Although lambskin leather has many desirable properties, the material is very fragile and can damage easily with improper care. Some well known issues with lambskin leather are its susceptibility to scratches, tears, stains and discolouration.
About Lambskin Leather
With this softness comes a level of fragility to Lambskin, as it's prone to scratches and stains which leather aficionados will know. This make care & maintenance key in ensuring the longevity of this leather.
Unlike sturdier leathers such as caviar or calfskin, lambskin leather can damage more easily under improper care. Its fragile nature makes it more susceptible to scratches, stains and discolouration. This is where regular care can go a long way in maintaining the longevity of your lambskin leather.
However, lambskin is not as fragile as you might think! Light surface scratches can be easily buffed out by applying a thin layer of The Leather Protector, waiting until it has dried completely, and then gently buffed with The Buffer cloth. Lambskin that are more tightly stitched are also more durable.
In short, no, Chanel lambskin leather is not durable. It's buttery soft, barely treated lambskin leather with very little protection. It is very easy to scratch it with your nails, keys or if you knock against buildings. Also it can very easily suffer from colour transfer, which we will chat about more in a moment.
Although lambskin leather has many desirable properties, the material is very fragile and can damage easily with improper care. Some well known issues with lambskin leather are its susceptibility to scratches, tears, stains and discolouration.
Use a soft cloth and take care to avoid any care products that may degrade the finish of your bag. To help reduce the appearance of marks on the surface of lambskin leather, try rubbing in a circular motion. More advice in boutique.
Lambskin leather is softer than cowhide leather
While cowhide is known to be the more durable type of leather, lambskin is a better choice for clothing. Lambskin leather is softer and more pliable than cowhide and has several other advantages.
When it comes to leather, lambskin is as soft as it gets. Lightweight and extremely smooth, lambskin is much thinner than cowhide and other leathers, and it offers a flattering drape. Many of the finest leather jackets, shoes, and high-end furnishings are crafted from lambskin.
As a general rule of thumb, lambskin is best for leather garments (jackets and coats) because its soft texture easily forms to the body, whereas calfskin is better for accessories (shoes, handbags, wallets, and related accessories) because it is tougher and retains its shape better.
The authentic leather in Chanel bags is either lambskin or caviar skin. Lambskin leather is incredibly soft, smooth, and velvety, with a buttery sheen. Even if you haven't touched lambskin leather in your life, you'll understand the meaning of high-quality and ultra-softness once you touch it.
They also design handbags in calfskin, goatskin and exotics (to name a few). However, a few years ago, Chanel made the decision to concentrate predominantly on Lambskin and Caviar, which is why their seasonal designs will host one of these leathers.
Lambskin is delicate and can change colour very easily if it isn't treated the right way. You should never use harsh or abrasive chemicals to clean lambskin leather and you should avoid getting it wet at all costs.
Cowhide leather is the best for all types of bags because of its durability, elegant look, strength, softness, flexibility, and patina development.
Lambskin leather is the hide of young sheep. It is soft, flexible, smooth, and thinner than most leathers. Lambskin is ideal for lining, garments, bags, and wallets.
Unlike most of the other animal hides that are used for leather, lambskin is more delicate and ultra-soft. Thus, tanning must be done gently, so as not to tear or damage it. For that reason, lambskin is considered a luxurious premium leather and thus, making them more expensive.
Keep away from water - fine for a little drizzle, not so much in a torrential downpour. If it does get wet, wipe with a dry microfibre cloth and leave it to dry out on its own.
Full Grain Leather
Full grain is the longest lasting, highest quality grade of leather available. It holds the pattern of the animal's skin and has a soft, natural look and warm feel. Because it comes from the top layer of the cow's hide, full grain leather is stronger and more breathable than others.
The College bag is made from textured lambskin, which is soft but is also known to be durable. Despite the suppleness of the leather, I've found it to be pretty resistant to creases and scratches. Some people have complained about the delicacy of the leather, but I haven't had any issues.
Due to the delicate nature of Chanel lambskin leather, unfortunately scratches are inevitable.
Caviar is slightly heavier than Lambskin and is much more scratch and water-resistant. Even after many wear, the Caviar bags still maintain their condition.
Buff Lambskin Leather
Just rub gently on the affected area, and it will help to reduce the appearance of scratches, dents and wrinkles. I've done it with all of my lambskin Chanel bags and it really does help to keep the leather puffy and shiny.
Chanel Goatskin (Chevre) Leather
Goat hide is one of the toughest and most durable leathers among all luxury handbags. It can withstand tremendous wear and tear, and it's a great option for hard-working handbags that see a great deal of use, such as totes. Despite its toughness, Goatskin is very soft to the touch.
The classic Lady Dior is made from lambskin and features the famous cannage stitching.