Premium quality leathers form the image of a luxury brand. The entire world knows about the finest materials used to manufacture Hermes purses or about the secret tanneries of Chanel. Are all fashion houses the same? In this Ultimate Dior Leather Guide, we are going to reveal the truth: what are Dior bags made of?
Considering the growing popularity of the brand and constant increase in prices, it’s natural that fashion lovers are concerned about the quality of the materials. Today, all your questions will be answered. We will describe the kinds of leathers the House of Dior uses, mention the cruelty-free options and discuss the durability of materials.
By the way, we already had a big talk about the leathers of two other French brands – Hermes and Chanel. Check these articles to learn more:
Dior Authentication: An Ultimate Guide to Christian Dior Date Codes
Ultimate Hermes Leather Guide: What are Hermes Bags Made Of?
Ultimate Chanel Leather and Material Guide: Which Chanel Leather is Better?
And now, let's find out more about Dior leathers!
Are Dior Bags Handmade?
It’s true that Dior works with only talented and skilled artisans, and they are one of the reasons why the purses of this brand look so flawless and perfect. It requires many years of training to be given the honor to create the iconic Lady Dior, for example.
The brand is proud of its fine work and doesn’t hide the process of crafting. You can find several videos on the Christian Dior YouTube channel that tell a story of the production of most iconic models, like Toile de Jouy Book Tote, Dior Caro bag, and the legendary Lady Dior.
Of course, the process is way longer than the length of these videos, but you can spot the major steps of the manufacturing: stitching, handles crafting, cutting the material, and putting it all together. As you can notice, the embroidery and cannage quilting are made with the help of a machine (and it’s quite reasonable) but the pieces of future Dior bags are put together only manually.
Yes, we can confidently say that Dior bags are handmade, and that explains the hefty price tag. Check the current cost of the designer accessories of the French brand in our recent article – How Much is Dior? Christian Dior Price Guide.
What Leather Does Dior Use For Their Bags?
Like any fashion house, Dior offers its clients a wide choice of materials to choose between. Whether you are a fan of smooth leather, precious and rare materials or cruelty-free options, you will definitely find something that suits your taste.
Moreover, the famous embroidery that Dior uses to many of its purses is sometimes as expensive as leather options. That’s easy to explain – the fabrics with magnificent design looks like a piece of art. Maybe this little price difference between leather and non-leather materials is the reason why some fashion lovers start to doubt and fill the purse forums with threads like: does Dior use real leather?
The answer is: yes. Most silhouettes (except for tote bags) are crafted from real leather. However, they are processed differently – and as a result, have various looks, touches, and features.
In our Ultimate Dior Leather Guide, we are going to tell you about the materials used to manufacture Dior purses and mention the bag models that are typically crafted from each of the type. Check out Top 10 Most Iconic Dior Bags That You’ll Never Regret Buying before you continue reading.
Dior Lambskin Leather
Description: a little sheen and gloss give this material an irresistible look. The leather is soft to the touch. Lambskin is known in the world of fashion as quite delicate leather, so think twice (and maybe thrice) before buying a purse made from it. It easily reveals scratches and scuffing. Although, with proper care, it will serve you for decades. Ready to baby your purse? Check this gorgeous and practical Dior Cannage Lambskin Tote we have in stock!
Durability: apart from the minor issues mentioned above, the material is durable. The bag made of lambskin won’t lose its shape and structure, the puffiness won’t disappear with time. Consider choosing another option, though, if you live in a region where it rains a lot – water is the worst enemy of lambskin.
Bag models in this leather: Lady Dior, Dior Caro (very few models).
Dior Crinkled Patent Lambskin
Description: special treatment of the leather gives purses a soft, shiny and aged look.
Durability: quite as delicate as any kind of sheep leather, it requires constant attention and babying. If you can handle the capricious material, this gorgeous accessory will serve you for a long time. Just like its “sister”, Crinkled Patent Lambskin can’t stand water and oil.
Bag models in this leather: Dior Caro, DiorDouble, Saddle belt bag.
Dior Smooth Leather
Description: made from calfskin, this material proves its name. The leather is soft to the touch and doesn’t have any texture when you glide along the exterior with your fingertips. A quite sensational feeling that makes you fall in love with this leather immediately.
Durability: Dior Smooth leather is quite durable, that is why the fashion house manufactures lots of accessories, like wallets and belts, from this very kind of material. However, it has one significant downside: the velvety surface can be scratched easily.
Bag models in this leather: DiorDouble, Messenger Pouch.
Dior Grained Leather
Description: unlike the previous leather type, Dior Grained Leather is rough and textured. It is also made of calfskin, yet it has a completely different look (you can see little bumps on the surface) and properties. The purse made from this material is quite low-maintenance.
Durability: as you might guess, there’s no need to baby this material if you want to enjoy its wonderful look as long as possible. It keeps its shape and doesn’t sag with time.
Bag models in this leather: Saddle Bag, 30 Montaigne bag, Dior Bobby, Saddle Backpack.
