Where to Buy Best Leather in Bali
Insider Tips On Buying Leather In Bali
Many of you will already know that Bali is an excellent place for shopping, but it’s unusually bountiful when it comes to finding leather artisans and suppliers. You can buy handmade pieces in any number of stores, or you can do what we do and contract a tailor to create your own design in just a couple of days.
This is ideal if you will only be on the island for a short holiday and most of the suppliers below will come to your villa to measure you and take your order. Despite the promised high level of customer service, there’s often a sense of anxiety over whether they’ll get your design right!
To help out, we’ve tracked down the best tradesman and leather tailors on the island so you can get that luxe handbag idea out of your imagination and onto your arm. Each of the tailors below supplies high quality, authentic leather products made with love and care right here in Bali.
Six Facts About Bali Leather
1. Indonesia exports most of its high-grade leathers, but there’s still a plethora of different options to choose from as you shop in Bali. The most common leather you’ll find is cow leather which can often be found in the form of chic floor mats but is durable and sturdy enough to make shoes.
2. Another common type of leather is suede, which has a soft texture due to a layer of fine hairs that are left behind after processing. Suede can be made from almost any animal hide so ask your supplier about more supple options like lamb, deer or goat hide. You may find yourself the owner of a unique and colourful piece.
3. Like cow leather, Goatskin is strong and durable, but it has a pebble-stone like texture. It’s also slightly softer and lightweight but ironically more durable. This makes it an ideal choice if you’re looking to create clothing items that you’ll often wear like handbags or chic biker jackets.
4. Be aware of sheep or lambskin. It’s very soft but not as long-lasting and will likely stretch out over the first five years of wearing. With its extra furry texture, you won’t find as much of this type of leather in Bali as you do the other types.
5. Exotic leathers like snakeskin are readily available in Bali, but if you’re planning on making a piece of clothing or shoes in this distinct pattern, remember that this leather isn’t as long-lasting and requires more care. Another issue that crops up is that sheets of snakeskin leather are often long but not wide – meaning you have to join panels together with visible seams.
6. If you’re vegan or just an animal lover, then Bali has options for you too with its fake leather industry. Faux leather is made from rayon or nylon then coated with polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. The quality depends on the price you’re willing to pay, and you should also try and wear the item around the shop before you buy it. Fake leather is notorious for cracking and causing overheating.
Where to Buy The Best Leather In Bali
Bali is awash with leather shops. They are almost as common as spas so don’t just choose any old one. Bring photos and make sure you visit one of the artisans on our list. Each of them has multiple positive reviews from our community of expats and offers a high level of customer service, including English speaking designers, to help you get your piece exactly right!
THE BALI TAILOR
Whether it’s a classic black biker jacket or some suede slip ons, these guys have got you covered. Their designs are current, and their craftsmanship is of high quality. Head in-store to view the stock they already have or bring in your own design ideas. Of the three we recommend this is perhaps the most pricey, but it’s worth it for the extra care.
LEMONA
Lemona leather is owned and run by a Balinese couple with years of experience making leather products for Australian brands, but they also do one-off designs and know all the ins and outs of export and mass production if that’s your game. They have a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor but no website as yet. You can visit them at the address above.
Jl. Drupadi No.17, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
SEMINYAK LEATHER
Seminyak Leather Bali was founded in 2016 by another Indonesian couple who built the business from scratch and offer both retail and wholesale options. They have a team of Bali based artisans who craft the leather on site. The best plan is to visit the shop early in your trip, and if you like a certain item, you can get it made or altered to fit your taste in just a couple of days.
Make Your Bali Holiday Better!
Asia Holiday Retreats offers a wide range of incredible villas and accommodation that will make your Bali holiday a truly memorable experience. Many of them are in Seminyak close to these leather shops, and you can view the full range of options by clicking here. There’s nothing better after a Bali shopping spree than jumping into the azure pool of a stunning Bali villa. Happy holidays from all the team and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.