In short, no, Chanel lambskin leather is not durable. It's buttery soft, barely treated lambskin leather with very little protection. It is very easy to scratch it with your nails, keys or if you knock against buildings. Also it can very easily suffer from colour transfer, which we will chat about more in a moment.
Lambskin Leather Durability
Lambskin on the other hand will wear fairly quickly under constant use. The first signs of wear will likely appear on the corners of the flap and at the bottom of the bag but you also need to mindful of the overall leather condition and any creases or scratches.
Durability. Lambskin → Overall, lambskin is the more delicate leather option, meaning it does scratch more than goatskin. Over time it's more susceptible to marks, especially when there is a lot of hardware present – in the case of the Chanel 19, that couldn't be more true.
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.
With this softness comes a level of fragility to Lambskin, as it's prone to scratches and stains which leather aficionados will know. This make care & maintenance key in ensuring the longevity of this leather.
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.
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.
Chanel Goatskin (Chevre) Leather
Goat hide is one of the toughest and most durable leathers among all luxury handbags. It can withstand tremendous wear and tear, and it's a great option for hard-working handbags that see a great deal of use, such as totes. Despite its toughness, Goatskin is very soft to the touch.
Is Chanel lambskin leather durable? In short, no, Chanel lambskin leather is not durable. It's buttery soft, barely treated lambskin leather with very little protection. It is very easy to scratch it with your nails, keys or if you knock against buildings.
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.
Lambskin has a glossier finish which gives it a more luxurious look. Bright colours also look more vibrant on Lambskin due to its ability to take on dyes. Caviar is slightly heavier than Lambskin and is much more scratch and water-resistant. Even after many wear, the Caviar bags still maintain their condition.
It's durable and ages very well. Lambskin leather, on the other hand, is not as durable as cow leather and is more vulnerable to wear and tear. So, one must take time to protect and store lambskin leather garments properly, and also refrain from storing close to anything that could stain them immediately.
Keep away from water - fine for a little drizzle, not so much in a torrential downpour. If it does get wet, wipe with a dry microfibre cloth and leave it to dry out on its own.
Thankfully, the Chanel hardware is a lot more scratch-resistant. With that said, I do notice some minor scratches, particularly at the top of the turning piece. However, these scratches are lot subtler and won't be noticed unless examined up-close.
Arguably the most famous Chanel purse of all time, the 2.55 Flap bag is a timeless icon.
Lambskin is best, given its high comfort level and ultra-softness. Compared to its counterparts, lambskin is the lightest, thinnest and most stretchable type of 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.
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.
For delicate types of leather like lambskin, using a silicon free water protector is highly recommended. It will also keep stains and damage at bay. To preserve the condition of your lambskin leather, use a good leather conditioner on it at least once a year.
So what happens to leather when it gets wet? The oils in the skin bind to the water molecules, so as the water dries and evaporates, it starts drawing the oils out. It's this shedding of natural oils that causes the leather to lose its supple quality and become stiff and brittle.
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.
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.
The absolute ethical no-nos are calfskin and lambskin. The skin of calves and lambs are more valuable than their meat, which leads to people farming them almost solely for their skins.