Chanel is known for their exclusive and exquisite bags. But aside from their beautiful design and layout, it’s the skin that ties the whole flawless and high class look together magnificently. Check out these amazing leathers from Chanel and find out why they are so popular and how you can take care of them.
Chanel Lambskin Leather
Incredibly soft to touch with a gorgeous appearance, Chanel Lambskin Leather is undoubtedly one of the most popular and sophisticated leathers on the market. It is known for its velvety smoothness that almost craves a woman’s touch. However, being as baby soft and smooth as it is, there is really no wonder why this delicate material is also a magnet for flaws. This fragile, tender leather requires utmost upkeep to ensure it is in tip top condition.
Tips for Handling Lambskin Leather:
-This fragile leather should be handled with extreme caution, out of harms way. Keep it away from things that may stain or dent the leather.
-Use a dry cloth to wipe. Do not use water, as this will result in water marks.
-Seek professional help with stubborn stains and blemishes.
Chanel Caviar Leather
Although beautiful and intriguing to the eye, Chanel Caviar Leather is a bit bumpy to touch. However, this doesn’t discount its popularity in any way. Caviar leather is certainly a popular leather in the Chanel community for the simple fact that it is incredibly gorgeous and can handle a bit of abuse. This tough, yet elegant leather can fend off scratches with ease, making it the perfect choice for everyday use handbags. Its resilience is definitely a selling point!
Benefits of Caviar Leather:
-Very strong leather that can withstand the elements.
-Doesn’t show scratches or other marks.
Difference Chanel Lambskin and Caviar
While Chanel Lambskin leather and Chanel Caviar leather are both top choices when it comes to Chanel products, they are two very different leathers. Lambskin leather is undoubtedly the softest leather on the market. Its smooth texture is certainly a favorite amongst women, unlike the Caviar leather which tends to be a bit bumpier and rough. However, Lambskin leather is also the most delicate of the leathers which results in scratches, blemishes, and other unsightly marks after only a matter of uses.
Lambskin leather requires a great amount of care while Caviar, the more resilient of the two, can handle abuse and won’t succumb to scratching easily. It is really a matter of preference. You have to make the choice: is having extremely soft and delicate leather more important than a tough leather that can withstand the elements?
Oh yes, the Caviar is heavier than Lambskin, keep that in mind when making your next purchase.
What is Chanel Caviar leather made of?
Caviar is made from calfskin with grains.
Chanel Deerskin
Much like Chanel Caviar Leather, Chanel Deerskin Leather is a pebbled leather- although not as bumpy as the Caviar. The pebbles tend to be a bit smoother and less pronounced, though they are still easily noticed by your fingertips. Chanel Deerskin is much heavier and thicker than the other leathers, so much that customers had complained about the weight when Cerf was first introduced using Deerskin(Cerf means deer in French).
The flexibility of Deerskin was a definite plus when it came to larger sized handbags, however the weight was simply inexcusable, which is perhaps why Chanel finally decided to change the leather of the Cerf to textured calfskin and refined to maintain the same feel as deerskin but keep the elegant name.
Chanel Quilted Calfskin Leather
You’ve probably heard about Chanel Quilted Calfskin in recent fashion news; and that shouldn’t be any surprise. Chanel Quilted Calfskin is the predominant material used in the new Boy Bag Collection- but what exactly is this material?
Produced from calf hide, this high quality leather is highly sought after for the simple reason that it is delicately soft and smooth. With an incredibly fine grain and smooth texture combined with the beautiful quilted design, Quilted Calfskin quickly makes a name for itself as being one of the most regal and sophisticated leathers on the market.
Chanel Aged Calfskin Leather
With its unpolished and vintage appeal, Chanel Aged Calfskin is a favorite amongst women who want a handbag that isn’t so structured or precise. But it’s tough exterior isn’t the only thing that sends women into an aged leathery induced haze; it’s the fact that Chanel Aged Calfskin stands up to Caviar leather in terms of durability and toughness. Chanel Aged Calfskin won’t show scratches or other marks and is ridiculously easy to clean. It has a fairly soft, yet durable texture that will hold its shape for several years. It’s really a matter of preference: if you want a ragged, classic style, then Aged Calfskin is definitely the leather for you.
