Florence is world-famous for its leather craftsmanship. For centuries, Tuscan artisans have perfected vegetable tanning and fine leatherwork, producing goods that last for decades. Travelers flock to the city in search of leather jackets, handbags, wallets, and belts—but not everything you see is the real deal.
The reality is, many leather goods sold in Florence are mass-produced imports, marketed with misleading tags like “Italian leather.” To help you avoid tourist traps and make a purchase you’ll treasure, here’s a complete guide to buying authentic leather in Florence.
Why Buy Leather in Florence?
Florence has a centuries-old tradition of leather tanning and craftsmanship, making it one of the most renowned cities in the world for high-quality leather goods. The city is home to institutions like the Scuola del Cuoio (Santa Croce Leather School), where artisans have been perfecting their techniques for generations. Beyond these historic workshops, you’ll also find countless small boutiques where every bag, belt, or jacket is handmade by skilled craftsmen. Buying leather in Florence isn’t just about shopping—it’s about taking home a piece of the city’s heritage, a timeless souvenir that will last for years to come.
Top Tips for Spotting Genuine Italian Leather in Florence
1. Avoid Street Vendors
Street stalls and vendors in Florence often sell goods that look appealing but are mass-produced abroad. These bags and jackets are stamped with “Made in Italy” labels but are usually synthetic or bonded leather. If you want true craftsmanship, skip the street vendors altogether.
2. Look for Certifications
- “Vera Pelle” / “Vero Cuoio”: Protected Italian terms meaning “real leather.”
- Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetale Guarantee: A tag with a serial number that certifies the product was vegetable-tanned in Tuscany.
- “Pelle Conciata al Vegetale in Toscana”: A respected trademark guaranteeing origin and method.
These labels prove authenticity and traceability.
3. Use Your Senses
- Smell: Real leather smells warm and earthy; fakes smell like chemicals or plastic.
- Touch: Authentic leather feels soft, supple, and slightly textured. Fake leather feels cold or overly smooth.
- Look: Genuine hides show natural grain and small imperfections; fakes look too glossy or uniform.
4. Inspect the Details
- Edges: Real leather edges are fibrous and raw, not sealed in plastic.
- Stitching: Quality goods have even, sturdy stitching. Loose threads or overly uniform machine lines are a red flag.
- Hardware: Authentic pieces use heavy, solid zippers and clasps—not lightweight plastic.
5. Consider the Price
Real Florentine leather is never “cheap.” Typical price ranges:
- Jackets: €200–500+
- Bags: €150–400
- Belts: €40–80
If a “leather” jacket costs €30, it’s not authentic.
Where to Buy Leather in Florence
Santa Croce Leather School (Scuola del Cuoio) – High-End, Luxury Pieces
This historic workshop produces some of the finest leather in the city. Artisans handcraft each piece using traditional methods, often customizing with monograms or embossing. The quality is unmatched, but prices reflect that. If you’re looking for a luxury heirloom, this is the place. Here is their site you can shop!
I highly recommend visiting the Scuola del Cuoio even if you aren’t planning to make a purchase. Stepping inside gives you a firsthand look at what true Florentine craftsmanship looks like—how leather should feel, smell, and move. You can watch artisans at work, see the meticulous stitching and finishing, and get a real sense of the quality and skill involved in high-end leather goods. Even just observing can be incredibly educational, helping you better identify authentic, well-made leather when shopping elsewhere in Florence.
Bottega Fiorentina – Mid-Range, Authentic & Accessible
If you want authentic leather without luxury prices, Bottega Fiorentina is an excellent choice. This family-run shop is known for handcrafted, vegetable-tanned goods made in Florence. This is where we purchased our. leather goods on our Italy trip.
- Quality far surpasses what you’ll find at tourist stalls.
- Prices are fair and mid-range, making it ideal for travelers who want something genuine but not extravagant.
- Customers consistently praise the durability and craftsmanship.
Think of Bottega Fiorentina as the sweet spot between street-vendor knockoffs and luxury boutiques. They have a website so you don even have to travel to Florence to purchase their goods!
Other Trusted Leather Shops in Florence
Florence is full of smaller boutiques and workshops where you can still find authentic leather goods. A few worth visiting include:
- Cuor di Pelle (Sant’Ambrogio) – A small workshop run by artisan Daniele Caselli, specializing in hand-stitched bags, belts, and wallets. Each piece is made in-house with traditional methods.
- Consani e Giannini (San Frediano) – A family-run leather atelier with a reputation for beautiful craftsmanship and 100% Florentine production.
- Cuoio Toscana (near the Duomo) – A boutique known for handbags, travel bags, and classic designs with excellent stitching and vegetable-tanned hides.
- Cellerini (Via del Sole) – A long-established atelier making heirloom-quality structured bags and briefcases, with custom orders available.
- Il Bussetto (Santa Maria Novella area) – Specializes in small goods like wallets, card holders, and coin purses—perfect for authentic gifts or souvenirs at a more accessible price point.
- Lilium Florence (San Lorenzo area) – Known for vegetable-tanned leather crafted with sustainable methods, offering both style and eco-conscious practices.
- Florencia Leather Store & Workshop (Via dei Ginori) – Offers both authentic goods and leather-making workshops if you want a hands-on experience in addition to shopping.
San Lorenzo Market – Touristy, Shop with Caution
The outdoor stalls are filled with mass-produced goods. If you shop here, head inside the permanent shops with storefronts that provide receipts and authenticity guarantees.
Common Red Flags & Scams
Street stalls offering “too good to be true” prices are almost always selling mass-produced or synthetic goods. Overly uniform leather with no natural variations, a strong chemical or plastic smell, or hardware that feels cheap are all signs the product isn’t authentic. You should also be cautious of sellers who discourage close inspection or rush you into buying, as these tactics often indicate lower-quality or counterfeit items.
VAT Tax and Duty-Free Shopping for Leather in Florence
When buying leather goods in Florence, it’s important to understand Italy’s Value Added Tax (VAT). While the standard VAT rate is 22%, non-EU travelers usually receive a refund of about 11–15% of the purchase price after administrative fees.
Here’s how to claim a VAT refund:
- Ask for a Tax-Free Form: Request a tax-free shopping form when making a purchase. Not all boutiques provide this automatically, so it’s worth asking.
- Minimum Purchase Requirement: Typically, you need to spend at least €80 at a single store in one day to qualify.
- Get Customs Stamps: Present your purchases, receipts, and tax-free forms at EU customs when departing. Customs will stamp the forms to verify your export.
- Claim Your Refund: After customs approval, you can receive your refund at the airport—either in cash or credited to your card—or via a refund company.
Even for mid-range purchases from shops like Bottega Fiorentina, this process can help you save a meaningful amount, making your investment in authentic Florentine leather even more worthwhile.
Caring for Your Italian Leather
Once you’ve found your perfect piece:
- Condition it with a leather cream every few months.
- Store in a breathable dust bag, away from direct sunlight.
- Blot gently and air dry if it gets wet.
Proper care ensures your leather lasts for decades.
Final Thoughts
Florence is one of the best places in the world to buy leather—but only if you know how to shop smart. Avoid street vendors, look for certifications, use your senses, and buy from reputable shops like Bottega Fiorentina for mid-range quality or the Scuola del Cuoio for luxury craftsmanship. Other artisan boutiques like Cuor di Pelle, Consani e Giannini, Cuoio Toscana, and Cellerini also provide excellent options for travelers. With the right knowledge, you’ll leave Florence with a timeless piece of authentic Italian leather instead of a tourist trap knockoff.
Be sure to check out my collection of Italy blogs to help plan your trip!