Owning a Chanel bag comes with its perks. Apart from being recognised as a luxury, a Chanel handbag symbolises empowerment and prestige. Total girlboss, isn’t it?
It all started when Gabrielle Coco Chanel, the founder, revolutionised the fashion industry by offering a more practical, comfortable alternative to bulky handbags. Her contribution to the industry (despite being a male-dominated one) left a powerful impact on generations to come.
Many of Chanel’s bags differ in leather. Considering these bags cost a fortune, picking the right kind can be challenging.
In this article, we will explore the top three commonly used leather skins for Chanel bags. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details.
Chanel Caviar Vs Lambskin Vs Calfskin- Breakdown of the Leather
Caviar Leather
Caviar leather serves as a marker of brand identity for Chanel.
Most of the handbags in the line are made of Caviar, which is also a favourite of many customers.
Caviar originates from calfskin, which has been processed to give a pebbled appearance. In contrast to smoother leathers, Caviar offers a better visual aesthetic, making it appealing to many buyers.
Caviar also adds a touch of elegance to an outfit. Its texture contrasts with softer fabric, enhancing visual appeal. Perhaps the best thing about Caviar is its robustness. The grains on the leather contribute to the strength of the bag, making it scratch-proof and sturdy.
Thanks to its strength, bags made from Caviar last longer, which adds to their value. In fact, most of Chanel’s vintage collection is made of Caviar. For a user, this means that the bag can serve as a stylish element that is easy to maintain. Cleaning requires no extra work- just a small washcloth is sufficient.
Caviar is available in a variety of colours, which allows for a diverse range to choose from. To further enhance the look of the bag, Caviar hosts a few different finishes. You can get it in matte, shiny or metallic finishes. Some of the most popular Caviar bags include the classic flap bag and the Boy Bag.
Chanel Lambskin Leather
Unlike its textured counterpart, Lambskin is a much more delicate and smooth kind of leather.
It is remarkably supple to the touch as its leather has finer grains. Additionally, the bag exudes a soft glow to it which adds to a refined look.
To preserve the look of the bag, there is less variation when it comes to the finish.
Although, the choice of colours can enhance or mask the iridescent appeal.
Lambskin is best for more formal wear. Its sheen makes it an attractive option for occasions and events.
However, the nature of lambskin also makes it prone to wear and tear. Therefore, it requires careful handling.
This can be a little tedious for the owner as even the chains of the bag must be tucked inside to improve the longevity of the bag.
To protect your bag, you might have to go a few steps ahead and use a leather protector.
Cleaning, on the other hand, should be avoided; if necessary, clean with a soft cloth.
Choosing a lambskin also means that you have to keep your bag safe from sun and water. Keeping it out in the sun can result in drying out whereas water can leave marks or even cause mold to grow.
What makes Lambskin a popular pick amongst enthusiasts is its colour scheme. This leather has a great ability to take up dyes, so bags made of lambskin are more vibrant and fun.
Moreover, they tend to hold the colour better than Caviar.
Chanel Calfskin
Calfskin leather serves as an intermediate between Caviar and Lambskin.
Like Caviar, calfskin is made of calf hide without extra processing. Because of its finer grains, it is softer than caviar, but it is not as smooth as lambskin. For this reason, calfskin is commonly used in quilted Chanel bags. It serves as a perfect blend of Caviar and Lambskin.
Since the bag is supple, it is more prone to scratch damage than a standard caviar. However, it is still regarded as more durable than Lambskin.
As for variations, this type of leather comes in aged calfskin, which features wrinkles on a matte surface—a good option for vintage lovers. You can also buy glazed calfskin or iridescent calfskin if you’re looking for a sheen with robustness.
Other Options
While lambskin, calfskin and caviar are the top three of Chanel’s most popular leathers, they are not the only kind available. You can also get goatskin, python or crocodile skins, which have a different set of characteristics. Most of Chanel's limited edition bags are produced in these skins.
Additionally, leather is not the only material Chanel uses to make bags. The brand celebrates its luxury by incorporating materials like velvet, jersey fabric, and tweed. It also tends to tweak its hardware depending on the bag, making its pieces a timeless entity.
Chanel Caviar vs Lambskin vs Calfskin- What’s the best option for me?
Choosing the best kind of leather depends on a variety of factors. All in all, it boils down to personal preference.
Aesthetic
Are you someone who is all about style and Instagram posts? Is fashion a vital aspect of your personality?
If so, Caviar is a good pick for you. Perfect for everyday use its texture and robustness allows for it a touch of elegance and sophistication. Plus, these bags have a boxier appearance which contribute to the standpoint of the Chanel look.
If occasions and events are more of a seldom thing, then a lambskin is better suited for you. Minimal use preserves the look of the bag and maintains its luminosity.
Moreover, its impeccable sheen is sure to glamourise any of your outfits.
Colour Preference
For those that prefer to indulge in classical blacks, bieges or reds, Caviar is a great option to consider.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for more fun/vibrant colors then a Lambskin is a better choice. Lambskin tends to have better depth and colour saturation as it takes up dye better than Caviar.
Even tones like black and biege appear more glossy in Lambskin compared to a standard Caviar.
Be careful of the colour transfer though. Caviar tends to be more resistant than lambskin in this regard. Lambskin can rub off and lose its colour overtime.
Costs
When put side by side, Caviar, lambskin, and calfskin have a minimal difference in cost.
In terms of the primary market there is not much of a difference in the processing of the three. Thus, you can expect to buy them in a similar range.
The story is different for resale however. Generally, Caviar holds more value. Some of Chanel’s oldest Chanel classics are available in Caviar and they sustain wear and tear. Therefore, the resale value is higher.
This doesn’t go to say that Lambskin is cheaper. Provided that its conditions are excellent, a lambskin too can go high in resale value.
Overall, factors like the rarity and condition of the bag influence its value over time.
Kind of Bag
If you’re looking for a small wallet or cardholder, your best bet is Caviar. Not only will it look chic, but it will also withstand constant use.
Similarly, if you’re looking to invest in a larger tote or cross body satchel, Caviar is the pick for you. We recommend lambskin or calfskin for medium sized bags and satchels.
