How to pack a backpack for travel
Published 1 months ago
Whether you're an experienced traveller or just want to make the most of the space available in your rucksack, knowing how to pack a backpack for travel can...
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Microcations are reimagining how we holiday
Published 1 months ago
Working patterns aren’t the only aspect of our lives that have changed wholeheartedly in recent times. How we holiday has transformed too....
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How to pack a suit in a suitcase
Published 2 months ago
Whether you're travelling abroad and need to wear a suit for business or attending a special occasion like a wedding, knowing how to pack your suit in a...
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The quiet rise of sleep tourism
Published 2 months ago
2023 has already seen innovative travel trends like set-jetting and slow travel come to the fore — and it seems like a curious new phenomenon called ‘sleep tourism’...
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What is slow travel?
Published 3 months ago
For many modern travellers, successful trips away are characterised by quick, hassle-free journeys, an abundance of rigorously-scheduled activities and catalogues of Instagram-worthy pictures....
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Most popular set-jetting destinations
Published 3 months ago
Whether you know it as set-jetting, location vacationing or movie tourism, holiday-goers are increasingly inspired by what they see on TV when it comes to getting away....
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What is bonded leather?
Published 3 months ago
‘Bonded leather’ is one leather-related term you’re likely to have stumbled across at some point. Or maybe you know it by one of its many monikers: ‘reconstituted leather’,...
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How often you should clean luggage
Published 4 months ago
A study from Acquaint showed that the average piece of luggage has 80 million bacteria on it after one journey.1...
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What is quiet luxury?
Published 4 months ago
‘Quiet luxury’ is the new aesthetic trend loudly stealing public attention. Google searches for the term grew by 337% in April alone....
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Flex Friday travel guide: Granada
Published 5 months ago
Introducing Flex Friday travel guides: a monthly series that helps you maximise your out-of-office time. Each guide is curated by a clued-up local, showing you the ins and...
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How to measure luggage
Published 5 months ago
Air travel is a stressful endeavour. From unforeseen traffic jams to misunderstood visa rules and last-minute gate changes, there’s a myriad of potential hurdles to overcome before lift-off....
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Spotted: Carl Friedrik in HBO's Succession
Published 6 months ago
As loyal fans of HBO’s Emmy-winning drama, Succession, we’re excited that the fourth and final season has finally kicked off. The opening episode had an average of 2.3...
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How to care for nubuck
Published 6 months ago
Nubuck might be less well-known than other types of leather, but unique physical characteristics make it a natural choice for designing elegant bags and accessories....
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How to easily weigh luggage at home
Published 7 months ago
Picture the scene. You’ve spent the last 30 minutes umming and ahhing over whether your check-in meets the airline weight limit for a late-evening flight to Mykonos. Or...
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What is the softest leather?
Published 8 months ago
Why are certain types of leather softer than others? Which leather can lay claim to being the softest around? What’s the reason behind nubuck and suede’s velvety texture?...
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Best luxury bleisure cities in the world
Published 9 months ago
We've put together a guide to the best luxury bleisure destinations in the world using data from Airbnb, TripAdvisor and other sources....
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What is PU leather?
Published 9 months ago
Purchasing leather goods can feel like somewhat of a minefield with so much industry jargon around. PU leather — confusingly also known as artificial leather, imitation leather: the...
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Essential luggage types
Published 11 months ago
Luggage might once have been an uninspiring albeit practical necessity, but today it has been elevated to the realm of fashionable accessories. There’s a myriad of types of...
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How to pack shoes in a suitcase
Published 11 months ago
Efficient suitcase packing is like a real-world Tetris scenario.From learning the optimal method for folding shirts to ensuring every inch of suitcase space is utilised, there’s a lot...
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What is Nappa leather?
Published 1 years ago
Soft with a luxe-smooth texture, Nappa leather is a sought-after commodity for designer accessories and high-end automotive upholstery. But similar to genuine leather, there is no absolute definition...
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What is nubuck?
Published 1 years ago
Whether you’re a long-time leather lover or a budding novice, you’ve likely come across the term ‘nubuck’ before. This luxurious type of velvety, full-grain leather adorns everything from...
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How to put a luggage tag on
Published 1 years ago
Seasoned travellers know all too well the anxiety-inducing wait at the baggage claim. As time drags on and a planeload of unfamiliar suitcases spin around the carousel, one...
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Introducing: Rover collection
Published 1 years ago
We’re pleased to reveal our latest range: the Rover collection. The collection is for those seeking an everyday bag that is tailored to dynamic lifestyles, while also satisfying...
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What to pack for a trip to California
Published 1 years ago
Our customers often email in to tell us how their Carl Friedrik suitcase or bag performed on a recent trip away. Recently, we've noticed that many are heading...
