choose from, though few are as extravagant and elegant as Epi leather. The unique pattern looks rough, though it is soft, supple, and flexible without becoming shapeless. Though the high cost prevents this material from fitting into every budget, the strength of the material and quality coating ensures every piece will maintain its appeal for decades.