FAQs — Chicago Leather Co.

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Everything you need to know about our leather goods, custom orders, sizing, care, and worldwide delivery.

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Topic 01

Ordering & Payment

Payment

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, bank wire transfers, and cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum) for orders above $500. For large bespoke commissions, milestone-based payment schedules can be arranged.

All transactions are SSL-encrypted and processed through our secure payment gateway. We never store card details on our servers.

Orders

Standard orders can be modified or cancelled within 24 hours of placement, provided production has not yet begun. Email info@chicagoleatherco.com immediately with your order number.

Custom and bespoke orders cannot be cancelled once the leather has been cut, as each piece is made to your exact specifications.

Wholesale

Yes. We work with polo clubs, equestrian teams, retailers, and corporate clients. Wholesale pricing is available for orders of 10+ units of the same product with tiered discounts. Contact our commercial team with your requirements.

Security

Absolutely. Our checkout uses 256-bit SSL encryption and is PCI DSS compliant. We partner with industry-leading payment processors and your financial data is never stored on our systems.

Tax

US orders include applicable sales tax calculated at checkout based on your delivery address. International orders are shipped tax-free from our end; however, your country's customs authority may levy import duties upon arrival.

Ordering

Yes. Call +1 322 224 332 or email us — our specialists will guide you through product selection, measurements, customisation options, and payment at your own pace.

Topic 02

Custom & Bespoke Orders

Customisation

Almost everything — leather type and hide origin, colour (60+ palette or custom dye), stitching thread colour and pattern, lining material, hardware finish (antique brass, polished silver, matte black), monogram or crest embossing, and exact measurements to the millimetre.

Lead Time
  • Gloves: 3–4 weeks
  • Polo / riding boots: 6–10 weeks
  • Jackets: 8–12 weeks
  • Bags & accessories: 4–6 weeks
  • Full bespoke commissions: 12–20 weeks

Rush production is available on some items for an additional fee — contact us before ordering.

Personalisation

Yes — hand-embossed or stamped initials, monograms, and full crests on all leather products. For boots, jackets, and bags we can accommodate coat of arms or custom artwork supplied as SVG or high-resolution PNG.

Matching Sets

Absolutely — we can create entirely matching collections cut from a single hide batch to ensure perfect colour consistency across gloves, boots, a bag, a jacket, and accessories. Many clients order full polo field ensembles for their entire team.

Payment

Yes — a 50% deposit is required to commence production, with the balance due before shipment. For orders exceeding $5,000: 30% on order, 40% at pattern approval, 30% prior to dispatch.

Communication

Yes — milestone photograph updates at key stages: leather selection, pattern cutting, stitching, and finishing. For boots and jackets we conduct a virtual fitting review before the final seam is closed.

Polo Equipment

Yes. Our artisans produce bespoke leather polo mallet grips in full-grain leather, available in any colour with custom stitching. We also produce full custom mallet heads, straps, and polo bag sets for professional players and clubs.

Topic 03

Sizing & Fit

Gloves

Wrap a soft tape around your dominant hand at the widest point across the knuckles (excluding the thumb). That measurement in inches is your glove size — e.g. 8 inches = Size 8. View full size guide →

Boots

With riding socks on, we need: foot length, foot width, ankle circumference, calf circumference at widest point, and height from floor to just below the knee. Contact us for a virtual measurement consultation with one of our boot makers.

Materials

Full-grain leather naturally stretches approximately 5–10% with wear and conforms to your body over time — a hallmark of quality leather. A slightly snug fit on day one will feel perfectly moulded after a few wearings. Regular conditioning prevents shrinkage.

Boots

Standard sizes go in whole sizes. Half sizes are available as a custom option at no extra charge. For bespoke boots we work to precise millimetre measurements — your boot is built for your foot, not a size chart.

Sizing

For gloves, size up (the leather moulds to your hand). For boots, always contact us — measurement-based is far superior to guessing. Send us your measurements and we'll recommend the best option.

Topic 04

Shipping & Delivery

International

Yes — we ship to over 70 countries worldwide via insured, trackable courier (DHL Express, FedEx, or equivalent). Complimentary shipping is included on all orders over $200 USD.

Delivery Times
  • United States: 3–5 business days
  • Canada & Mexico: 5–8 business days
  • Europe: 5–8 business days
  • Middle East & Asia: 7–12 business days
  • Australia & New Zealand: 8–14 business days

Express 2-day shipping is available to most destinations for an additional fee.

Packaging

Every order arrives in our signature rigid kraft box lined with tissue and a drawstring dust bag. Custom and bespoke orders include a handwritten authentication card, care guide booklet, and cedar shoe tree or glove form where applicable.

Tracking

Yes. Once shipped you'll receive a tracking number via email. Check status anytime via our Track Order page.

Claims

All shipments are fully insured. Contact us within 48 hours with your order number and photographs of any damage. We'll file a carrier claim and arrange an urgent replacement at no cost to you.

Topic 05

Care & Maintenance

Gloves

After each use, wipe with a dry cloth to remove dust. Every 4–6 weeks apply a quality leather conditioner. Store flat in the dust bag away from direct sunlight. Never machine wash or expose to extreme heat. If wet, allow to dry naturally then condition.

Boots

After each use: brush off dirt while leather is still slightly damp, then insert cedar boot trees immediately to maintain shape. Once dry, apply a thin coat of leather cream and buff. For deep cleaning use leather-safe saddle soap, then condition before drying.

Products

Most quality conditioners are safe for full-grain and top-grain hides. However, suede and nubuck require dedicated suede brushes and protector sprays — never apply wax polish or cream to suede as it will darken and stiffen the nap permanently.

Water

Blot (do not rub) excess moisture immediately with a clean dry cloth. Allow to dry naturally at room temperature — no hair dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight. Once fully dry, apply a nourishing conditioner to restore suppleness.

Restoration

Yes — deep-cleaning, re-dyeing, re-stitching, re-soling (boots), and re-conditioning. Contact us to arrange a restoration assessment. We can return most pieces to near-original condition.

Topic 06

Returns & Warranty

Returns

We accept returns of unworn, unused standard-catalogue items within 30 days of delivery in original packaging. A full refund is issued within 5–7 business days. Custom, bespoke, monogrammed, and made-to-measure items cannot be returned unless there is a manufacturing defect.

Warranty

All products carry our Lifetime Craftsmanship Guarantee covering manufacturing defects in leather, stitching, hardware, and construction — with no expiry date. If any element fails due to a defect in our workmanship we will repair or replace it at no charge.

Process

Email info@chicagoleatherco.com with your order number, a brief description, and photographs if claiming a defect. We respond within 1–2 business days with a return label or next steps.

Exchanges

Yes — free size exchanges within 30 days for standard catalogue items, provided the item is unworn and in original condition. Initiate a return as above and indicate the correct size; we'll ship the replacement as soon as we receive your return.

37+

Years of Craft

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Happy Customers

780+

Designs

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Countries Shipped

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