What’s the most important thing in luxury handbags for you? Their stunning design? Color that matches any outfit? Or maybe material? Each of these plays its own role in the general look of a purse. The same model made of different types of leather can look absolutely different! Today we are discussing Chanel leathers and materials. This ultimate Chanel leather and material guide can help every bagaholic to learn more about the origin, style, and durability of Chanel materials. Be sure to stay with us until the end to find out which Chanel leather is better!
Where Does Chanel Get Their Leather?
Everyone, who has ever had a chance to hold a Chanel purse in their hands, can say that the quality of the material is impeccable. It’s not a secret that a luxury purse can last for generations thanks to the leather it’s made of. Every fashion house is proud to be selective and demanding when it comes to material supply.
Where are Chanel tanneries located?
The luxury brand prefers to keep its precious sources of leather close to the production site. As we know, Chanel bags are manufactured in three European countries:
- France;
- Italy;
- Spain.
There are, however, some ridiculous theories. According to one of them, the production of chic handbags has been moved to China. We’ve already discussed these rumors and gave our opinion on that subject in our article - Where Are Chanel Handbags Made.
Naturally, the fashion house understands how fragile and capricious delicate leather could be, so all the tanneries and suppliers are located in one of the above-mentioned countries. Most of them can be found in Spain and Italy, as these countries border France (which is the home of Chanel), and it’s easier to oversight the whole process.
The supply chain might be quite large and is kept secret. However, we’ve heard that at the end of 2020, the brand made a decision to purchase their long-time supplier Gaiera Giovanni, the Italian company. Thus, the list of leather manufacturers owned by Chanel became a bit longer. In the previous years, such companies as Renato Corti and Mabi (Italy); Grandis, Samanta (France); and Colomer Leather Group (Spain) were already bought by the French brand.
With such a large variety and geography, it’s quite natural that the range of materials is vast. Let’s take a closer look at each type to decide which Chanel leather is better for your needs.
Chanel Leathers
Let’s start with the leather. It’s the main material for elegant and timeless purses produced by skillful artisans. Every kind of leather has its own character, which manifests itself in several unique features: a certain look, wear and tear, price, and even the style of the purse.
Ready to learn about each of them?
Chanel Lambskin Leather
General description
velvety and soft to the touch, this type is one of the most popular. The surface is smooth and makes you want to run your fingers over it again and again. The incredible softness of the material is the result of a special tanning process. It is used for legendary Chanel flap bags.
Durability
This material has a special layer of protection because it’s tanned together with the wool. It makes each purse made of Chanel lambskin leather phenomenally durable. However, keep in mind that this ultra-delicate leather is for careful owners and can easily reveal scratches.
How to clean
Lambskin requires constant attention and babying. Clean the material with a soft and dry fabric (microfiber cloth). Here 4 ways to minimize the scratches/stains on your lambskin purse with what you have at home, be it Chanel or Dior.
Chanel Iridescent Lambskin Leather
General description
This edition immediately blew up the imagination of fashionistas across the globe and became a sought-after item. Leather is shiny with a mother-of-pearl effect, and as we can guess from the name, it actually changes shades when you look at it from different angles.
Durability
With proper care, it might serve for a long time. However, porous lambskin is not prone to stains and color transfer. Doesn’t lose its ‘puffiness’ with time.
How to clean
A tender light-colored material might turn into a magnet for stains. Use a dry cloth after each use to wipe the purse.
Chanel Caviar Leather
General description
For those looking for a luxury and durable leather for their product, Chanel Caviar Leather might be the perfect choice. Made from high-quality grained calfskin (it’s the way the fashion house mentions it on the official website), the leather is buffed to give it its signature “caviar” effect, as well as making it scratch and water-resistant.
The surface is very textured; a purse made of such leather is as hard as a rock.
Caviar leather is known for its durability and resistance to scratches, which makes it an ideal material for luxury products. The procedure used in crafting caviar involves multiple steps that involve specialized tools and chemicals to strengthen the material. It's an iconic type of leather most Chanel lovers are hunting.