Dior Deerskin Leather
Description: this material unites two gorgeous properties of the previous leathers – it’s soft to the touch and textured. An ideal combination plus a stunning, a bit aged look makes Dior Deerskin leather one of the most favorite materials. Currently, all purses crafted from this leather are available only as pre-loved.
Durability: sturdy and textured leather will remain in the same pristine condition for many years – the material doesn’t require any special care.
Bag models in this leather: Dior Diorama, Lady Dior (limited editions), Dior Dove.
Dior Patent Calfskin Leather
Description: this is an ultra glossy material! You can almost use it instead of a mirror – the exterior is so shining and shimmering! What makes it even more alluring is its low maintenance and great durability. Patent Calfskin Leather is a great choice for any occasion: whether you prefer a casual outfit or want to match an evening dress.
Durability: one of the most durable materials of Dior! No scratches and damages, can be cleaned easily from any dirt with a damp cloth. If you are looking for an eye-catching and practical leather, Patent Calfskin is your best option.
Bag models in this leather: Lady Dior, Lady Dior Pouch.
Dior Bull Calf Leather
Description: luxuriously grained material that looking from a distance gives you an impression of a smooth surface. Apart from having a charming look, this leather is extremely durable.
Durability: the fans of the brand claim this material to be the most durable of all. It can withstand bad weather conditions, like moisture and rain (although, don’t test this theory!), and it keeps its structured shape for a long time. Sounds like a perfect option, right?
Bag models in this leather: Dior Diorissimo, Dior Diorever.
Dior Metallic Calfskin Leather
Description: grained, bumpy, structured – these are the words to describe this material. It looks gorgeous on each model, yet only the legendary bag models were manufactured in this leather. As you might expect, the color palette is quite limited – silver and golden options are available.
Durability: just like any type of calfskin, this leather is extremely durable. No scuffing or scratches, no damages can spoil the perfect surface of your designer purse. Cleaning the bag after use is easy: just wipe it with a cloth.
Bag models in this leather: Lady Dior, Dior Diorama – with the last being the most popular silhouette crafted from this material. Check our Dior Diorama Bag Reference Guide to learn more about this beauty.
Dior Goatskin
Description: although looking smooth and buttery, the goatskin purses are actually grainy if you look closer. The material has a noble sheen that creates a tender and soft look of the bag. Goatskin is not delicate to the touch, however, it cannot be called rough.
Durability: one of the most durable materials that allows you to enjoy the initial look and state of the purse as long as possible. The leather doesn’t reveal wrinkles and scratches. Sadly for such a wonderful material, the choice of bag shapes is quite limited.
Bag models in this leather: Saddle bag, Saddle Double Pouch.
Dior Exotic Leathers
When answering the question “what are Dior bags made of?” we cannot omit the most expensive, rare, and prestigious materials – the exotic leathers. This is going to be the next part of our Ultimate Dior Leather Guide.
Dior Ostrich Leather
Description: despite having a hefty price tag, purses made from ostrich look fabulous! The porous surface and little sheen are jsut stunning. No wonder that the House of Dior made sure that most of its legendary bags were crafted from this material.
Durability: ostrich leather is called the most durable material ever. In addition to that, it’s water-resistant. The only downside of it is the cost. However, there’s always a chance to find a pre-loved item. Get your first Large Beige Diorissimo Tote bag at a reasonable price in our shop!
Bag models in this leather: Lady Dior, Saddle Bag, Dioraddict, Diorissimo, Miss Dior.
Dior Crocodile Leather
Description: another exquisite material is shiny crocodile leather with large scales all along the bag surface. Compared to the lusterless ostrich leather, it’s way brighter. Be sure that the cell pattern on each purse will be unique, so this is a great option for those who love exclusivity.
Durability: although durable and long-lasting, this leather requires attention. Keep from direct sunlight and any splashes of water. If you notice any marks or dirt, wipe the surface immediately.
Bag models in this leather: Lady Dior, Diorissimo, Saddle bag, Miss Dior bag.
Dior Python Leather
Description: another “scaled” material is python. It is rare and expensive, although we know where to find an authentic Dior purse made from this material for less than $1,000. Check this cute and colorful Dior Limited Edition Python Clutch we have in stock! Don’t miss your chance!
Durability: python leather is a very capricious material, so be careful with your luxury purchase. The bag should be carried and stored with the utmost caution.
Bag models in this leather: Lady Dior, Dior Diorama.
Dior Alligator Leather
Description: alligator’s skin has a completely different pattern than crocodile leather. The scales are large in the middle and become smaller toward the sides of the purse. Moreover, this leather is smoother to the touch.
Durability: alligator leather can be quite lasting if given special treatment. Owners of purses made from this material usually take special care of their precious accessories.
Bag models in this leather: limited editions of Lady Dior and Diorissimo.
Dior Ayers Leather
Description: gorgeous textured snake leather that created a mesmerizing pattern on the bag. If you look very close, you can notice that scales look like honeybee cells.
Durability: Ayers leather is extremely fragile. As a result, it’s essential to baby the purse. The common maintenance includes moisturizing the surface to prevent the material from drying out. Another downside of this precious leather is scuffing.
Bag models in this leather: Lady Dior, Saddle bag.
