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 is ideal for lining, garments, bags, and wallets. However, it is not durable, and items must be treated with care. The hides are small and can cost $3 – $13 per square foot. Let's check out lambskin leather by highlighting its qualities while exploring tips on when and why to use this luxe leather.
Generally Lambskin is used for high-end items, such as small leather goods, handbags and jackets. Due to its quality and luxury connotations, Lambskin leather is a popular choice for Chanel handbags.
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.
Despite being waterproof, lambskin leather is also durable that lasts for decades if taken care of properly.
Although Lambskin used to be the more expensive option around 10 years ago, both Caviar and Lambskin currently cost the same at retail.
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.
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.
Conditioning is Vital For Lambskin Leather
As with any leather, conditioning your lambskin leather is essential. This is the only way to prevent it from drying out and cracking. It is vital that you find a leather conditioner that works well on lambskin in order to prevent any damage.
Lambskin condoms have advantages and disadvantages. They tend to be thinner and have a more natural feel compared to non-lambskin condoms and are a good choice for those who are allergic to latex. However, lambskin condoms tend to be more expensive than other condoms and they don't protect against STIs.
Lambskins are 100% protein. Since protein is not a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, lambskins are often medically recommended. Lambskins have an antibacterial effect and protect the skin. Therefore, it is used for the protection of wounded skin.
Lambskin leather, on the other hand, is usually easy to identify by touch because it feels buttery soft and delicate. For instance, Aniline dyed leather made from lambskin is extremely soft and is the premium choice of leather for garment making, making it perfect for women's shearling jackets.
Full grain leather is often the most expensive type of leather. This type of genuine leather is seen as the best quality leather. It is made using the entire animal hide, which can be more challenging to work with.
Crocodile leather is the most expensive in the world. It's the most sought-after luxury leather used by Italian tailors. Other expensive leathers often used by these same tailors include: Crocodile.
Lambskin leather, due to its porous nature, is not waterproof. While light drizzle won't damage it, it is not advised to wear a lambskin leather jacket or coat during pouring rain.
Lambskin and Moisture
The best thing about lambskin is that it keeps you reallywarm in cold climates. However, over exposure to moisture such as rain or snowcould potentially damage your lambskin leather blazer. Hang it apart from everything else in such cases and let it dry all by itself.
Authentic Chanel purses are either made from lambskin or caviar leather (made from calfskin). Often, you can tell if a purse is fake based on the look of the leather.
Lambskin and caviar are not the only leathers that Chanel offers – they will often include calfskin, goatskin, exotic skins and a number of others. Caviar in particular comes in a few different 'finishes' such as matte, soft and shiny caviar – and there also seems to be a few variations in between!
The smell of lambskin leather
When tanned lambskin leather has minimal or no smell. Poor quality cheap leather which has been tanned inappropriately often smells of the chemicals or the oils.
To do this, gently pull the wool away from the backing. 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.
Calfskin however, is a tougher and thicker leather than lambskin, therefore better for handbags because the leather retains its shape more easily. Beyond the idea that lambskin is ultimately best for garments and calfskin for handbags, lambskin is also very insulative and protective, especially for its thiness.
Lamb shrinks and stretches the most while calf leather does not shrink much at all. Shrinking leather can impact the cut and “look” of the jacket. Typically, leather will become softer when shrunk but the “look” of the leather material may change in varying degrees.
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.