Durability
An extremely strong material that can survive different weather conditions and doesn’t reveal scratches. Perfect material for everyday wear.
The important thing to keep in mind is that there are actually several types of caviar leather Chanel uses. On structured classic Chanel Flap purses, it's very sturdy. On more relaxed silhouettes such as Shopping totes or even Chanel mini flap the leather can be very soft. Make sure you get the feel of the leather before purchasing a 'caviar' item.
How to clean
To ensure the longevity of your Caviar Leather piece, it is important to practice proper care and maintenance. Only use mild soaps to clean your leather and avoid harsher chemicals as they could damage the surface. Your purse should also be stored in a dry and dark place when not in use to protect it from light fading or discoloration due to heat or humidity.
Maintaining a handbag made of this leather is easy–just wipe it with a dry piece of fabric after using.
Chanel Crinkled/Aged Calfskin Leather
General description
When you first look at the bag made of this type of leather, it seems that the material is wrinkled. However, it’s a special vintage-like effect. A perfect choice for those who don’t want a structured or hard bag. Unlike Caviar, it’s soft to the touch but as tough.
Durability
Extremely durable material, which can be compared to grained calfskin (so the difference is the style and look only).
How to clean
As the material won’t reveal marks and scratches, the maintenance is very easy. Just clean your precious item after each use.
Chanel Quilted Calfskin Leather
General description
An ideal balance between the lambskin smoothness and the look of grained calfskin – this is the choice for those fashionistas, who want to have a durable bag with a silky touch. Mostly used for the production of Chanel Boy bags.
Durability
As has been already mentioned, this material shows incredible longevity, remaining velvety. Another great advantage – it’s lightweight.
How to clean
Use a dry cloth to wipe your purse after use.
Chanel Cracked Patent Calfskin Leather
General description
This delicate and soft material also has a vintage look. The grain texture of the surface feels a bit rough to the touch. It’s a perfect choice for those bagaholics who are craving a retro look and classic vibe.
Durability
It’s a great material if you’re a bit careless when carrying a bag. All scratches will blend in, so there’s no need to give it a special treatment.
Chanel Glazed Calfskin
General description
Silky and smooth to the touch. It might be hard to believe that you’re holding a leather item. A purse made of this material will be shiny and shimmering, like Louis Vuitton Vernis Leather. To learn more about Louis Vuitton materials, check out our guide - Everything about Louis Vuitton Prints and Patterns and Popular Limited Edition Collaborations (With Photo Examples).
Durability
In order to have this handbag in perfect condition, you have to baby it a lot and carry it with delicacy. Avoid rubbing against rough surfaces. Keep the bag clean, the stains are impossible to remove. With time, soft leather can become wrinkled.
How to clean
No special maintenance recommendations, don’t forget to clean after each use. Use a clean slightly damp cloth to wipe the leather.
Chanel Metallic Calfskin
General description
Fabulous eye-catching material turning each bag into the center of attention.
Durability
The accessory made of this material is completely scuff and scratch-free. A great choice for those who don’t like babying their purses. It keeps polished look without extra efforts.
How to clean
Wipe with dry fabric and avoid staining.
Chanel Deerskin Leather
General description
Pebbled leather, which appears to be more smooth than grained calfskin. Although, bumps can still be felt and seen. Quite thick and heavy material compared to other types. Very rare leather for Chanel items.
Durability
Tough and durable. Similar to Quilted Calfskin.
How to clean
Take a dry fabric to clean your purse after use.
Chanel Patent Leather
General description
Shiny and silky material, which appears to be smooth and soft to the touch. The look gives retro vibes; this is a great choice for vintage and classic outfits. When choosing this type of leather, it’s better to purchase dark colors.
Durability
Handbags made of Chanel patent leather are to carry on rare occasions, as they require constant attention. Marks and scratches appear easily.
How to clean
Avoid stains and scratches. They can’t be removed from this delicate material. Be gentle when cleaning after use.
