The Story of Popov Leather

Popov Leather is a small, 13-year-old workshop in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. We design and handcraft belts, wallets, bags, and everyday leather goods from thick full-grain leather, and we stand behind every piece with a lifetime guarantee. This page is the short version of who we are, what we make, and how we make it.

Our Story

Popov Leather was founded in 2013 by Ryan Popoff in Nelson, BC. What began as one person cutting wallets on a basement bench has grown into a full workshop team of craftsmen, cutters, and stitchers who make every product by hand in the same small mountain town on the edge of Kootenay Lake.

The reason we started, and the reason we have kept going for more than 13 years, is simple: most leather goods are not built to last. We wanted to make belts and wallets that outlive the trend cycle, age into something better over time, and stay in a customer's pocket or around their waist for decades, not seasons. That goal still sets the rules in our workshop today.

Since 2013, our team in Nelson has shipped more than 100,000 orders across Canada, the United States, and beyond. We crossed the 100,000-order milestone on July 28th, 2023, and were recognized by Shopify with a special award for that achievement. Our customers have left more than 3,000 verified reviews on our belts alone, averaging 4.85 out of 5 stars across the catalog (see our reviews page).

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A MILESTONE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

100,000 ORDERS AND COUNTING

On July 28th, 2023, Popov Leather reached a significant milestone, surpassing 100,000 orders, a feat acknowledged by Shopify with a special award. This achievement highlights our commitment to delivering quality and craftsmanship, where every order adds to our rich history of creating durable, handcrafted leather goods.

What We Make

Every Popov Leather product is designed in Nelson, BC and handcrafted in our workshop. Our main product lines are:

  • Leather belts: our Classic, Vanguard, Conway, and Women's belts, cut from thick 9oz full-grain leather, with solid-brass buckles.
  • Leather wallets: Traditional Bifold, 5 Card, Front Pocket, Trifold, Money Clip, Long Wallet, and Biker Wallet, all saddle-stitched by hand with waxed Tiger thread.
  • Bags and travel goods: the Everyday Satchel, Toiletry Bag, Weekender Tote, and Passport Holder, built to survive decades of airports and road trips.
  • Desk and notebook goods: Deskpads, Mousepads, and notebook covers for A5, Field Notes, Leuchtturm1917, Hobonichi, Moleskine, and Rhodia journals.
  • Watch bands: straps for Apple Watch, Garmin, and standard two-piece watches.
  • Everyday carry and accessories: Valet Trays, AirTag cases, Sunglasses Cases, Multitool Sheaths, Guitar Straps, and keychains including the Key Coffin, Clip Keychain, and Sasquatch Keyfob.
  • Dog collars and leashes: the same thick leather we use on belts, scaled for dogs from 10 to 150 pounds.
  • Custom and B2B: custom leather hats (trucker, jockey, toque), custom coasters, custom keychains, and custom brass stamps for brands and corporate gifts.

In total, our catalog runs to well over 50 handmade products. New designs are added a few times a year, and we retire patterns that do not meet our quality bar rather than keep them in rotation.

Our Guarantee

Every Popov Leather product is covered by a lifetime guarantee. If anything we make ever fails under normal use, we will repair it or replace it free of charge. That includes stitching that pulls, hardware that fails, and edges that split. It does not cover general wear and patina, which we actually want to see on your gear.

We can offer a lifetime guarantee because of how our products are built. Handmade, full-grain, saddle-stitched, solid-brass: there is not much to go wrong, and when something does, our workshop team can fix it quickly. Read the full policy on our returns and exchanges page.

The Leather

We only use thick full-grain leather. Full-grain is the top, outer layer of the hide. It is the strongest and most durable grade of leather made, and it is the only grade that develops a real patina, a deep, lived-in shine that only appears after years of use. Our belts are cut from 9oz full-grain leather for structure, and our wallets and small goods use slightly thinner full-grain for a softer hand.

The leather itself is sourced from Seidel Tanning Corp, a family-owned US tannery that has been tanning hides since 1928. We hand-select every side for thickness, temper, and grain before it reaches the workshop bench. You can read the full story on our leather page.

Meet The Team

Ryan

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
The front pocket card holder. It was the first wallet I ever designed and I still carry it to this day.

Favorite leather? 
Natural. It's the original Popov color for all our products.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Working with a team of folks who are just as hard-working and passionate about leather goods as I am.

How do you feel about putting pineapple on pizza? 
Disgusting. I like fresh pineapple, but can't stand it cooked.

Jill

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Front Pocket Cardholder. It's what i use myself daily.

Favorite leather? 
Natural because it's our original leather color.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Watching the business grow and evolve over time.

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why? 
Of course, it's between bread. Therefore it's a sandwich.

What's your worst bug-related story? 
Having a lifetime of dealing with bugs because Ryan won't :P 

Stacy

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
I really love the book covers. They are all so simple, elegant and clean. The item you never knew you needed.

Favorite leather? 
Shell Cordovan.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
I love the small business atmosphere that fosters a great balance for work and life. I love coming to work everyday feeling like I'm going to see friends, have gut-wrenching belly laugh attacks and leave feeling like I helped grow the company.

