So impressed by Dan's work, I cannot recommend highly enough! I bought a beautiful vintage Ferragamo tote which was in great shape except for the straps, which were dry and beginning to crack. I brought the bag to The Designers to have the straps replaced. Dan did an amazing job, perfectly matched the new straps, and the bag looks amazing. See below for before and after! read more

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Phenomenal work for removing tough stink on my husband's leather shoes. I accidentally spilled laundry detergent on his shoes. Took them to a local leather shop for cleaning, but couldn't remove the stains completely. I then found this shop on Yelp. Decided to give them a call. They took up the challenge and executed it marvelously. Thanks Dan! read more

The Designers Leather Clothiers - The stains were completely removed. - Leather Goods Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I respect the negative experiences of the other shoppers here, but I have always found Dan and Jill both pleasant and easy to work with. Dan has shortened the sleeves of two leather jackets for me and done beautifully both times, and the way Jill calls their husky-mix Nadia an "old broad" always makes me laugh. The short hours of the shop are a bit annoying, but not a big obstacle and I'm going to keep coming here for any leather repairs I might need. read more

This place has beautiful leather products and great service! They will even custom-make a leather jacket for you. They also sell hats and jewelry. I had them do work on a leather jacket that a tailor had royally messed up when I asked him to line it, and they did a great job. I also had them make me a button-in Thinsulate liner for it so I could wear it in cooler weather. It was great! Unfortunately I left the jacket on the T one night and never saw it again :-( so now I am saving up for a custom made one from these people! read more

A truly wonderful shop with fantastic customer service! I brought in a leather jacket, purchased used online, which clearly had seen better days. Dan restored it to the point where it looks brand-new. As I remarked when I stopped in to pick it up, "I don't know how you do what you do." However Dan *does* work his magic, he does it without peer. I'd trust him with restoring any of my leather goods in an instant. read more

I had an awesome experience here this week and wanted to share it. I came here to have a leather jacket cleaned. I had purchased a beautiful allsaints jacket secondhand elsewhere but was disappointed to see several ink stains and denim stains. Being a relatively thorough, picky, and overall anal person, I initially had reservations about coming here from reading a few negative reviews on yelp. However, I still felt that Dan could do the best job in the area (and I have a car, so I was willing to drive prettyyy far even out of Boston) and gave him a shot. I am so glad that I went to him and would recommend others do the same. Going into the shop, I already loved the aesthetic. Beautiful soft leather pieces and cute fur capes are everywhere. I would love to come back and explore! Dan did a fantastic job cleaning the jacket for me. He removed several ink stains that have probably been there for years! Prior owners had probably used leather cleaner which caused fading around the stains, making them look worse, but Dan completely removed the stain and then retouched the areas. I can't even tell where the ink stains used to be. Everything looks perfect and now I have a like-new blush pink leather jacket. The cleaning was also super timely. I was quoted 7-10 days and received a call after 7 days. I am really happy with the work that he did, and I can't wait to wear this. I feel like pictures can't truly convey the difference, because my apartment is dimly lit (but it's more flattering on me, right?), but I'll try to share them anyway. read more

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I took an expensive white leather bag to Designers over the summer asking for a cleaning and touch-up of some stains on the exterior. Their leather expert came upstairs to see the bag, and immediately pronounced he would charge $125. After seeing my surprised reaction (I've had similar leather work done for significantly cheaper in NYC), he revised down his cost to $110. He assured me that my bag would be in "great shape" after his handiwork and I could resume carrying it for many more years. Given no other option, I paid upfront. 7 days later I went back to pick up the bag, and they barely let me take a look at it before ushering me out of the store. Upon closer evaluation, the bag was NOT clean and furthermore was caked in white leather polish, which proceeded to RUIN an expensive jacket. Whereas before its trip to Designers, the bag was usable, it is now completely unusable and has cost me more than its value in stained clothing. I would never recommend Designers. This store overcharges for leather care, requires payment upfront, delivers a low quality of service, and is shameless about it. read more