Chanel Goatskin Leather
General description
Stiff leather, although very soft to the touch. Grained texture and vintage-like style. Used for the production of different purses and small leather accessories, like wallets. Might be suitable for everyday use if carried gently.
Durability
One of the most durable Chanel leathers of all. Keeps its structure perfectly, although might be dented on top if used frequently. Doesn't show a lot of wear as it already has a 'vintage look'.
How to clean
Use an absorbent cloth to wipe your purse.
Chanel Metallic Goatskin
General description
Stiff and tough material with mesmerizing metallic sheen (hence the name). Soft and elegant, a handbag from this leather should be kept for special occasions only.
Durability
The leather itself is very durable, but the metallic peel has a tendency to fall off with time. Treat it as often as possible and avoid any type of rubs to preserve the lifetime of your luxurious bag.
How to clean
Use a dry microfiber cloth for regular cleaning, don’t press too much to avoid metallic coating falling off, don’t forget about bag spa.
For your convenience, all the main features of each type of leather, like pros and cons, wear and tear, recommendations on care are in the table below. It might help you to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the materials and decide which Chanel leather is better.
|
Type of leather |
Wear and Tear |
Pros |
Cons |
Recommendations on care |
|
Lambskin |
Stains, marks, scratches, loss of ‘puffiness’, fade of color if exposed to sunlight |
Soft to the touch Puffy quilting Elegant look |
Requires extra care |
Always keep in dust bag when not carrying |
|
Iridescent Lambskin |
Stains, marks, permanent fade of color |
Original style Attractive sheen Soft to the touch |
Limited palette Only for special occasions |
Clean regularly and use special products |
|
Caviar |
As the material is durable, the bag can look brand-new if you maintain it well |
Durable Prone to damages
|
Heavy Not smooth
|
The leather durability varies from season to season |
|
Crinkled/Aged Calfskin |
Can remain in good condition if cleaned regularly and stored properly |
Vintage look Durable Smooth to the touch |
Aged or worn look |
Wipe after each use to preserve in perfect condition |
|
Quilted Calfskin |
Quilts and the shape hold remarkably well, rubs might appear on the corners |
Retro style Durable Lightweight |
Limited choice of models |
Any scratches can be masked using special products |
|
Cracked Patent |
Small marks and scratches won’t be visible |
Vintage look Low maintenance Prone to scratches and color transfer |
Grainy texture (a matter of preference) |
Use a dry cloth to clean your bag |
|
Glazed Calfskin |
Easily scratched Stains cannot be removed Gets wrinkled |
Beautiful sheen Smooth texture Elegant look |
High maintenance Impossible to get rid of scratches |
Be extra cautious when carrying a bag |
|
Metallic Calfskin |
Durable and shows almost no signs of wear and tear |
Easy to maintain Elegant sheen Stays in good condition without babying |
Stains are hard to remove |
When cleaning the bag with a dry cloth, try not to stain it |
|
Deerskin |
Thick material that requires low maintenance and shows incredible durability |
Longevity Grained but soft surface |
Heavy
|
No special treatment required |
|
Patent |
Stains, marks, scratches, dirt |
Shining Vintage look |
Requires extra care and attention |
Choose dark colors if you want to keep your bag in pristine condition as long as possible |
|
Goatskin |
Might be dented |
Durable Soft Structured |
Becomes sloppy on top |
Carry with care to avoid shape loss |
|
Metallic Goatskin |
Coating tends to fall off |
Eye-catching look Durability |
Coating rubs off Bag spa is a must |
Once in 1-2 years, let the professionals take care of the purse |
If you have chosen the type of leather suitable for your lifestyle, be sure to check our guide on Which Chanel Bag to Buy First if You Want Classics: Top 3 Most Iconic Chanel Bags.
And now we are going to talk about the most expensive and rare materials that the French brand uses to manufacture its masterpieces.