How Ethical is Dior? Dior Eco-Friendly Bags Materials
In the 20th century, the House of Dior revolutionized women’s fashion. How about keeping with the modern trends? The next part of this Ultimate Dior Leather Guide is not about leather at all! What are Dior bags made of in this case?
Here’s the list of all eco-friendly materials the brand uses in production:
- Jacquard;
- Toile de Jouy Technical Fabric;
- Embroidery;
- Tweed;
- Satin.
Looks like not too many options to choose between? Wait till you learn about the diversity of these fabrics. Some of them have acquired a cult status among both fashionistas and celebrities!
Dior Oblique Canvas (Jacquard
Description: this fabric is quite a fascinating material. Normally, the pattern is printed on the textile, yet here, it’s woven into it. Actually, it looks like an old-fashioned tapestry. The Oblique motif has become a signature of the brand.
Durability: the canvas is relatively durable, which makes it a perfect everyday choice. However, the bag should be kept away from sunlight as the pattern might fade quickly. Another issue that can damage the perfect look of the purse is stains.
Bag models in this leather: Saddle bag, belt pouches, backpack, Dior Bobby, 30 Montaigne Bag, Roller Messenger Bag, DiorDouble, Saddle Tote.
Dior Toile de Jouy
Description: a must-have of the modern era, this material has become an instant hit. Looking at this creative and impressive pattern with a tiger and detailed trees, the desire to own such a bag is growing with every minute. A truly fantastic motif is embroidered on the fabric in several color versions: white/red, white/blue, white/gray and white/pink.
Durability: this canvas is considered to be more sturdy and durable than jacquard. Due to thick embroidery, it keeps the shape better and can serve for a long time. The only thing to be cautious about is the sagging (especially of large models).
Bag models in this leather: Book Tote, Lady Dior, Saddle bag, backpack, 30 Montaigne Bag, Dior Bobby.
Dior Embroidery
Description: it might look exactly like Dior Jacquard, however, these two fabrics share only the pattern. The signature motif of the brand is fully embroidered on the fabric here, giving the material a textured look and creating 3D effect. It’s more “bumpy” under the fingers than Jacquard. Dior Embroidery got so popular that is being introduced in a wide number of patterns and motifs.
Durability: just like Toile de Jouy, Dior Embroidery fabric is considered to be durable and lasting. However, the light models can attract dirt, which would be extremely hard to get rid of. Again, consider that huge purses may sag a little if you carry too many heavy belongings inside.
Bag models in this leather: Book Tote, Lady Dior, Saddle bag, Vertical Book tote, Diorcamp bag.
Dior Tweed
Description: alluring woolen material that is rough to the touch. It’s not the usual fabric that the French brand uses for manufacturing if compared to the previous canvases.
Durability: tweed bags can serve for a long time but require lots of attention and care. Avoid any dirt and bumping into sharp objects – the holes in this material can appear fast.
Bag models in this leather: Lady Dior.
Dior Satin
Description: the material surprises with a soft sheen and velvety touch. Again, this fabric is not the most common choice, so the purses made from satin are rare.
Durability: satin bag is not an everyday option. This material is delicate and tender, and, unlike most calfskin types and thick canvases, needs attention and care. Satin is a magnet for dirt and reveals wrinkles with time.
Bag models in this leather: Lady Dior, Saddle bag.
Looking for ways to join sustainable lifestyle and enjoy the designer bag? Consider shopping pre-owned! It’s a global trend for saving the ecosystem and money in your wallet. Read more about this trend in our article – How Can You Protect the Environment By Buying Luxury Handbags: Pre-Loved Luxury and Sustainability. After all, it all starts with a little effort from everyone around!
From artistic canvases to durable leather options, the House of Dior offers a vast range of items for its clientele. Our Ultimate Dior Leather Guide has proved that you can find any type of material, depending on your preferences, demand, and budget. Now, there’s no need to ask “what are Dior bags made of?”, you can go straight to the official website and place the desired item in the cart.
How to tell if a Christian Dior handbag is authentic?
Don’t forget about professional authentication as counterfeit goods are flooding the resale market. We, at Bagaholic, can help you with that.
If you need to authenticate a Dior item, please order one of the three types of authentication:
- good when you need a certificate for any reason,
Certificate of Authenticity $35
- good when you need a certificate for any reason, either to sell the bag with the peace of mind or to return a fake bag to the seller if you purchased a fake
- includes a permanent certificate on lvbagaholic.com
Certificate of Authenticity with a thorough explanation $70
- good when you need a certificate and you need to know why the bag is authentic/not authentic for any reason, either to sell the bag with the peace of mind or return a fake bag to the seller if you purchased a fake.
- includes a permanent certificate on lvbagaholic.com
- includes an explanation of why the item is fake (detailed pictures and comparisons with an authentic bag, more than 10 pics included)
PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF THE OPTIONS BELOW
Comments
Very nice article and good information. However are you able to provide more information on the Jacquard canvas/mesh? Like what other material is present with this canvas? Or is it basically just pure 100% premium cotton? There’s a wide variety of information on the kind of canvas gucci uses, and I’ve learned it’s waterproof too. But not much is being researched on the dior jacquard.