I completely agree with Erika F. on this one. I took a beautiful light tan designer leather bag to this place and after a bit of hesitation on giving up my bag, I was ensured that it will look just like new (and also had to pay upfront - my fee was $125 -I did not negotiate). Not only did it take the place forever to clean my bag, it came back WORSE that it was. It is unwearable now because he (the guy who worked on my bag) covered it tan leather polish, which in my opinion, I could have done myself if I knew that is what he was going to do. There was no cleaning done. And if you know anything about soft Italian leather, you know not to cover it in leather polish that will not only make it look cakey but will also just ruin the bag. AVOID THIS PLACE!!! THEY WILL RUIN YOUR LEATHER GOODS. read more

Simply the best leather work in the Boston area. I live in Cambridge, but have been heading into Boston to The Designers to have work done on my treasured leather goods for about the last five years. The shop has its own beautifully edited selection of goods for sale, but my experience is with their impeccable alterations and rehabilitation of my own things. An example: last summer I butchered an expensive pair of leather sandals by oversoaking them in leather conditioner. I was crushed. My little project had loosened the glue in the sandals so much the straps were coming apart, the leather itself had been "sweating" a mysterious grey substance for months, and stuffing/padding was popping out of holes in the strap that goes through the buckle. I thought the sandals were a lost cause, but decided to take them to The Designers in December 2019. A week or two later, resurrection: a pair of gorgeously restored, beautifully aged-looking sandals were returned to me. The proprietors, Jill and Dan, are lovely, and the pricing is fair for the high level of craftsmanship and, on occasion, outright magic. If I'm in the market for something in leather -- custom-made, an alteration, a repair, etc. -- I inquire at The Designers first, and if they can't provide it, I go straight to wherever they've referred me. I recommend you do the same. read more

I brought in my tan leather purse after having an ink pen spill on the inside of my bag and leak all the way through the leather in several spots. I thought I would try having it repaired anyway, although i thought it might be hopeless, because I loved the bag so much. The very nice man, who is the leather specialist at the store, said it would be difficult but that he would do what he could. I left the bag with him for a week and was so nervous to go see it, but i was shocked at how well it turned out. It looks practically good as new. There are still very slight marks from the stain, but that can only be expected with a big ink spill, and you would have to look very closely to see it. I was so impressed with his work and professionalism. I would recommend going there for leather repairs to anyone. read more

The Designers Leather Clothiers - before and after of my leather repair - Leather Goods Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

They ruined my wife's jacket, returned it to her late, and were beyond rude. I seriously could not believe the lack of professionalism and condescension I witnessed. I was embarrassed for them quite frankly, and cannot imagine how they manage to stay in business. Take your business elsewhere. read more

