Well, lambskin leather is one of the most expensive and delicate leathers available on the market. The long tanning process of lambskin offers a more sophisticated and soft look to the final products. The small granular structure, which also makes the leather incredibly supple, flattens the surface.
Generally Lambskin is used for high-end items, such as small leather goods, handbags and jackets. Due to its quality and luxury connotations, Lambskin leather is a popular choice for Chanel handbags.
Unlike most of the other animal hides that are used for leather, lambskin is more delicate and ultra-soft. Thus, tanning must be done gently, so as not to tear or damage it. For that reason, lambskin is considered a luxurious premium leather and thus, making them more expensive.
It is soft, flexible, smooth, and thinner than most leathers. Lambskin is ideal for lining, garments, bags, and wallets. However, it is not durable, and items must be treated with care. The hides are small and can cost $3 – $13 per square foot.
Lambskins are finer than sheepskins. The wool of the lambskin can absorb moisture up to 30% in the form of water vapour, without feeling wet or cold. The scarf structure of the wool fibre repels the dirt and thus has a natural self-cleaning quality.
Cons: Not effective against all STIs: Unlike latex or synthetic condoms, lambskin condoms do not provide protection against all sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are less effective at blocking viruses such as HIV and herpes due to the larger pores in the material.
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.
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.
Bonded leather is the lowest (and the cheapest) grade of leather. Common Uses: Making furniture, bookbinding, and various fashion accessories. Though there are four basic types of leather, you can find a wide range of options based on the percentage of organic material, durability, and the finishing process.
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.
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.
To do this, gently pull the wool away from the backing. If your sheepskin is real, the wool won't come away easily and the underside will be smooth, resembling leather or suede. If your sheepskin is fake, you won't need to try very hard to pull away the pile, and the exposed backing will probably have a woven texture.
You may be able to tell just by touching the piece whether the leather is real or fake. Fake leather feels smooth, almost like plastic. Real leather will feel soft and flexible, but it will also have a grainy feel. You also won't be able to stretch faux leather, but real leather can be stretched.
The best quality lamb skins are trading at 700¢/skin, while small, short or damaged lamb skins have no value in the current market, with most being discarded.
Chanel Lambskin Leather
Most often used in the Classic Flap Bags, Lambskin is almost velvet-like to the touch, and it has a soft, rich sheen.
Chanel made the move to concentrate more on lambskin a few years ago which means more seasonal bags are produced in lambskin than in caviar. So when you see a gorgeous new colour in the seasonal collections? It's more likely to come in lambskin than caviar.
Crocodile leather is the most expensive in the world. It's the most sought-after luxury leather used by Italian tailors. Other expensive leathers often used by these same tailors include: Crocodile.
There are generally considered four types of leather quality grades, listed from best to worst: full grain leather, top grain leather, genuine leather, and bonded leather.
Many vintage Gucci products were constructed with pigskin, calf and exotic leathers imported from different parts of the world. Today's Gucci leather is the ultra-luxurious Guccissima leather, meaning “the most Gucci” in Italian.
Lambskin is a remarkably soft, buttery, lightweight and delicate leather. And yet, in spite of its thinness, it is windproof and protective, and stands up to cold climates better than most other natural (or even synthetic) materials.
As soft as it is, lambskin leather is as durable as sheepskin leather after it is tanned. But it requires protection and maintenance, the porous nature of leather makes it retain oils and dirt.
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. Hang it apart from everything else in such cases and let it dry all by itself.
Lambskin is naturally hypoallergenic and researchers have also found that the microbes in lambskin can boost the immune system and reduce the chances of developing asthma later in life.
Because lambskin leather is extremely supple, it has a high risk of stretching and cracking out over time due to its inherent flexibility. It is essential that you properly keep your jacket so that this does not occur.