Libaire Leather

Loving my new red backpack! My 5^th Libaire purchase and definitely my most fun. All are in perfect condition after lots of use! A visit with Judy to check out the stock is a must when I hit Berkeley.

Awesome backpacks, purses, wallets, etc. I highly recommend their products. I use to buy my bags at Nordy’s when they carried them. Now I just drive to the shop and shop away. Thanks for years of awesome products.

I’ve been a Libaire fan for over 20 years (the company has been in business for 30 years). In that time, I’ve only purchased four or five of their bags because each one has lasted 10 years or so, they’re that well made. I am a fan for life.
I recently went to their factory store to buy a new black leather bag (my current one is finally wearing out after 10 years of heavy use). Most of their bags are made of pebble leather, but one made out of smooth leather caught my eye. I asked them to make a longer, cross-​body strap for me and change the hardware from nickel to brass, planning to pick it up the following Saturday. On Monday, the owner called me to say that they had discontinued the smooth leather and couldn’t make the longer strap for me, would it be okay if they made me an entirely new bag and strap out of pebble leather for the same price? Of course I said yes.
I picked it up today and the bag could not be more beautiful. I’m a very, very happy with it.
So if you are looking for a durable, beautiful everyday bag and can afford $ 150-​$ 250, depending on size and style (sounds pricey, but with designer bags out there costing more than $ 1,000, everything is relative), you can order online at
or stop into the factory shop (factory is a misnomer, these are handmade leather bags). I recommend you stop by to see all the bags, backpacks and accessories that aren’t offered on the website. You can pick out the color you want, the hardware (either nickel or brass), the strap length, almost everything to customize your bag.
You won’t be disappointed!

Beautiful leather quality at affordable prices. I went in looking for a messenger bag and they let me pick the leather colors I wanted, then made it for me in a few days. Nice people and fantastic workmanship!

I was given a Libaire leather backpack as a gift. The purse was purchased from this Berkeley store. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the style so I contacted the store to inquire about an exchange. Yep, I was told that I could exchange the purse as long as it hadn’t been used. So off to Berkeley I go…
I was in heaven as soon as I walked in the store. Imagine walking into a bakery and smelling fresh baked goods. Well, I was greeted with the pleasant smell of leathery purses! The salesperson was extremely helpful and suggested different styles of purses and unzipped various purses to show me the different compartments within the purses. Then she even told me I should take the paper stuffing out of the purses I was interested in and place some of the contents of my current purse (wallet, cell phone, makeup bag, etc) into the purses so I could see if the purse felt and looked right. I have never had a salesperson at Coach, Nordstrom or Macys suggest this to me… but it really made sense. I was probably in the store for an hour before making my exchange.
But, once I got home I was having buyer/​exchange remorse with my selection. I decided the purse was too big and wanted to exchange it again. Back I went to Berkeley. The second time in the store for the second exchange was equally fun. This time my children were with me and we met the owner Peter and his dog. While I was in purse heaven, my children chatted with Peter and played with his friendly dog.
Libaire purses are simply designed purses made from soft quality leather. The craftsmanship is evident from the design, stitching, and even the zipper and zipper pulls. If you want a well made purse without the trendy designs and inferior quality that is all too prevalent in most of today’s selections at department stores, then a Libaire purse is for you. If you are fortunate enough to live in the SF Area, then a trip to the store in Berkeley will save you some money over buying from the website. And, there is a small parking lot too!
My backpack purse is two years old and used daily. It still looks new.

Amazing quality and fabulous simple yet elegant designs. I have had two of them for years and recommend them to everyone. The quality lasts and lasts and the styles are timeless. The service at their store is excellent and they stand by their products. Can’t wait to get one of their really large ones for travel.

Lucky me! I found a beautiful Libaire leather pack at the local Goodwill. It still had the original tags on it from Nordstrom.
I am sure they had no idea what a beautifully made quality item this is… I am still in awe at its beauty and pristine condition.
I’m a senior citizen and paid less than $ 25.00. I’m sure it will last for the rest of my life!

Have purchased at least five products from Libaire. Beautifully crafted, holds up forever.

Their High-​Function Backpack is simply the perfect all around bag. I bought my first more than ten years ago at Nordstrom. After a decade plus of constant use, the bag is finally looking worn. I should mention that I haven’t cleaned it or conditioned it ONCE. The interior is still perfect; not a rip or anything. So I guess I’m getting another one!
Before I bought a Libaire bag, I had to buy a new bag, in the $ 100 range, every single year, because the bags did not hold up. The Libaire bag was much more expensive, but I had a hunch it would really last. And it did. The old bag still works perfectly; it’s just no longer blemish free. I bought it in a medium brown shade, similar to the Cognac shade they offer now.

Check out my review and pictures on «Handbag Factory Outlet» aka Libaire Leather. Here’s the link:
Hope the review and pictures help!

