Reading a Bag Listing: A Materials Checklist

A checklist from the FTC’s Leather Guides and Green Guides: material, parts, backing, processing, and what each claim actually covers.

Published November 7, 2026 · 3 min read · Topic: Materials, Labels & Claims · Materials & labels

Typical situation

You are about to buy a bag online and you want a short list of what a good materials description should include.

Main answer · berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

A good materials description says what the main material is, which parts are made of what, whether any layer is backed or processed, and what each marketing claim applies to. The FTC’s Leather Guides and Green Guides give a reference for each of these points.

The checklist

Main material. Is it leather, a named non-leather material, or a mix? The Leather Guides say an unqualified “leather” should mean leather in all substantial parts.
Parts. Are the lining, strap, trim and partitions named?
Backing. Is any layer backed with another material?
Processing. Is the surface embossed or processed to look like another kind?
Bonded content. If it says bonded, is there a percentage?
Performance words. Do “waterproof” or “scratch resistant” have a basis?
Environmental words. Is “eco-friendly” qualified? Does “recycled” give a share?
Seals. Is the scheme named, and what does it cover?
Warnings. Is there a safety or Proposition 65 notice?
Seller. Can you contact them?

How to use it

Go through the list while you read the listing, and note what is missing. You do not need every answer, but you should know which are missing before you pay.

An example of a good listing

A clear description might read: “Top grain cowhide outer, with a polyester lining, and a coated-fabric partition; zip hardware in metal.” This names the main material, the parts and the hardware. It is short, it is easy to check, and it avoids vague words. If a seller can write that, you can compare their bag with others.

Where this answer stops

This is a reading aid and not a standard. It does not decide whether a seller complies with any law, and it is not legal advice.

Sources and further reading

Three more perspectives

berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

Use the list in order, from the outer material to the claims. If a point is missing, ask the seller before you pay.

berabags Editorial Team · Purchasing view

Keep a copy of the listing, the date and the seller’s answers. These are what you will need if the bag differs from the description.

berabags Editorial Team · Risk view

A gap in a listing is not proof of a problem. It is a reason to ask, and the seller’s reply will tell you more than the gap.

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