By the way, Chanel often uses Aged Calfskin to craft their iconic Chanel 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag, which gives the illusion of already ‘used’, a vintage look as it should be. This bag has been re-made by Karl Lagerfeld in February 2005, in the exact same process as Coco Chanel had made it in February 1955.
Chanel Cracked Patent Calfskin
Chanel Cracked Patent Calfskin can be summed up in only a matter of words: high quality, classic, and vintage, making it one of the most popular leathers from Chanel. Due to its uniquely soft exterior, calfskin is noted as being one of the most high quality and sought after leathers.
Chanel turned this delicate yet resilient leather into something fabulous: giving it a ‘cracked’ detailing that is fancy and vintage all in one. This is definitely an excellent option if you’re into the more classical and vintage items, and looks great with almost any bag. Not to mention the fine grain is soft to touch yet resilient to scratches and other unsightly marks!
Chanel Glazed Calfskin
Calfskin is undoubtedly one of the most popular and valuable leathers on the market. It is so incredibly smooth to much it’s almost unbelievable. While it might be hard to actually believe this silky smooth texture is actually leather, we aren’t complaining. It’s a flawless sight- especially when it’s glazed. Glazed basically means that the outer exterior has a shiny, shimmering look to it, which only adds to the immense sophistication and beauty of the skin. It looks great with just about any bag and many women absolutely adore the clean, polished look the Chanel Glazed Calfskin has to offer.
Chanel Metallic Calfskin
Shiny, shimmering, and nothing short of eye-catching, Chanel Metallic Calfskin is undoubtedly one of the most sought after Calfskin leathers from Chanel. This beautiful leather gives us that into-the-future feel that is simply fabulous. We love how sheer and polished the exterior looks, but what we love more is that this bag is so easy to clean. While you want to keep it out of dangers way as much as possible, it’s still easy to clean at home if you end up with minor scratches and stains. Wipe it off as soon as possible to avoid staining, and enjoy a smooth and fabulous bag all year round.
Chanel Patent Leather
Patent leather is a pretty neat type of leather, although it doesn’t reach very high in popularity charts. It tends to have a ‘50s flashback look to it, but if that’s the vintage look you’re seeking this texture would certainly be appropriate. If you end up choosing patent leather, there’s a few things to keep in mind. It’s probably best to choose a dark color, as patent leather dents and stains easily. The worst part is, stains on patent leather can’t be removed. Our biggest piece of advice for this cool texture? Be very, very cautious with this shiny, polished leather!
Chanel Goatskin
If we could sum up Chanel Goatskin in just a few quick words, we’d most likely come up with the words soft, durable, and stiff. Goatskin is known for being one of the most durable leathers out there, withstanding even the toughest elements. However, its stiffness and softness can be somewhat of a downfall when it comes to handbags. While the front, back, and sides tend to keep their shapes nicely, the top of bags tend to look ‘crushed’ or dented after a few weeks of use. To put it plainly, goatskin is definitely a great option. Durable and great to look at. Just try to be as cautious as possible to avoid dents!
Chanel Metallic Goatskin
An enticing luster, an unmistakable shine, and a softness like no other- metallic goatskin is undoubtedly an excellent option when turning your fabulous Chanel handbag into an absolute knockout piece that will take over the room with ease. However, metallic goatskin tends to ‘rub off’ after many months of use, so try to handle your handbag with plenty of care and treat it often to avoid and diminishment of silkiness.
Chanel Metallic Calfskin/Lambskin Leather
Chanel Metallic Calfskin/Lambskin is the ultimate combination. The Calfskin gives this sensational skin its durable yet extremely soft to touch texture, while the lambskin gives the bag a subtle softness that can’t be missed. Together these two skins create a valuable, sensational texture that can withstand the elements with ease. Rather easy to clean, Chanel Metallic Calfskin/Lambskin holds true to its metallic and shiny exterior that so many ladies love. All in all it’s a wonderful combo that has a very vibrant and beautiful look that shimmers and dazzles with ease against the sunlight.