The synopsis: I paid $420 for a brand new leather jacket to be ruined and returned to me over a month late, leaving me without it for my wedding. The owners were beyond rude and condescending, and they were incapable of doing the work they agreed to. The long: On April 6th, 2018, I visited this business wishing to have custom work done on a brand new, unworn, leather jacket, with tags still attached. I described to the business owner that I wanted metal studs to be added to the back of the jacket in the shape of a heart and a date below, in smaller metal studs. I explained that the date was that of my upcoming wedding, to which I intended to wear the jacket. I also provided the multiple sized pyramid studs to be added. The owner claimed that her business was capable and experienced in accommodating this type of request. She explained that attaching the studs was a time consuming task, and that it would cost $520. This was well beyond my budget, but I rationalized it because it's my wedding after all, and I was glad to be supporting a local business/artist. The owner told me that the jacket would be ready in 3 weeks. I called the business after 3 weeks, and the owner informed me that the jacket was not ready, but she thought it would be complete "by Mother's Day" (2-3 weeks after original date). I then called the week after Mother's Day, and was told the jacket still was not ready. I reminded the owner of the date of the upcoming wedding, and she told me that it would be ready before then. On May 22nd, I received an email from the owner reporting "a difficult time" with the small studs, and asked what I'd like her to do, suggesting that she could "go with the next size up." I replied to the email, saying that she should go with the next size up and try her best to match the original design. I also expressed to her that I was disappointed she was just discovering the issue now, one week before the wedding, as I had no time to get new studs or work with her on an alternate design. Despite my disappointment and frustration I remained polite and thanked her for her work. She responded to the email apologizing and assuring me the jacket would be ready "before Tuesday." On Tuesday May 29th (not before!), my fiancé went to pick up the jacket. Shortly after leaving, he looked at the jacket and saw multiple punctures to the leather, and that the heart design was terribly uneven and poorly executed. He went back and explained that this work was unacceptable. The attempted to deny the poor quality stating that it was "fine" and asked him if he had ever attempted to put studs on a leather jacket. My fiancé responded by showing her the jacket and stating "I am literally pointing to a hole." She then agreed to fix the jacket and promised it would be ready the following day. My fiancé and I returned to the shop the next day. Before retrieving the jacket the owner told me repeatedly "just remember a person did this- not a machine" and explained how "handmade" has imperfections. The work her husband presented to me was imperfect beyond that of regular human error/"handmade" quality. The studs were poorly attached, uneven, overlapping, and the design was nowhere near symmetrical. The jacket had multiple punctures and scratches, as well as dried glue or similar substance. When I expressed dissatisfaction with the work, the owner's husband refused to acknowledge the poor quality, and was extremely rude and condescending towards us. He repeatedly asked us "well have you ever worked with leather?" And "haven't you ever made a mistake?" He kept telling us how difficult the work was. That's why I agreed to such a high price- but isn't this what his shop does? Did I not ask if they'd done this before? It's not like I went in and demanded to be cooked a hamburger- I asked for modification to a leather garment, at a leather shop, and was told that they were experienced in doing his type of work. Finally he told us how upset his wife is over our "attitude." My fiancé and I had been beyond patient, and always polite. We are not ones to raise our voices, swear, or generally upset anyone. We have both worked in retail and try to treat others as we'd like to be treated. Throughout the conversation with the woman and her husband I expressed that I was dissatisfied, but just wanted to be on my way- they refused to end the conversation or let me get a word in! They just kept talking and talking at us. He eventually agreed to reimburse me $100. $100 dollars after I gave their business $520 to damage a $900 jacket- and return it to me less than a week before my wedding! I can't speak to the quality of their products or other services, as this was my first and last interaction with the business. Based on my experience I would encourage consumers to avoid this shop. read more

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I have a sheepskin coat that was made by Dan 10 years ago - he recently cleaned it and it is as amazing as the day I bought it. If you are in the market for a custom coat - this is the place to go. For Christmas my spouse bought me a hat from the store - which I love. I have always like hats, but this one is special Wonderful service read more

I recently bought a leather riding jacket and it's sleeves were too long. After calling a leather shop in the North End, I was recommended to Dan and the Designers Leather Clothiers, since they make their own leather apparel. Overall, it was a tricky job, involving some deconstruction around the cuff since there was a zipper and lining involved. Dan charged me $165 and turned the jacket around in a week. Overall, it fits great and looks great. My only criticism is that the stitching around the cuff looks a little uneven (barely noticeable) and the work along the cuff wasn't as tight as the original manufacturer's, but overall I'm quite happy with the work. The reconstructed cuffs (with zippers and lining) otherwise look and work great. If this was a bit cheaper and was closer to the original cuff work, this would have earned a solid 5 from me. read more

Perfection is the only word that comes to mind for this review. I had a leather moto jacket that I bought from a top itialian designer altered here. The sleeves were way to long and it had a complicated zipper detail on the sleeves. The work was done swiftly and impeccably. I am in shock and awe as to both the quality and turn around time. The price charged was more than reasonable and fair. No one would know the sleeve length was altered even with the complicated zipper details. I'm from NYC and expect this kind of service and you did not disappoint. You have a customer for life. I will be back to order things and give your custom work a try. BIG THANK YOU FOR YOUR FANTASTIC WORK AND TURN AROUND TIME. read more

So much for the brick-and-mortar small shoppe experience. Found the bag and wallet I was looking for, but the proprietor asked me to leave my bag up front so he could chat with his friend. This isn't the Dollar General across from the junkies' hang out, it's Charles St. I should have known what I was in for when I saw framed sign that read, "We are a boutique, not a phone booth." At least I found a brand I like so I can find it online. Thanks, impeccably dressed and groomed shopkeeper with bad manners. And yes, I was aware that the gloves I was looking at were men's gloves. Not all of my shopping is for myself. read more

