Genuine sheepskin has the fibres attached firmly to the skin. Wool should be more dense and when parted, sheepskin leather should be observed as the backing. With synthetics, fibres are attached to a weaker, man-made base. When moving apart the “fur”, a woven “mesh-like” fabric can be observed rather than leather.
You may be able to tell just by touching the piece whether the leather is real or fake. Fake leather feels smooth, almost like plastic. Real leather will feel soft and flexible, but it will also have a grainy feel. You also won't be able to stretch faux leather, but real leather can be stretched.
If your sheepskin is real, the wool won't come away easily and the underside will be smooth, resembling leather or suede. If your sheepskin is fake, you won't need to try very hard to pull away the pile, and the exposed backing will probably have a woven texture.
Lambskin leather is just that – leather made from the hide of young sheep. This lightweight and finely grained leather, is well known for its soft texture. It's this buttery smooth feeling that sets it apart from other luxury leathers like caviar, which have a rougher texture in comparison.
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.
Lambskin leather should never get wet or be washed, we recommend applying a silicon-free leather protector to prevent any stains or damage, particularly from rainwater.
Calfskin pairs the strength and durability of cowhide with the soft, lightweight feel of lambskin. Generally thicker and heavier than lambskin, calfskin is at once supple and smooth, striking a superb balance between functional and fashionable.
It is more expensive than cowhide, so lambskin is usually reserved for higher-end leather products. Cowhide is made from the hide of a cow. Lambskin comes from sheep, which is a more expensive and delicate animal. The sheep's skin has a velvety texture, which makes it more pliable and comfortable to touch.
Sheep leather is the lightest of all commercial leathers and it is soft and velvety to the touch. The pores are distinct and evenly spaced. When tanned and cared for correctly sheep leather should have little or no smell.
Chanel Lambskin Leather
Most often used in the Classic Flap Bags, Lambskin is almost velvet-like to the touch, and it has a soft, rich sheen. This sophisticated leather requires the utmost care to remain in great condition.
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.
PRINCIPLE. A test specimen cut from the leather is immersed in water for a specified period. Residual water is then drained from the leather and one minute after drainage began the volume of water absorbed by the leather is measured. The percentage water absorption by mass or area of leather is calculated.
However, if you own the product (and are seriously curious) and can find an inconspicuous interior seam, hold a lighter's flame on a small piece of the material. If the leather chars and smell like burnt hair, it's leather. If the product catches fire or melts, it's synthetic (fake leather).
Test the Texture
Real leather can feel coarse or smooth, depending on the quality and type. If the product feels too smooth or feels like plastic, it is likely fake. Real leather is also generally less consistent in texture because it is natural and harder to regulate.
It is best not to get Chanel lambskin leather wet as you can find that it marks the leather, especially if you have a light coloured Chanel bag. If you do get your Chanel bag wet, wipe it dry with a lint free, colour-free cloth and let it dry naturally.
It's delicate compared to other leathers but especially prized for its fine-grained appearance and smooth, buttery texture. Unlike sturdier leathers such as caviar or calfskin, lambskin leather can damage more easily under improper care.
Cleaning your Lambskin Leather
Take your cloth and slowly wipe the stain in a gentle manner, but do not scrub and do not use water, this will only stain your jacket. If you have multiple, tough stains or excessive dirt and grime, use Straight Cleaner to pull those impurities right out.
The word “lambskin” is misleading as these condoms aren't actually made from true lambskin. They're made from lamb cecum, which is the pouch located at the beginning of a lamb's large intestine. Condoms made from the bladders and intestines of lambs and other animals have been around for thousands of years.
Lambskin condoms are both less popular and more costly to produce, making them more expensive than latex condoms. They also have a smell that some people find off-putting.
Bonded leather is the lowest (and the cheapest) grade of leather. Common Uses: Making furniture, bookbinding, and various fashion accessories. Though there are four basic types of leather, you can find a wide range of options based on the percentage of organic material, durability, and the finishing process.
It's durable and ages very well. vulnerable to wear and tear. So, one must take time to protect and store lambskin leather garments properly, and also refrain from storing close to anything that could stain them immediately.
Calfskin on its own is sturdier than lambskin, and the pebbled finish of caviar leather also renders higher durability. For an everyday bag, caviar is more durable and able to stand more wear. Lambskin on the other had is more prone to scratches and scruffs. However, lambskin is not as fragile as you might think!
Many vintage Gucci products were constructed with pigskin, calf and exotic leathers imported from different parts of the world. Today's Gucci leather is the ultra-luxurious Guccissima leather, meaning “the most Gucci” in Italian. It was introduced in 2006 by then Creative Director Frida Giannini.
9 to 1.0 mm thick in a variety of pigskins, lambskins, goatskins, sheepskins and even cowhide.