Chanel Metallic Lambskin Leather
So soft, as you’d expect from a skin made from lamb, the Chanel Metallic Lambskin is as grand to look at as it is to touch. The best part about this texture- besides its lovely soft feeling and beautiful silvery appearance- is the fact that it is so easy to clean. Simple scratches can be buffed out using your fingertips and half the time lambskin will fend off minor scratches on its own. Even if you did end up with a scratch, you probably wouldn’t notice because the appearance of this bag doesn’t promote the appearance of scratches in any way. All around an awesome skin!
Chanel Metallic from Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag
Many women are fans of Metallic- that shiny, glossy finish- who could blame them? However, while the Chanel Metallic from Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag is obviously exquisite in every sense, there’s a few things to watch out for. These bags, much like all other Metallic leather bags, have a tendency to scratch easily- but there’s more. Users claim that after many months of wear the leather tends to ‘peel’. Our best advice is to be extra careful with a Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag and take extra precautions making sure it doesn’t rub against anything. If you end up with obvious wear, you will have to have the bag professionally refinished.
Chanel Jersey
Looking to spice up your handbag life a bit? Ditch the traditional leather and try out jersey. Chanel Jersey is a special type of knit material that looks simply amazing. It has the perfect casual look which it makes it a great choice for everyday use. However, one must take special care of their jersey bag as jersey can stain easily and is incredibly hard to clean. Some women also say that the jersey knit can produce fuzzy little knit balls after a lot of wear and tear. If stains do occur, you must have Chanel Jersey professionally cleaned to avoid further damage.
Chanel Velvet
Velvet is known as being a soft and cozy material, providing a beautiful and elegant appearance, especially when it is shown in darker colors such as royal blue or ruby red. And while velvet may be an alluring material for a Chanel handbag, one should know that velvet must be handled with care and treated often to stave off stains and a shabby appearance. It is true that velvet material is much cheaper than leathers like lambskin or caviar, but that’s certainly what draws many fashionistas to this fabric who are looking to save a buck or two on their bag. For example, a Chanel Medium/Large Classic Flap Bag in leather is typically priced at $4,900 USD (3550 Euro), but the same bag in velvet is only $3,700 USD (2450 Euro). If you’re prepared to treat your bag with care and clean it often, velvet is a wonderful, extravagant, AND money-saving option.
Chanel Tweed
Tweed may be a little high maintenance, but come on- it has such a fascinating appearance and unique texture, definitely worth the work! Tweed is a woolen fabric, rough to touch yet very flexible, resembling a cheviot but with a closer weave. It looks sensational with bright, perky color combinations, but can also look stunning in minimal darker hues. It’s the most popular material used in Chanel’s Classic Flap Bag and undoubtedly makes a fashion statement wherever it goes. Just be careful- tweed can be prone to fringes or holes if not handled with utmost care.
Chanel Canvas
Canvas has a delightfully casual everyday style, a great option for students who want to double their bag as a book carrier and a cute purse for everyday use. However, because canvas is a fabric instead of a leather, it must be handled with extreme care. A touch of dirt will show up quickly on this material and is tough to get off, and canvas won’t offer as much structure as most leathers. Some may actually see this as a plus, though, if they’re looking for a more relaxed look in their Chanel bag.
Chanel Galuchat Leather
Named after and created by the master leather artisan Jean-Claude Galuchat of France in the 18th century, galuchat is an exotic material with sharkskin or stingray skin. This supple, beautiful type of material is extremely durable, said to be at least 25 times more durable than cowhide leathers, making it an excellent option for everyday bags that will see TONS of wear. Widely available, galuchat can be painted in a variety of colors to suit everyone’s styles with ease and can be designed in a polished, flat manner or a bumpy and textured way. The versatility and durability of galuchat undoubtedly draws consumers in while the lovely appearance makes the sale. A GREAT choice for those who tend to be ‘rough’ with their accessories.