Never take anything to that place for repair! I took a nice shearling and suede leather trooper hat to that store to have the strap replaced. The lady at the front called a guy from downstairs, who said he will do a great job and knows exactly what to do. I was very happy because all the other places turned me down. He proceeded to write me a receipt and requested an upfront payment of $45. I was shocked by the price, but paid anyway because a new hat would have coasted me at least twice as much. Instead of doing a great job, the guy attached cheap un-matching dyed leather (not suede) straps by sewing them ONTO the flaps with uneven stitching instead of inserting them into the flaps. Functionally it's ok, but looks horrible! The guy quickly showed me the worked, stuffed it into a bag, and promptly ushered me out. For robbing me of my money and having my hat ruined, I also received a portion of very condescending attitude. Never again! read more

I've tried to appreciate this shop. They redid a leather bag for me, charging me the $100+ that everyone mentions. I was thrilled when I picked it up. Until I used it. Dribbled some liquid (not like it was acid) on it, quickly wiped it off, and the color/dye came right off! Second attempt (because I'm not a quick study): Took a favorite watch with a pale pink strap to be cleaned. Couldn't tell the difference when I picked it up. And yes, you pay up front, and there are no returns/refunds, so you get what you get. Third attempt (did I mention I don't learn my lesson quickly?): Took a bag there to have a seal put on it to prevent staining and asked that they put feet on the bottom of it. For the up-front payment, I quickly emptied my wallet on the counter, handed over all jewelry I was wearing (did I mention they are expensive?), and when I picked up the bag, the feet were the wrong color-not the brass I was told I would get but a silver tone. This shop is a husband and wife team. The wife is very sweet, even their dog is nice,. But the husband? Don't question his work unless you want to be treated poorly. After you've given him all your money. read more

Do not bring your articles to have cleaned or restored here. Greatly overpriced and incomplete or inferior. I brought two vintage pieces here (travel bag)and upon return found the musty odor remained in one of the pieces and there was a deeper pocket that was not even touched upon which i found lint and a bobby pin! And, there was a stain on the interior fabric that looked untouched in the inside pocket. The other piece was dissapointing as well. Even tho the owner said they would try to improve the work, my feeling is they had the opportunity to do quality work in the first place , he greatly overcharged and therefor lost my trust. As a designer of leather goods it appears the he does classic designs satisfactorily but !!!!!! DO NOT USE THEM FOR CLEANING AND RESTORATION. you will be disappointed!!! see other reviews read more

I have gone here for more than 10 years, family owned. I love their hats, fascinators, bags, jewelry and other accessories. I've always had good service and purchases have lasted wonderfully. Always a pleasure! read more

I preliminarily ordered a jacket. The merchant was not open for posted hours for my fitting, thereafter. I flew home, out of the area. The merchant refused to refund the "purchase". I have no jacket. None was ever produced. They have my $1510.00. I have nothing. Capital One says they are unable to "obtain credit from the merchant." Capital One says they consider the case closed. COMPLETELY DISREPUTABLE MERCHANT. If they refund my money, I will update my review. Any advice or feedback is appreciated. Thank you read more

Dan took a sloppy old motorcycle jacket I had sitting in a box in the attic and turned it into a timeless and fashionable classic, and I couldn't be more impressed with his craftsmanship and enthusiasm! I enjoyed the experience, and will bring more jackets there in the future. I specifically wanted to have the jacket brought in and some of the lining repaired as well as to have something done to correct the teepee-style neck of the garment that didn't sit correctly on my shoulders. Dan immediately saw what needed to be corrected and explained his approach to altering the jacket clearly and with enthusiasm for the project. I had been to a few tailors who clearly didn't want to be bothered with the work who suggested I just buy a new jacket. Dan was happy to put in the work. They are not cheap, nor should you expect leather work to be cheap. And in a way, those tailors who told me the jacket I walked into the store with wasn't worth putting too much money into were right, it probably wasn't; but the jacket I walked out of the store with is worth every penny. read more

This shop is amazing! From front to back, it's filled with unique, high quality, gorgeous things! From their leathers to the one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces & scarves, you'll find some truly great things. The owner, Jill, couldn't have been nicer. She took the time to really explain the background on several artifacts I admired. I highly recommend you make the trip to Charles Street and visit this gem! read more