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Essential digital nomad hacks
Published 1 years ago
Ever dreamed of ditching the 9-5 grind for a life of endless adventure? There’s no need to dream. Armed with our digital nomad hacks, a reasonable remote work...
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In Conversation With... Edmund Weil, award-winning bar owner & columnist
Published 1 years ago
Edmund Weil is an award-winning bar owner and columnist at Class Magazine. Renowned for their distinct speakeasy style, Edmund and his wife Rosie's London venues — Nightjar, Oriole...
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The secret to folding a shirt for travel
Published 1 years ago
Whether you’re embarking on a high-stakes business trip or gallivanting around Tuscany on a care-free summer getaway, you need to look your wrinkle-free best. So in this post,...
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What is leather made out of?
Published 1 years ago
The material has roots in the pre-historic period and is instrumental in the production of everything from modern-day footwear to furniture. But what is leather made of? Put...
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Hard vs soft luggage — which is best?
Published 1 years ago
The age-old baggage conundrum rages on. Hard vs soft luggage: which is the best option? While the tried-and-tested soft-shell style remains the most popular choice among consumers, its...
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What is Saffiano leather?
Published 1 years ago
Are you struggling to differentiate Saffiano from other swanky leather styles? Then this article is for you. We’re covering all the need-to-know Saffiano information in this handy guide....
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Pebbled leather: textured to perfection
Published 1 years ago
Leather comes in many different forms. And pebbled leather — with its grainy, pebble beach-inspired texture — is up there with the likes of patent leather as one...
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Business travel tips & tricks
Published 1 years ago
While leisure travel is one of life’s great joys, a business trip can be a bit of a chore. Tight schedules, lengthy transit times, stressful client meetings and...
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Why choose polycarbonate luggage?
Published 1 years ago
Polycarbonate is one of the best hardside luggage materials available. It’s renowned for being light, long-lasting and possessing a high level of impact resistance — everything you want...
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Briefcase vs suitcase — who comes out on top?
Published 1 years ago
No matter how much time has passed since their heyday, we are still delighted by the time-honoured charm and solid construction of vintage suitcases. In fact, you may...
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The ultimate travel debate: checked bag vs carry-on
Published 1 years ago
The carry-on vs checked bag debate continues to polarise the opinion of travel experts right across the globe. But while it might be hard for those tangled up...
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Leather and water: yes or no?
Published 1 years ago
Any enthusiast will tell you that leather is one of the most hardwearing, adaptable and long-lasting materials around. But if you’re about to step out in a new...
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Glossy and waterproof? It must be patent leather
Published 1 years ago
From synthetic vegan leathers to napped varieties like nubuck, there’s an impressive selection of leathers available today. But one kind that certainly stands out from the rest is...
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Nubuck vs suede – cut from a different cloth
Published 1 years ago
Suede and nubuck have a lot in common, but the truth is, explaining the differences between these two softer leathers can get a little fuzzy. Ever wonder why...
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Getting to grips with the messenger bag
Published 1 years ago
For men, a messenger bag is the ideal companion. If you’re thinking about purchasing a versatile, well-sized bag that looks smart and sleek, then a leather messenger bag...
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What is a tannery?
Published 1 years ago
The global leather goods market was valued at a staggering $394.12 billion in 2020, with year-on-year growth of 5.9% now predicted from 2021 to 2028 (Grand View Research)....
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Cork leather: a sustainable vegan option
Published 1 years ago
What springs to mind when you hear the word ‘cork’? Many of us picture the cork stopper at the top of a half-empty bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or...
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Scandinavian minimalism — design, decor, lifestyle
Published 1 years ago
Scandinavian minimalism is an aesthetic inspired by regional trends in Nordic countries; it values simplicity, functionality and calmness. In this region, quality and uncomplicated practicality typify consumer goods...
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The alluring appeal of vintage suitcases
Published 1 years ago
No matter how much time has passed since their heyday, we are still delighted by the time-honoured charm and solid construction of vintage suitcases. In fact, you may...
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Travel hack: how to use packing cubes
Published 1 years ago
Some people don’t mind a little clutter. But if you’re anything like us, you prefer to be organised and neat whenever possible. It’s natural to crave organisation in...
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What to take on a plane?
Published 1 years ago
There’s a lot of frustrating variables to contend with when you take a flight. From potential delays to below-par airline food, unwanted noise and cramped conditions. But the...
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The key types of wallets for men
Published 2 years ago
Wallets: they’re an integral part of any man’s everyday carry — stylish, practical accessories that store our cash, cards and ID documents. The rise of the digital wallet...
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What is vegan leather?