I discovered this shop/​factory through my Berkeley neighbors in a very low-​keyed way – over nearly two years of being neighbors. They happen to own it.
This past week, I went there to find out more about their goods and about the business. WOW! I was impressed by the quality of the workwomanship (crafters are women), the philopsohy of enterprise, and prices, given how they are made. Also, I love the fact they really are local – except for imported Danish leather.
The designs are simple and elegant; colors rich and interesting. I ended up buying two items then bringing friend to buy her mother’s birthday present.
The service was excellent too! Their way to serve customers is congruent with their conduct as neighbors: low keyed, honest, interested, helpful, and knowledgeable!
Give Libaire bags a try! At least go there to find, or be square. : —)

I conside myself a good shopper. Price, value, quality, and style. All are important to me. I have been using Libaire leather backpacks forver it seems. I bought my first Libaire bag at Nordstrom about 15 years ago. I used it for a few years till it wore out (the zipper became loose after opening and closing thousands of times). Liking it so much I went back to Nordstrom hoping to find the same bag. They no longer carried it (a mistake on their part). I talked to the department supervisor and she told me to go see Peter, the owner of Libaire in Berkeley (she actually gave me Libaire business card and asked me to say hi to him for her). Peter was really nice when I went to his outlet in Berkeley for the first time. Very personable and lowkey. I gave him my old bag back and he gave me a discount on a new bag which seemed like a good deal to me. I liked it so much I bought a brown one for my daugter as a gift. I never saw her using it so I asked for it back and gave her something else in return. The brown bag was tarnished sooner than the black (after a couple of years… maybe I was too rough with it). Well, I went back and bought another black bag (always the same style… backpack…the black also goes better with most of what I wear). I have been using it ever since… I think I’m on my third or fourth now). I’m not the type, like my sister, who would change her purse every time to match her outfit. I usually use my bag all the time unless it’s evening gown required event, then I’d change. I have to say, I really like Libaire bags. I hope they stay in business forever since I don’t think I’d ever be happy with any other bag. It’s great for travel as well. It has many compartments useful for lots of things. I went to many trips all over the world with my black backpack. The front brass pull even though metal, is so soft to the touch. They improved the color of the interior fabric using dark wine color instead of black so whatever inside the bag can be more visible… a good idea. I’m thinking of getting another one, maybe this time either in green or burnt orange so my older sister won’t complain to me next time I see her. Maybe I’ll buy one in black also since it goes well with whatever I wear. My older sister thought I used the same bag all these years. One time she told me she got sick of seeing me carrying the same bag. But whenever I thought of changing, I always got back to my old Libaire bag. Nothing pleases me. Why change if it’s the best? That’s how I feel. Anyway, I hope the price stays the same next time I’m buying. I hope they’re still making my favorite bag. If not, I don’t know what I’ll do. Too bad I’m not paid to write this review. I think they really deserve it because they make such good products. Keep up the good work!

I read these reviews and smile. Tim E gives a 3 star due to lack of selection and thinking they are expensive for what they are. As someone who actually owns a Libaire purse (along with many high end purses, left over from the days that I could actually afford to spend money on silly things) this is the best purse money can buy. The leather is strong, long lasting and soft along with a perfect tanning process that seems to not scratch. The hardware is beautiful. After 10 years, it still looks brand new. My zippers have never given me an problem, and the lining is still as put together as the day I bought it. Even spilling things like perfume, and face make up, and having melted M&M explode in the bottom of the purse the lining has held up. My straps are still on with no indication that they are going to come free any time soon. In fact, I am so bored by this purse, that I sometimes wish it would give out.
When I am that bored, I put it up on the shelf and pull out another. The Coach, did not hold up as well, even if the leather seems beefier. The Cartier is ripping at the seams and the lining has come free from the sides. Each and every Tous bag lost the sterling silver bear and the straps break after some usage. This is when I realize that having a Libaire bag is like being in a life-​long marriage: some times it can be boring but often it is just because it is so familiar. A little time without the life mate can make one realize they were just perfect.
So I am excited to find Libaire is still in business and I can order my beloved bag in another colour. I can have variety but still have the best quality bag ever made. Please keep up the good work, keep working in Berkeley and I can’t wait to find another love.

