The durable, flexible material used in your favorite, broken-in shoes and biker jackets is the OG clothing material. For thousands of years, people have been using animal hides to make fabrics that are durable, comfortable and warm enough to protect themselves from the wind and cold.

The process of making leather has obviously grown a bit more sophisticated since then. But the basics remain: We’re still tanning and treating animal hides. Most leather comes from the hides of cows (some 65%), with the rest coming from sheep, pigs, goats and other animals. And as centuries has passed, leather has been used in everything from shoes to bags to furniture to book bindings!

Leather, made from the hides of animals like cows, sheep and pigs, is actually a by-product of the food industry. While farmers raise animals like cows to sell their meat, the beef accounts for, on average, just 60% of the animal. (Among the other uses: life-saving pharmaceuticals, building materials and other household items.)

Tanning and treating the hide uses another 7% of the animal, that would otherwise be wasted, disposed into a landfill.

With the right amount of TLC your favorite leather pieces can last a lifetime. Here’s how you can show your love. Lesson 1: Be kind to your wares. Leather’s ability to stretch makes it super comfortable, but unless you want a more bloated bag, avoid overstuffing. And with your go-to pieces that get a lot of use, take time to wipe away dust and other spots weekly using a soft, dry cloth. Lesson 2: Practice safe storage. To avoid fading, store leather away from direct sunlight and artificial sources of heat, like radiators, which can dry it out. Always put them away in a dust bag rather than plastic, which doesn’t offer good ventilation. (If you tossed the one your bag came with, a white pillowcase works in a pinch.) Lesson 3: Downpours happen. Should your leather get wet, allow it to try naturally—away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators. For any small wet spots, blot them away as soon as possible. Lesson 4: Step away from the machine. Your leather shouldn’t be washed, tumble dried or ironed. Keep leather buttery soft by using a specialized leather conditioner every three to six months. Should spot cleaning become necessary, use a solution of soap flakes and warm water.