I just bought my 5th silk scarf (for myself) and have bought many beautiful items here for gifts. What a nice place to browse and select the perfect present for a friend. I bought a buttery-soft leather wallet for my mother last Mother's Day and a gorgeous leather bag for my sister. They also have great jewelry and I got a pretty bracelet with little stones that has a magnetic closure. Perfect for my mom, who has a hard time with regular lobster claw closures. Wonderful customer service, very friendly. They make their leather goods, so can tell you all about how they are made, how to take care of them, etc. A real treasure. read more

The quality of their work is second to none. They are true craftsmen. Not only are they a pleasure to work with, but they can work miracles with whatever repair I bring them. I cannot say enough about this hidden gem. It's something out of a small European town, where merchants stake their personal value on customer service and the quality of their work. I love the unique products they sell. Everything they make is strong and can withstand the abuse of a daily commute. They are a treasure to have in our community. read more

Dan did an excellent job shortening a shearling coat for me. It was a complicated project that other places I took it wouldn't attempt, but Dan did it quickly and perfectly. He a makes the beautiful leather coats sold in this store. I'd never go anywhere else for a leather repair. Dan and his wife Jill could not be nicer. read more

I agree with Erika also! I took a Furla suede bag to the store over 2 weeks ago to get a detergent spill cleaned up. The "professional" leather person said he would make the bag look almost new and charged me 125 dollars up front. I was surprised of the price but said ok, since the purse was very important to me. It was a brand new purse and very expensive. when I went to pick it up, I looked at the purse in the store and then took it outside to get a better look and to show it to my husband. The color of the bag was darker and it had scratches all over it. My husband went back in the store with me and told the man that this was unacceptable, how could he say that the bag was ready. The man told my husband to get out and called the cops. He also kept the bag and refused to give the bag back, saying that he would try again. We refused and took the bag when the cops arrived. I cannot use the bag and now I am out 575 dollars. I am taking the store to court and hope to get a resolution. read more

Dan shortened a leather coat for me as well as altered a fur and leather jacket...both were beautifully done. The alterations were done quickly and Dan and Jill could not be nicer to deal with. I highly recommend their shop for any and all leather alterations. They also carry a beautiful selection of handmade leather clothing and accessories. read more

Called the day before to verify that they opened on a Sat morning. Website states 10.30AM. Walked around Beacon Hill, and at 11AM still not open ... and no voicemail. Made a special trip to come into the city. What an absolute waste of time! read more

Love this place and the people who own/manage it. The quality of the merchandise is outstanding. Beautiful things if you need a gift for yourself or someone else. Prices are very reasonable and reflect the high end quality of the leather goods and accessories. I love going here especially around the hoildays but anytime of year is just as fun. Charles St is a fun place to visit and walk around. The owners of this lovely shop are a pleasure to do business with . Highly recommend!! read more

The coat, which I recently had made, is the best one I have ever owned. I was so happy with my new coat that I asked The Designers to clean two other older coats. They were just returned and look brand new. Their cleaning service is worth every penny. The shop owners are courteous, helpful, and deliver a fabulous product. I am, and will continue to be, a smitten customer. read more

I brought in a fine leather jacket that was far too large for me to discuss the possibility of alterations. Dan, one of the proprietors, suggested significant changes to the jacket's body, shoulders and sleeves. The proposed alterations were reasonably priced, but not inexpensive. Having agreed to the alterations, I returned three weeks later to a jacket that was dramatically changed, and fit as if it were made for me. In sum, I am more than happy, both with Dan's recommendations and the superior quality of his work. read more

These five stars are well-earned. I brought Jill and Dan a size 42 men's winter leather coat with a zip-in fur lining that was too big for me through the chest and waist and too short in the arms. I spoke with several other leather tailors and no one wanted to touch it. When I asked Dan he so obviously confident that he didn't hesitate - bring it in. I did and I'm very glad. I left it with Dan, who estimated ten days. Five days later he called - my coat was ready, he worked to get it out quickly because the weather's cold and he knew I'd want it. He shipped it to me that night, it arrived the next day, and it fits like it was custom made. This was not an easy job - he had to disassemble the garment's components and remove material everywhere, reassemble without evidence of the alteration (including a drawstring waist which complicated matters more) and do the same for the fur lining. I am well-pleased with the outcome. Dan's pricing is fair, particularly when you consider that this coat's replacement would exceed $3500. I'll definitely be back. Thank you, Dan, and Jill. read more