I was tired of carrying a bright green mountaineering backpack everywhere I went like some overgrown hippie child, so I was in the market for a bag. Let’s get one thing straight: I’m as picky as it gets. No tacky-​ass logos or cutesy designs, no textiles that get dirty at the slightest provocation, space enough for a laptop and whatever else I feel like carrying that day, and durable enough to put up with decades of world travel and owner clumsiness. I wanted leather, I wanted sleek black and silver, I wanted messenger styling– and my budget was 250. I went everywhere– Coach (blech, talk about tacky-​ass logos), Fossil (nothing big enough), Banana Republic’s Edition boutique in SF, etc etc. Lots and lots of not-​good-​enough.
Then I came across Libaire on Unilocal.Liked what I saw on the website, but the bag I really wanted (#221 Book Bag) was about 57 dollars over my budget. Since I live in Berkeley, I decided to visit their outlet where they make the bags to see if I liked the bag enough to swing it. Lo and behold, in the showroom, the same bag was 200! And the website pictures do NOT do their products justice. Usually shopping online is disappointing because stuff that looks great online is sort of underwhelming when you open the box– here it’s the opposite. My bag is gorgeous black full grain leather (so soft I have used it as a pillow in airports) with sleek silver hardware (the zip pulls have the sophisticated Libaire logo engraved on them, the only logos on the bag besides the lining tag) and a rich burgundy lining. This bag has taken me all around the world, to office jobs, interviews, school, field work, you name it– with nary a scratch after a year of daily use.
The Asian lady who works there is lovely. I was too short for the notches in the adjustable strap, so she measured the bag while I was wearing it and added more notches in the workroom that made it the perfect length for my short ass. Best of all, she let me pick a freebie– I chose a beautiful lavender napa leather cosmetic bag with gold hardware.
TL;DR: The place has the best leather goods if you want a stylish, durable, well-​made (in the US!) bag that won’t advertise its provenance everywhere you go. Definitely visit the workroom outlet if you’re nearby, to pick your freebie and possibly save some cash.

Ok, I’ve been on an intermittent hunt for the perfect backpack/​purse for a few years now. The one I had was so old it was shredding like a molting animal. But as a small person, most of what I was finding was either too big, bad stiff leather, or ugly as sin. I even found some lovely ones over at Sven Leather (around the corner from this place) but they were not only pricier but lacked a key point: plentiful compartments.
The smallest backpack here is the perfect one I’ve been longing for. Petite but spacious, made of soft delicious leather, well-​constructed, heavy-​duty straps and zippers, beautiful design. And pockets pockets pockets galore.
Though I’d never spent more than $ 75 on a backpack before (and this is nearly twice that) I knew it was what I’d been looking for.
So why not 5 stars? Well, when I was in the store the woman who helped was so kind. But later that afternoon I called back, so pleased with the pack that I considered buying another in a different color. After all, I’d been searching for years. But when I asked if they ever did a discount for two, the guy said rather coldly «Our goal in life,» he answered,‘is to sell these at full price… not to make deals.“
Wow. Ok then.
(Footnote: I did go back and buy another pack anyway. Too bad they don’t come down a bit on multiples – given that all three times I visited the store was empty of customers except for me – but I understand. And the guy from the phone, Peter, one of the owners, was sure nicer in person than on the phone even as he said no, lol)
And I do love their work.

Peter, I was not really in the market for a new backpack purse, but I do love that you have your new pup in the shop, so off I go — there was Luna, right at the door, very sweet girl you got there. Carrying on Bodhi’s fine tradition of door greeter! :D
Imagine, to my surprise, seeing not one, but TWO new backpack purses that were multi-​colored leathers?! I was just so happy to see this. I knew I’d be walking out of there with one or ther other, and sure enough, I snagged the smaller of the 2, and happily paid, knowing this was my belated birthday present to myself! It’s gotten many compliments (as have all of my Libaire backpack purses) and I easily send anyone who asks right to your shop there in Berkeley. You have never let me down, in my choice/​selection of backpack purses — and again, I probably won’t be in for some time to buy another (I keep them in great shape) but I will be back for the great conversation and Luna love ;) such a sweetie. I do miss Bohdi :(

Want a really special, great quality, hand made bag that will last for ages? This is the place!
I bought my first Libaire bag, a leather backpack purse, in Boston years ago. When I decided I wanted a smaller one, I went back but the store no longer carried them. Thank goodness for the internet! I ordered one which I still have and still get compliments on when I use it.
Now I have become a shoulder bag girl. I was looking for just the right bag, then I remembered Libaire! I just ordered one.
The leather these bags are made of is great quality, and the hardware is solid nickel or brass, so it never loses its color.
I love me a Coach bag, but a Libaire bag will last me longer, cost less, and have a look of quiet quality. These bags are classics– they will not be «soooo last year» the year after you buy them!

As we were walking from Tomate café we saw that they sell leather goods here. So we walked up and in to this establishment. Their selection was limited and their prices were through the roof for product I felt were kinda not up to par in fine leathers I am used to.
Have a look and see for yourself.

This is how I imagined Coach was like way back when. Before the fakes came out, before the canvas bags came out and still cost as much as the leather ones.
There is quite a selection of leather purses and backpacks here as well as coin purses, make up bags, and the like. Great spot for picking up Xmas gifts! Who can’t use a well-​made leather pouch for random things?
To be honest, their styles are a bit too basic for my taste, but I can see this appealing to most. Most of the items here are made on site, but they do sell a few things made in China — namely the mens wallets.
The owner told me they gave up trying to cater to the gay men’s market for wallets. Hmmm… I don’t know what he meant by that, but there weren’t any locally made mens wallets. I wanted to get one for husband, so I was disappointed as the Berkeley-​made wares tended to look sturdier than the ones made in China.
They do have their own (small) parking lot, so parking is never an issue. Walking distance to the 4^th Street shops and Vik’s.