Moleskine notebooks are some of the best notebooks on the market. But they can be CRAZY expensive compared to other brands like Field Notes and Hobonochi. Ever wonder why Moleskine notebooks are so expensive though?
It can effectively be boiled down to three reasons:
Here’s my three reasons why Moleskine notebooks are justifiably expensive:
Quality and Craftsmanship
Moleskine notebooks maintain a level of quality and craftsmanship you can’t find anywhere else. Between the strong pages, binding, and quality covers you can find something to love about your notebook.
Completely Vegan
Moleskine notebooks are made from a variety of cloths and a really interesting “fustian fabric” that you can read about here.
Promotes Sustainable Creativity
From the Moleskine website:
“Moleskine notebooks are kept and treasured, not discarded after use. They are collected over time, our most precious stories imprinted on their ivory-colored pages.
That said, Moleskine’s circular economy strategy means unsellable items are recycled or repurposed. They are repurposed into creative tools donated to charitable organizations or recycled into new materials. In 2022, we donated about 25k products and recycled about 70 tons.“
You as the creative in your notebooks space have the comfort of knowing that your notebook will NEVER go to waste. I would be gracious to know that my completed notebook could be of use in someone’s creative endeavors. That’s so cool!
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And craftsmanship is something that’s important to the Moleskine brand, everything they produce is in compliance with California Proposition 65.
One of the most severe laws in the world for material safety and environmental effect. Not only that, but Moleskine is also FSC-certified, promoting responsible forest management across the world.
In my own personal experience, my commonplace Moleskine notebook has been through two wash cycles, a drying cycle, and even dropped in mop water and IS STILL BEING WRITTEN IN. The journal is an absolute unit and proves why Moleskine notebooks are so expensive! It’s because the quality is just amazing!
Or even experiences like this Redditor who’s grandmother still has Moleskine notebooks from way back when!
Overall, there are definitely cheaper options that could achieve the same purpose, but when you buy a Moleskine notebook there is a standard of quality you can expect and enjoy.
Moleskine is Community Oriented
Firstly, the Moleskine brand doesn’t just stop when you buy your first notebook, there’s an array of apps, accessories and forums that can help you enjoy your notebook to the fullest!
Moleskine Journey
Moleskine Journey is an app developed by the Moleskine team that accompanies their product lines and allows you to log a variety of information in the app.
- Journaling
- Habit Tracking
- Reminders and To-Do Lists
I find the app really easy to use, and it incentivizes creativity with the rest of your Moleskine products as: Why write your To-Do list in your Moleskine when you can do it in Moleskine Journey?
Cult Following
You can find Moleskine’s influence practically everywhere on the internet. I can practically guarantee that when accessing communities like Art, Drawing, Journaling, and Notetaking you WILL come across someone with a Moleskine product.
Even just scrolling through these communities freely you can see people doing “Moleskine Tours” and “Moleskine Hauls”, contributing to the character of the brand.
My favorite stories come from the community led stories of where their Moleskine has been and what it represents for them. If you don’t believe me, check out this story on Medium that takes a deep dive into what really makes Moleskine a cult brand.
Moleskine Aesthetic
Pinterest boards, reddit forums, and Tiktok’s galore highlight the versatility of these notebooks.
Timeless Aesthetic
One more compelling reason why Moleskine notebooks are justifiably expensive is their timeless aesthetic.
Moleskine’s classic design and simple yet elegant appearance make them not just functional tools but also stylish accessories for creative individuals. The iconic black cover with rounded corners and the elastic closure give Moleskine notebooks a distinctive, classic look that has remained consistent over the years.
This aesthetic appeals to a wide range of users, from artists and writers to professionals and students who appreciate the notebook’s blend of form and function.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Moleskine notebooks may come with a higher price tag compared to some of their competitors, they justify their expense through a combination of factors. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures that your Moleskine notebook can endure the test of time.
Additionally, Moleskine’s dedication to sustainability and community-oriented approach contribute to their value proposition. Their circular economy strategy and environmental certifications showcase their responsible practices, while the Moleskine community and accompanying apps enhance the overall experience for their users.
So, the next time you invest in a Moleskine notebook, remember that you’re not just purchasing a notebook; you’re acquiring a piece of craftsmanship, a sustainable choice, a connection to a creative community, and a timeless accessory for your endeavors!