What's something we'd never guess about you? 
One of my favorite things in the whole world is laying in bed and having the sheets thrown over like a parachute. Takes me back to childhood.

If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be? 
Money.

Whitney

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Totes. I use one everyday and it is a great catch-all. It looks so nice with everything.

Favorite leather? 
English Tan <3 It is my favorite because it's such a classic color. Driftwood is a close second.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
We have a great work environment and I enjoy coming to work. I especially enjoy doing QA (Quality Assurance) and making sure everything will be exactly what was ordered.

What's something we'd never guess about you? 
Played roller derby for five years and competed at a national level. 

Mikaela

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Valet tray! They're so useful for keeping things that I use every day in sight

Favorite leather? 
Heritage Brown

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
The job keeps my hands busy, and everyone here genuinely seems to care about each other. It's a tight knit group :)

What is something everyone looks stupid doing?
Its a little weirdly specific, but trying to get in and out of booth seating at a restaurant

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why?
I think a hotdog deserves to be a sandwich. Its a meat product and condiments between bread, does the shape of the ingredients really matter?

What's your life's theme song?
'Like the Movies' by Laufey

Reese

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
The Card Holder for a sleek front pocket carry and the Apple Watch Strap to make your Apple Watch stand out like no other.

Favorite leather? 
English Tan.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
The people for sure. Nothing is better than coming to work excited to be part of such a great team.

What's your worst bug-related story? 
I played airsoft in a wet field in Manitoba once and got so many mosquito bites that it looked like a had a 17th century disease.

If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be? 
Something carbonated would be fun. You'd feel fizzy all around and you have something to drink while floating.

Althea

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
The Tote Bag

Favorite leather? 
Natural.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Working with a team that acknowledges and appreciates efforts that motivates me to help more of our customers.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
My favorite pizza flavor is Hawaiian. So, yes, I love it!

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why?
Yep, because it's between two slices of bread!

What's your life's theme song?
Rather Be by Clean Bandit. Always get me in the mood and it's a true love song. I'll always believe in love!

Sabine

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Traditional wallets. They’re pretty sleek and fun to sew.

Favorite leather? 
Black for the simple fact that it’s the easiest to cut.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
I like the fact I can choose to have idle chit chat or quietly work by myself. Everyone is so accommodating of peoples work preferences.

If someone asked to be your apprentice and learn all that you know, what would you teach them?
Embroidery. I know it’s a bit of an old person hobby, but there are so many cool stitches and designs you can make.

What's your life's theme song?Rising Shepard tone.

Jazmyn

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Notebook Cover (A5) or I use our coasters at home on a daily basis! I also love our 5 card wallet.

Favorite leather? 
Natural all the way - sometimes English Tan too!

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Working with like-minded people, working with the leather as its something so interesting to work with and learn about continuously. Also creating products that I know will have meaning to our customers.

What is your worst bug-related story?
One time I was in an outhouse in the bush, I found two ticks in my hair and I came running and screaming out of there! I have never left an outhouse so fast.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza? 
It's good, if I'm in the mood but I don't put it on all pizzas like some people.

If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be? 
Dried lavender/flowers.

Meg

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
The Card Holder - it's cute and really fun to make.

Favorite leather? 
English Tan. Awesome patterns and tones.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Learning and perfecting new skills amongst a super creative team where new ideas are always welcomed.

How do you feel about putting pineapple on pizza? 
Yes. It's a majestic fruit and deserves to be on anything it has a chance to be on.

What is something everyone looks stupid doing?
Trying to find their way around in the dark. It's a real shame we can't actually see that. Since it's the dark.

If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be? 
Rice. I love rice. I think it would need to be Aborio rice because it's nice and rounded. Basmati might hurt.

Rezel

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
5 Card Wallet - it's cute and compact!

Favorite leather? 
Natural

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Assisting customers, especially helping them decide between items (as an indecisive girly myself, I totally get it!). And of course, being part of such a great, supportive team!

What is something we'd never guess about you?
When I was a kid, I once dreamt of being a WWE wrestler lol

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
Don't hate it, don't love it.

What's your life's theme song?
Not just a song, but the whole folklore album by TS.

Ankush

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Bifold Wallet

Favorite leather? 
Black

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Sewing and Power press

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why?
I don't think hot dog a sandwich, first its bun is different, hot dog only can made with sausage whereas sandwiches can make with any kind of meat whether its breaded or grilled. Although the condiments and sauces could be the same.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
I am not a really big fan of this combination, I tried to avoid pineapple with pizza

What's your life's theme song?
Go with the flow and create your own happiness.

Angela

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
I'm loving our vertical wallet! It's so great at keeping my cards secure while still giving me easy access to my cash.

Favorite leather? 
Heritage Brown

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
What really drives me to do my best is working with a team that's kind and supportive, and where everyone's efforts are acknowledged. I love being able to create materials that showcase the amazing quality of our products, because it also feels like a reflection of our hardworking team and our shared passion for leather goods.

