Updated on 6 November 2026.
Black Friday falls on Friday 27 November 2026. It is a good time to treat yourself to a leather bag, as long as you know what you are looking at: a discounted bag that wears out in two seasons is never a good deal. Here are the five criteria we check at La Firkin, and that you can apply anywhere.
1. The type of leather: full-grain, fine-grain or synthetic
Full-grain leather is the top layer of the hide, which keeps its natural grain: it is the most durable, and the only one that truly develops a patina instead of wearing out. With us, Le Firkin, Le Portefeuille and Le Prestigieux are full-grain leather. La Duchesse is fine-grain cowhide leather. Le Firkin PU is a synthetic material, leather-free: it is described as such, and it is a budget option, not leather.
2. The lining and the finishing
Turn the bag inside out: a well-stitched lining, even seams and heavy hardware (clasp, padlock, buckle) are worth more than a flattering exterior. These are details you check by hand, not on a photo.
3. Size before colour
A 25 cm bag carries the essentials of daily life; a 30 cm one holds a small laptop or a notebook. Measure what you take out of your current bag every day before choosing. The product pages give the dimensions and a depth sketch to avoid surprises.
4. The displayed price must be the price paid
On Black Friday, check that taxes and delivery are included, and look at the previous price: a discount only makes sense if the reference price is real. For reference, our current prices: Le Firkin from €104, La Duchesse from €94, Le Prestigieux €154, Le Portefeuille €74, Le Firkin PU from €80.90. Delivery is free to 30 countries, and you have 30 days to return a bag.
5. A seller you can reach
Address, identity, clear return terms, a real person who answers: ask a question before buying and look at the reply. We are a brand based in Lausanne; delivery and return terms are detailed in our delivery and returns guide.
As a Christmas gift
If you are looking for a gift, our ideas by budget are in the gifts collection and in our gift guide by budget; the guide to a Christmas gift for mum, sister or friend compares the models. For him: leather bag and wallet.
All our bags: the La Firkin collection · full-grain leather.