Chanel Python Leather
Nothing short of luxurious, Chanel Python has sophisticated and high class written all over it. It is certainly one of the most exquisite leathers out of the bunch, and for good reason too. Not only is this leather magnificently gorgeous, but the position of the scales lets it show off color more beautifully and vibrant than other. Python is exceptionally easy to take care of and won’t scruff or scrape easily. It’s insanely lightweight which makes it ideal for bags of all shapes and sizes. Just keep it away from water and you will enjoy a gorgeous, incredibly durable and handy bag for many years.
Chanel Aligator Leathers
Another exquisite skin, Chanel Alligator is one of the most sought after skins in the industry. It’s a beautiful sight to be seen: delicate, yet rugged, with plenty of depth for appreciation. Colors come out smooth and vibrant on alligator skin, and looks wonderful on any bag. Like any other exotic skin, you shouldn’t leave this particular texture out in direct heat for too long as this could cause aging. Alligator skin is very easy to take care of and if any obvious marks or scuffs do occur, have it professionally cleaned. For the most part, alligator skin is very durable and won’t show scratches.
Chanel Hardware and Stains
Over time, Chanel hardware can become tarnished or worn down- Chanel knows this and has acknowledged this, informing customers about their product. They specifically state that metal parts on handbags may be extra sensitive to the sea air as well as acidity of the skin. This can cause tarnishing and the wearing off of metal parts. Hardware, including clasps and chains, may be re-glided. Contact Chanel for estimates on how much it would be to re-glide your equipment.
Hi I have a Chanel bag I’m unsure if it is real some indicators tell me it is and some give me doubt. Thought maybe you would have a better idea than me please?!
I posted on another article before I saw this one, and I’m still not seeing much information regarding glazed caviar leather. I recently purchased this piece pre loved and although it absolutely gorgeous, I just want to make sure I care for this beauty properly. Based on the code it’s looking like a 2014-15 series. I would so appreciate any information from anyone who knows anything about this piece or the glazed caviar leather.
Hey, I have a Chanel bag that my aunt gave me, but I can’t find any similar to it online.. she got it for her 30’th birthday, around 13 years ago. And it’s from 2005-2006 (serial number) and made in France. Maybe you can tell me more about it?
Hi Diana, I see stitches in the center and I would be very careful with this bag. About the fabric, it depends, the only way to get the answer is to ask the SA before you buy this bag. But I wouldn’t use any products on it. If there are stains, I would let the Chanel deal with it, take the refurbish service.
From 2018 collection. Just use white cleaning cloth, not use any products. Use Chanel’s refurbish service when you think it’s needed. It’s made from metallic lambskin, so the leather is quite soft. Also hide it from the sun, put it back in the box after use.
Hi, I’d like to know what material Chanel uses for the lining in their Flap 2.55 bags? Is it synthetic leather or real leather? I notice some flap bags are synthetic…
Recently bought this bag from Paris, how do I find out the name of this bag and more importantly the material? As it’s in white it gets dirty very easily, can I use leather care protector products on it? Any good ones to recommend?
Don’t use any poducts on your bag. Only use microfiber cloth and water to clean. With white you need to becareful, that’s obvious. And in the future, you can do a big clean-up by using Chanel’s refubish service.
Hi,
I recently bought this purse. And The SA said it is treated calfskin leather, however another SA stated that it is fabric in another Chanel store.
Your opinions is appreciated on what type of exterior finish this is, leather or fabric?
thanks
Hi Alex
Thanks for the response, no that bag isn mine yet, but was thinking of purchasing it…just not so sure about sheepskin…though that’s the kind of bag i want for now. I am just worried about very obvious scratches which i fear might bother me a lot later.
Hi
I wanted to buy a shopping tote from the new collection, it’s sheepskin. Can you please guide ne as to whether its durable or is it similiar to lambskin, as it looks and feels a lot like lamskin. All my other bags are calskin / caviar .so i am little converned.
The chevron quilting is new from this season. About the sheepskin. To give you an idea, it feels like lambskin, but it’s more durable than lambskin, but calfskin is more durable than sheepskin. So its in between. However, this leather is still quite durable.
Sarah Simmons
Hi I have a Chanel bag I’m unsure if it is real some indicators tell me it is and some give me doubt. Thought maybe you would have a better idea than me please?!