What's your worst bug-related story?
I ran outside of our house screaming for my life because of a roach flying towards me :D

What's your life's theme song? 
Sunny Days by Wave To Earth

Linh

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
I love the design of the Long Wallet. Sleek and sturdy, and you can dress it up or down.

Favorite leather? 
English Tan- there’s so much variety within this colour!

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
I love working at Popov Leather because there are no two days that feel the same. The days go by so fast, so it doesn’t feel like work when you’re being creative amongst like-minded people.

What is something everyone looks stupid doing?
Playing twister with a big group of people!

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why?
No if anything it’s a sub dog. Sandwiches require flat bread slices.

If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be? 
I would jump into a pool that is full of mashed potatoes and gravy.

What's your life's theme song?
I like to move it- Reel 2 Real. It gets me up in the morning.

Scott

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Trifold Wallet

Favorite leather? 
English Tan

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Creativity and problem solving is highly encouraged

What is something that everyone looks stupid doing? 
Eating soup with a fork

What's your life's theme song? 
Rooster - Alice In Chains

Ken

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Hats

Favorite leather? 
Heritage Brown

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Being part of a team that makes high-quality, handmade leather goods.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
Hold it, eat it, love it!

What's in your pockets right now?
Enough lint to knit a sweater. jk

What's your life's theme song?
Slow Dancing in the Dark by Joji

Arya

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Vanguard Belt

Favorite leather? 
Heritage Brown.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
The teamwork and the continuous effort to improve our workplace environment is a game changer.

What is something we would never guess about you?
I don’t like Crocs lol

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
Loved it. It gave a break in between all the salty and savoury of the other toppings.

What's your life's theme song?
Goodbye Yesterday by Elevation Rhythm

Anastasia

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
The English Tan Everyday Satchel! Caught my eyes immediately from the first tour of the workshop. May have to treat myself to it on my birthday.

Favorite leather? 
It's a tie between English Tan and Heritage Brown. You can't make me choose between the two.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Getting to work with such easy-going and cool people! All the conversations at the shop make the work feel like a cozy little arts and crafts get-together with old friends.

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why? 
The hot dog is *sandwiched* between the two buns. That's a sandwich in my book.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza? 
Savory and sweet is a classic combo! If you don't like pineapple on pizza: how do you feel about brie apple sandwiches? And why is one *so* much more devisive and controversial than the other?

Sam

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Everyday Satchel

Favorite leather? 
3/4oz Leather

Favourite part about working at Popov Leather?
Every day, I get to be part of a small, passionate team that truly cares about what they make. There’s something really satisfying about seeing raw materials turn into high-quality leather goods, knowing that each item will be appreciated by someone.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
I’m all for it—the sweet, juicy pineapple adds a nice contrast to the savory cheese and tomato sauce, making each bite interesting and flavorful.

What's your life's theme song?
Zinda” from the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. (Bollywood)

Our Core Values

Build a Legacy

We want to be famous for our customer experiences. We create life-long customer relationships by being accountable, consistent and loyal. We grow with our customers through listening and learning from their feedback.

Quality Doesn’t Need a Label

We believe our craftsmanship should speak for itself. We are down-to-earth, consistent in our craft and have a strong attention to detail. We stand behind our products and refuse to compromise on quality.

Keep our Tools Sharp

We believe in continuous innovation and evolving to meet modern customer expectations. We are adaptable and never settle because there’s always an opportunity to grow.

Work Shoulder-to-Shoulder

We support each other and our community as we grow and embrace challenges. We have a desire to learn, value creativity, and believe in celebrating hard work and accomplishments. We stick to our commitments, treat everyone with respect, and communicate openly and honestly.

How We Make It

Everything we sell is made by hand in our Nelson, BC workshop. That phrase gets used loosely in the leather industry, so here is what it actually means at Popov:

Wallets: saddle-stitched by hand

Every Popov wallet is saddle-stitched by hand with waxed Tiger thread imported from Julius Koch in Germany. Saddle-stitching uses two needles and passes the thread through each hole twice, so if one stitch ever gives out, the rest of the seam still holds. It is slower than machine sewing, and that is the point: every hole is punched, pulled tight, and locked by hand.

Classic, Conway, and Women's belts: no-stitch construction

Our Classic, Conway, and Women's belts have no stitching at all. Each is cut from a single piece of thick 9oz full-grain leather, hand-burnished along the edges, and secured at the buckle by solid-brass Chicago screws. There is no thread to split or unravel, and the Chicago screws let you swap the buckle, add a hole, or shorten the strap at home with basic tools.

Vanguard belts: machine-stitched edges

Our Vanguard belts are machine-stitched along the edges for a cleaner, straighter silhouette. The stitching is decorative and protective rather than structural: the belt itself is still a single piece of full-grain leather, and the Tiger thread along the edge keeps the burnished line crisp for years of daily wear.

Bags, wallets, notebook covers, and accessories

Everything else in the catalog is hand-cut, hand-burnished, and finished in-house: saddle-stitched seams on wallets and bags, solid-brass snaps and rivets where hardware is needed, and every edge hand-burnished before it ships. You can read more about our construction process on our sewing page.

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Customers rate us 4.8/5 based on 18839 reviews.