Published 2 years ago
While environmentalists and animal-rights groups have long been championing vegan leather as an ethical alternative to animal leather, it seems the rest of the world is only just...
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Travel in the pandemic
Published 2 years ago
How has international travel been affected by the pandemic? We’ve surveyed Carl Friedrik customers, analysed Google Trends data and conducted wider research in a bid to answer this...
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Genuine leather: the difficult truth
Published 2 years ago
Although widely used in leather-related discourse, genuine leather is perhaps the most misunderstood term in the industry, if not the entire fashion world. You’ll see it stamped on...
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Cataloguing the many styles of the watch band
Published 2 years ago
You could be forgiven for thinking that the word ‘oyster’ refers to a seawater mollusc, or that NATO is an alliance of countries with close political and military...
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Must-have EDC essentials for gents
Published 2 years ago
EDC: what started as a niche hobby with a limited following on obscure internet forums has quickly evolved into a thriving subculture. The community is diverse, counting preppers,...
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Italian leather: the best leather in the world?
Published 2 years ago
Much like delicately aged French wine or grass-fed Argentinian beef, Italian leather is synonymous with quality and tradition. The Italian peninsula has long been regarded as the epicentre...
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In Conversation With... Simon Shaw, creative communications thought leader
Published 2 years ago
Simon Shaw currently leads the global creative agenda at international PR consultancy, Hill + Knowlton Strategies. He spends his time creating integrated marketing campaigns (IMC) for leading brands...
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An investigation into leather oils: what is the best oil for leather?
Published 2 years ago
There is a myriad of myths and misconceptions surrounding leather care. A large proportion of these relate to the application of oils to treat and nourish leather goods....
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Suitcase packing guide: how to pack efficiently
Published 2 years ago
Every year, as your long-awaited holiday etches ever closer, attention must inevitably turn to an irritating and often time-consuming task: suitcase packing. A calculated approach to this task...
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Bringing clarity to your carry: our guide to the best bags for men
Published 2 years ago
Bags: from briefcases born out of the Industrial Revolution, to the ‘bread bags’ of the Great Wars and the 21st century man bag, ever since we’ve needed to...
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Leather patina — demystifying the leather ageing process
Published 2 years ago
In the world of leather, ‘patina’ is a bit of a buzzword. And because high-quality leather is at the heart of many of our products, we’ve built up...
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Your guide on how to choose the right watch strap size
Published 2 years ago
A common adage amongst watch enthusiasts is that new straps can reinvigorate a timepiece’s appearance and make it a more flexible accessory. The act of changing your straps...
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How to work from home well, be productive and stay organised
Published 2 years ago
In the last few months, working from home has been revolutionised. More people are working from home than ever before, and we are seeing a shift in the...
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What is full-grain leather?
Published 3 years ago
If you’re a fan of leather, like us, it may have left you asking yourself, ‘What is full grain leather?’ And, ‘What makes it different from other types...
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What and how to pack for a business trip
Published 4 years ago
It’s a Monday morning and you are heading to the office. You walk in with your take-out flat white but before you can even sit down and make...
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Italian Vachetta leather in all its beauty explained
Published 4 years ago
Centre stage in the manufacture of everything from high-end luggage items to briefcases, Vachetta leather is near the top of the pecking order when it comes to luxury...
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Packing for a weekend trip is both exciting and stressful – Our simple guide to make your life easier.
Published 4 years ago
Millennials see ‘travelling’ as a legitimate pass time and take any excuse to escape our own four walls and routines, even if it is only for a weekend....
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Why does my bag need care? It’s leather!
Published 4 years ago
When you choose to purchase a leather bag or briefcase from Carl Friedrik, we want you to be as pleased with your new briefcase or laptop case in...
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How to repair and restore cracked leather and bring it back to its former glory
Published 4 years ago
Can you fix cracked leather? It’s one of the most common questions we, as leather experts, get asked. The answer depends on the type of damage – but...
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What happens when leather gets wet – and how to fix it
Published 4 years ago
Rescuing wet leather need not be a hopeless task provided you keep in mind three key things: timing, patience and a small amount of elbow grease. Lock these...
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What is vegetable tanned leather?
Published 5 years ago
Vegetable tanned leather is championed by leather connoisseurs, skilled artisans and, well, us (we incorporate it into all of our products). It’s a multifaceted topic that we love...
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Our Raccagni zippers are designed to handle the rigours of life on the go. Here’s how.
Published 6 years ago
In our world chock-full of wondrous smartphone apps that can (supposedly) teach you a new language in a fortnight or turn on your washing machine when you’re on...
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The Carl Friedrik visual identity
Published 6 years ago
The new Carl Friedrik visual identity is the result of a collaboration with the creative agency Two Times Elliott and tireless efforts of our own team. Here we’d...
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