Alex
What do you mean? Got some damage on your bag?
Xxxx
What is this leather please? Thanks
Theresa
Hi, the site here is awesome 😉
I posted on another article before I saw this one, and I’m still not seeing much information regarding glazed caviar leather. I recently purchased this piece pre loved and although it absolutely gorgeous, I just want to make sure I care for this beauty properly. Based on the code it’s looking like a 2014-15 series. I would so appreciate any information from anyone who knows anything about this piece or the glazed caviar leather.
Thanks! 😉
T.
Sarah
Hey, I have a Chanel bag that my aunt gave me, but I can’t find any similar to it online.. she got it for her 30’th birthday, around 13 years ago. And it’s from 2005-2006 (serial number) and made in France. Maybe you can tell me more about it?
Eden
I don’t think this bag is authentic Chanel.. that might be why you can’t find anything similar.
Diana
I’m thinking of buying this one but don’t know how to clean the fabric if it stained. Please give me advice. Thanks
C.
Hi Diana, I see stitches in the center and I would be very careful with this bag. About the fabric, it depends, the only way to get the answer is to ask the SA before you buy this bag. But I wouldn’t use any products on it. If there are stains, I would let the Chanel deal with it, take the refurbish service.
Diana
Hi. Is this leather and color easy to care or most delicate, tough to use everyday? How do I remove stains, marks, scratches … Thanks
Cynthia
This bag is made from metallic: https://www.bragmybag.com/the-chanel-chevron-boy-bag-with-colored-logo/
From 2018 collection. Just use white cleaning cloth, not use any products. Use Chanel’s refurbish service when you think it’s needed. It’s made from metallic lambskin, so the leather is quite soft. Also hide it from the sun, put it back in the box after use.
Isabel
Hi, I’d like to know what material Chanel uses for the lining in their Flap 2.55 bags? Is it synthetic leather or real leather? I notice some flap bags are synthetic…
Alex
hi FevSm, long time no see. Thanks for sharing the pic! And glad to hear from you again. This bag is amazing, stunning!
Alex
For the Reissue 2.55 Bag is leather, but we are talking about the recent designs. This bag existed for very long time of course.
Fiona
Recently bought this bag from Paris, how do I find out the name of this bag and more importantly the material? As it’s in white it gets dirty very easily, can I use leather care protector products on it? Any good ones to recommend?
Alex
Its a new bag from the latest season: https://www.bragmybag.com/chanel-spring-summer-2018-seasonal-bag-collection-act-1/
The bag name: Chanel Coco Luxe Top Handle Bag
Don’t use any poducts on your bag. Only use microfiber cloth and water to clean. With white you need to becareful, that’s obvious. And in the future, you can do a big clean-up by using Chanel’s refubish service.
Cat
Hi,
I recently bought this purse. And The SA said it is treated calfskin leather, however another SA stated that it is fabric in another Chanel store.
Your opinions is appreciated on what type of exterior finish this is, leather or fabric?
thanks
Jj
Hi Alex
Thanks for the response, no that bag isn mine yet, but was thinking of purchasing it…just not so sure about sheepskin…though that’s the kind of bag i want for now. I am just worried about very obvious scratches which i fear might bother me a lot later.
Jj
Hi
Here ‘ s the picture of the bag i am looking to purchase.
Jj
Hi
I wanted to buy a shopping tote from the new collection, it’s sheepskin. Can you please guide ne as to whether its durable or is it similiar to lambskin, as it looks and feels a lot like lamskin. All my other bags are calskin / caviar .so i am little converned.
Alex
Hi Jj, is the picture of that bag yours? About this bag. It’s called the Chanel Mademoiselle Vintage Shopping Bag, here’s one with diamond quilting: https://www.bragmybag.com/a-closer-look-chanel-mademoiselle-shopping-bag/
The chevron quilting is new from this season. About the sheepskin. To give you an idea, it feels like lambskin, but it’s more durable than lambskin, but calfskin is more durable than sheepskin. So its in between. However, this leather is still quite durable.