Chanel Exotic Leathers
Purses produced from exotic leathers are hard to find. Every fashion house (and Chanel is not an exception) releases a limited number of these accessories. However, our Ultimate Chanel leather and material guide wouldn’t be complete without them!
Chanel Alligator Leather
General description
Exquisite and eye-catching, this is one of the most best-selling precious materials for several reasons. First, it’s the natural pattern of the skin. Second, it’s the vibrant and vivid colors that the material acquires after dyeing. Chanel purses in croco leather start at $15,000-$20,000 with prices going up every year as these materials have been discontinued by the brand.
Durability
Alligator skin is considered to be one of the most durable materials. Moreover, it’s not easily scratched, so there’s no need to worry about the expensive accessory.
How to clean
Despite its durability, the precious alligator leather should be moisturized and stored the right way. It’s advised to let professionals take care of your purse.
Chanel Python Leather
General description
With no doubt, python is the most coveted exotic leather in the fashion world. When buying such a purse, it is guaranteed that you are getting a unique piece. Python leather is so different - there’s a high chance there is no other pattern like yours. Moreover, the palette is juicy, vibrant, and bright.
Durability
Once investing in such a bag, you’ll be able to enjoy it for many years. No special maintenance required.
How to clean
Clean carefully with a piece of cloth and lotion after use. Store away from water.
Chanel Galuchat Leather
General description
From first glance you may think that it is a carpet with rhinestones. Yet, this is another exotic skin made of shark or stingray. The texture can be both smooth or rough, depending on the design.
Durability
It’s considered to last 25 times longer than cowhide, which makes it a perfect everyday bag.
How to clean
Avoid extensive cleaning, use dry fabric and treat delicately.
One more table with key information about exotic leathers. Which Chanel leather is better, in your opinion? Would you like to have a purse made of exotic skin?
|
Type of leather |
Wear and Tear |
Pros |
Cons |
Recommendation on care |
|
Alligator |
Color fades if exposed to sunlight |
Bright colors Unique and rare Scratch-resistant |
Price Water and heat can cause early aging |
If stained requires professional maintenance |
|
Python |
Scales might detach after contact with water |
Durability Aging well Symbol of luxury Unique design Lightweight |
Price Limited amount |
Avoid any contact with water |
|
Galuchat |
Leather is resistant to scratching and deformation |
Extremely durable Unique look Hold the shape for years |
Price Mostly seen on Boy bags |
Be gentle when cleaning the exterior |
Most often, when people buy a purse made of exotic skin, it’s an investment in the future. These leather types are long-lasting and hot. However, they are now only available pre-loved. Read on to find out why!
Is Chanel Cruelty-Free?
In 2018, Chanel declared a ban on rare leathers use. The official representatives of the fashion house explained that ‘it’s becoming increasingly difficult to source the exotic skins that match our ethical standards’. It was quite surprising, because bags made of these types of leather, despite their price, are the most sought-after items. But, of course, this news was very welcomed by animal activists.
What else does the French brand do to protect the environment?
The luxury fashion house from Paris joined the list of top companies who are planning to reduce their impact on the environment and follow sustainability strategy. This means a more conscious approach to each stage of production and measures to prevent a negative impact on the planet’s ecology.
Here are some important steps of the Chanel sustainable journey:
2018
- Ban on exotic leather goods (including the most coveted crocodile, lizard, and snake), natural fur, and angora.
- The brand invested in Finnish start-up Sulapac, which worked on the creation of a microplastic material that is completely biodegradable and can be used for packaging.
2019
- Chanel invested in Evolved by Nature, a chemistry company from Boston, that has created Activated-Silk (a natural silk protein that serves as an alternative to toxic chemicals).
- Purchasing tanneries near production sites to localize their supplies.
2020
- Signing The Fashion Pact of sustainability along with 60+ companies.
- Launching Chanel Mission 1.5°, a long-term plan to stop climate change.
- Planning on reduction of carbon footprint by 55% by 2030 in accordance with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.
- A goal to switch to renewable electricity by 2025.
