Florence: Leather Suggestions

We shopped at the San Lorenzo outdoor leather market, and also at stores in the vicinity of the market. Although we bought leather bags/wallets at both the market and in stores for gifts etc, it looked like the stores had the same brand leather bags, but in different colors than the market and the store quality appeared better. Prices in stores were about 15% higher. We visited maybe one leather store listed in popular guidebooks but prices there were a lot higher than the stores in the vicinity of the market.

Hi Amy, I’ve bought a lot of leather in Florence and my experience is that the less expensive pieces do not hold up. I have a few moto jackets and 2 of them have faded and aren’t looking great anymore but my jacket from Misuri (in piazza Santa Croce) has been the best and still looks like a million. Just my 2 cents...

Next to Santa Croce church there is a shop which sells leather goods made by artisans trained in its school. They will emboss your initials on your purchases. Fairly expensive but excellent quality. If you face the church, it's on the right side of the church.

Massimo Leather on Borgo la Noce near the San Lorenzo Market has very good quailty bags and wallets at reasonable prices, and he carries a bigger variety of styles and colors than you'd find many other places. I've purchased items for myself and as gifts, and they've held up very well. Not sure where you could buy "custom" (which I interpret as custom-made) womens' shoes other than at a store like Ferragamo.

I second Massimo. Have a beautiful jacket, and we trucked jackets back for both my girls. He ain't the cheapest, but very high quality. And Massimo's a trip, along with his Irish wife Colette.

After seeing the name Massimo, I remembered that's the store that I mentioned in the vicinity of the San Lorenzo market. The quality of the bags in his store was definitely better than the bags in the outdoor market, however, I would visit the market just to get a feel for what's out there.

We bought jackets at Massimo's as well. The place was full of American college students from the university, spending their parents money, who told us that that its the place they all go to. We've been very happy with the quality. I think the bags and wallets were in the adjacent shop that was also theirs. We saw at least one shoe store in the same general area, but did not shop there. Custom, I think, would take multiple fittings.

For bags, check out a couple shops on Borgo Santi Apostoli, going north (heading away from Palazzo Vecchio) from Ponte Vecchio. They are individual shops with their own designs made there in Florence. A little different than the things you'll see at all the other leather shops, and a little less expensive than the school behind Santa Croce. Not a lot less, mind you, but the quality is good.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. They are extremely helpful. I'm looking forward to the trip!

Just for the record, Massimo Leather also has several unique bag designs that you won't find elsewhere in the San Lorenzo Market area.

Leo Firenze has a nice variety of bags, belts, and wallets - they have a few shops on the same block. Very nice, helpful owners.

Thanks! Lots of really nice options.

Hello guys,

I have bought leather goods from Pelletteria Fratellini Firenze in Florence. Excellent designs, quality and longevity.
Give a shot if you have a chance.
Not sure about their location but you can search through social media.
Here is their page on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/145465125628779/about/

Ciao.

Thank you!

I believe Susan is referring to Scuola del Cuoio (leather school). I have recently returned from Florence and bought some wonderful pieces here! Yes, some can be pricey - especially the purses and bags. But if you're wanting some beautiful smaller items they have a great array.

Hi,

you con find in Piazza Repubblica (in Florence) peddlers that sell good leather products from "I Medici", nice price and very good products.
You can also find products here: www.imedicifirenze.com (free shipping!)
Let me know!