Another great contribution of the luxury fashion house to the global aim is the promotion of animal-free materials. The bags made of them are hot and stylish as well! Let’s learn more about them!
Chanel Materials
There’s no need to deprive yourself of an elegant and chic purse manufactured by Chanel artisans. If you can’t picture yourself carrying a leather handbag, you can choose from one of the following Chanel materials.
Chanel Jersey
General description: knit material with signature Chanel-look and 100% animal-free! It looks awesome. The casual vibes of the jersey make it an ideal option for daily wear. However, it’s not as thick and tough as leather, so lovers of sturdy and structured purses might be disappointed.
Durability: Chanel’s jersey is a quite long-lasting fabric if carried with caution. Marks and dirt can appear though.
How to clean: don’t attempt to remove stains at home. Use a gentle brush after each use to get rid of dust.
Chanel Velvet
General description: soft and low-priced (compared to leather), velvet is a top choice for people who dream of an iconic Chanel handbag, but can’t imagine purchasing leather goods. It is especially stunning in dark colors, which gives a purse a luxurious look. Material is not smooth when you touch it.
Durability: if handling the handbag with proper care, it will serve for many years. The fabric lasts quite long.
How to clean: use a gentle roller for occasional grooming. Keep away from water and moisture to prevent staining.
Chanel Tweed
General description: woolen material that can’t be called smooth, yet the material itself is quite flexible. The ‘bumpy’ surface gives the bag a unique and mesmerizing style.
Durability: the fabric itself is durable but should be taken utmost care of. Avoid any damages, like holes, as they are impossible to mend.
How to clean: take a gentle brush or roller. Avoid contact with water.
Chanel Canvas
General description: a great choice to match any casual outfit. However, it doesn’t offer such a chic and structured look, as leather. Chanel canvas is as rough to the touch as, for example, Louis Vuitton canvas.
Durability: canvas has proved to be a long-lasting material for handbags, yet, when purchasing a luxury item you should handle it with care. It’s quite easy to get some dirt and stains that are almost impossible to remove.
How to clean: with a cloth and soap; don’t forget to properly wipe the spot with an absorbent fabric.
Another table that can help you decide which Chanel leather is better and deserves to be a part of your collection!
|
Type of leather |
Wear and Tear |
Pros |
Cons |
Recommendation on care |
|
Jersey |
Small pills might appear with time |
Chic look Big palette Great for everyday |
Dirt cannot be removed at home |
Seek professional help to clean the bag |
|
Velvet |
Looks shabby when not taken care of properly
|
Cheaper compared to leather Gorgeous look |
Capricious material Hard to remove marks |
Clean as often as possible with a brush or a roller |
|
Tweed |
Material is prone to fringes and holes |
Unique style Durable |
Requires extra care |
Avoid rubbing against rough or raw surfaces |
|
Canvas |
Might be a magnet for dirt |
Lightweight Ideal for daily use |
Expensive price for a canvas bag |
Avoid dirty surfaces, especially if the color is light |
Conclusion: Which Chanel Leather Is Better?
As you can see, even the most demanding fashionista will be able to find a suitable leather type that meets their needs and preferences. The variety of materials is vast: from standard cowhides and goat skins to exotic leathers and animal-free materials. With such diversity, Chanel shows its care and respect towards their clientele.
I hope you have thoroughly read our ultimate Chanel leather and material guide. Have you made up your mind which Chanel leather is better personally for you? Share your opinion in the comments!
If you have already made up your mind about the material, be sure to check if the official website of the French brand has the necessary item. However, in case the selection or the price doesn’t suit your expectations, you can always buy a pre-loved bag. For example, we have a convenient and stylish Chanel Blue Khaki Nylon Tote in stock.
And of course, don’t forget to order an independent professional authentication before paying for a second-hand luxury purse. We, at Bagaholic, offer authentication service for every fashionista in doubt.
If you need to authenticate a Chanel bag or accessory, please order one of the three types of authentication:
