I get asked so many questions all the time about various aspects of buying bags and a fair amount of these are weighted towards Chanel bags. I’ve answered probably the vast majority of these questions in videos before but I know it can get hard to track what information is in what video so I thought I would do a series of blog posts with reference information that people can refer back to. There is of course, plenty of other information on the internet (which I use myself) with regards to pricing, styles etc. so this is going to be more about my take and own personal opinion on the topics.
I wrote about how to score a Chanel mini here and for today’s topic, I’m discussing lambskin vs. caviar – the ultimate Chanel leather question! So, before I dive head first into my opinion, I thought I would shared a few basic facts regarding the different types of leather.
Chanel Lambskin vs. Caviar – The Basics
- The ‘classic’ flaps in the sizes Small, M/L, Jumbo and Maxi should be available all year long in both caviar and lambskin. Caviar is generally the more popular of the two and so is occasionally sold out but deliveries should be fairly often. If you’re told it’s sold out, try another store or another week.
- Other colours and sizes (including the mini) are produced on a seasonal basis and released periodically in line with their seasonal release dates. The exact date of these vary from year to year so when in doubt, contact a store or check the Purse Forum for intel!
- 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.
- Lambskin and caviar are not the only leathers that Chanel offers – they will often include calfskin, goatskin, exotic skins and a number of others.
- Caviar in particular comes in a few different ‘finishes’ such as matte, soft and shiny caviar – and there also seems to be a few variations in between! Generally speaking, the shiny caviar is the most popular for both the look and durability.
Caviar Leather Durability
There really is no question here that caviar is the more durable leather. The pebbled quality lends itself well to daily wear and tear and holds structure very well because of its more rigid nature. You will eventually see some minor wear on the corners of your flap but if your experience is anything like mine – this will be minor and only after several years.
I have heard complaints about the dullness of leather in cases but this will have to do with either the type of caviar leather (because Chanel likes to keep us on our toes and vary the finishes) or the batch (more on that further down).
Generally speaking though, a caviar leather Chanel bag should be extremely carefree – I have owned my Chanel Jumbo for 6+ years now and have never buffed or otherwise conditioned the leather. I’ve accidentally caught it in downpours and it’s come out absolutely fine and generally still looks unbelievably good after so many years of consistent wear.
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.
However, it is true that lambskin varies hugely in quality – this is true of caviar too however I would say the difference is more noticeable in lambskin. A lambskin flap that I own that is around 15 years old is made of far sturdier leather than a lambskin flap I bought a couple of years ago. So, it’s important to inspect the leather that you’re getting.
Lambskin Mademoiselle Ligne Flap Bag that is around 15 years old vs. a red Mini Rectangle Flap that was purchased a couple of years ago. The 15 year bag’s lambskin is considerably puffier and less prone to creasing.
If you do decide to go for lambskin, then it’s worth nothing a few things. Firstly, even though lambskin bags are more delicate – you shouldn’t be afraid to use them. I’ve had my red Chanel mini caught in the rain with zero consequences. If you do get a scratch on your bag, try buffing the leather with the buffer cloth that Chanel provides you. You’d be surprised at how much a little TLC can take care of.
What’s best? Caviar or Lambskin?
This does ultimately depend on preference however for those just starting out with Chanel, I would always recommend to go with caviar if you are planning on using it as a frequent bag. Now that I am lucky enough to have a few bags, I am happy to buy lambskin with the knowledge that I can rotate and therefore spread the wear out between all of my bags.
For those more concerned about the look than the practicality, then lambskin might be a good option for you – more of the seasonal colours (and often the best ones) are released in lambskin; I suspect this is because lambskin holds colour a lot better than caviar. So if you have your heart set on a particular lambskin colour, you can absolutely make it work – you’ll just have to be mindful that you’ll have to be more careful and it will involve a little more TLC.
Tips For Deciding On Your Leather
Again, much of this will come down to preference but there are a few things to think about whilst making your decision.
- Be aware that not all leathers are created equal and quality differs from season to season and batch to batch. Do your research on the batch of leather currently available – the Purse Forum is an excellent resource for this. If there’s a problem with the leather of the bags currently available, the ladies there will be talking about it!
- When seeing the bag in person, inspect it and if necessary, ask to see the same leather on another similar style. The leather can differ significantly from different batches to different lines. Have a feel of the leather and check for any creasing or unusual markers.
- Keep in mind your lifestyle and your current collection of bags. If this is your very first designer bag, I’d say go with caviar. Or, if you have a couple of high-end bags but really want a special occasion bag, then lambskin could still work. I made the mistake of buying my first in-store Chanel bag (a Maxi) in lambskin and ending up selling it and going for my Jumbo in caviar instead. Now though? I don’t have an issue buying lambskin because I know I have enough bags to rotate.
- Be honest with yourself about how careful you are with your bags. If you’re not one to baby your items, then perhaps lambskin might not be for you.
I hope you found this useful and I covered most of your questions. If not, feel free to leave me a question below and I’ll be happy to either answer, or add it to the post.
Thank you so much for stopping by! 🙂
Very informative with sound advice! It is definitely important to keep in mind how you are going to use the bag when making the decision. I purchased my first chanel (a M/L double flap) in calfskin. I knew it would be a special occasion bag that I would take special care of so the delicacy of the leather did not concern me. Now, I am trying to find a mini, knowing that it will get more use, I want only a caviar leather one.
Yes, totally agree! What you’re planning on using it for makes such a huge difference!
I have a week long trip to London at the end of the month and planned on visiting Paris for a day hoping I’d be able to purchase my first chanel(Woc) in black caviar. Do you think it’ll be difficult to find one or should I call ahead so they can reserve it for me?
Thanks Amie!
Is there a reason why you would rather purchase in Paris than London? From my experience, SAs can be reluctant to hold bags for you unless they know you. I’m not 100% sure about WOC availability but if they are being produced this season, then between Paris and London, you should be able to find one in stock. One tip: even if they offer to search ‘the system’ for you – it’s not always that accurate or up to date as sometimes bags get sold before they’re even entered in. I’d phone around all the boutiques to check before visiting if you want to save time 🙂
what about care? Does either dry up more or do both go in dustbags?
I never keep any of my bags in dustbags and they’ve all been absolutely fine 🙂
Hi, i just bought my very first chanel bag. Its a preloved lambskin from 1994/1996. I didn’t get a buffing cloth with it. Can you recommend one please. Thank you
Hi Amie
I want a mini rectangular.
Caviar is not available anymore.
What’s your opinion on black patent vs black lambskin re classiest look for an occasion ?
Hi I wanted to reply to you regarding your CC Black Patent Leather question. 8+ YEARS ago I bought a BLUE CC Patent Leather bag for $6600+tax (unheard of at the time). Well when I went to sell the bag I learned that the price tanked substantially. I have to assume it was the Patent Leather that did not hold its value. I have about 6 Chanel Bags at this point and a ton of jewelry. None have lost value like my Blue Patent Leather bag
My dilenma is between the mini & the M/L flap which would you recommend as a 1st chanel bag & for someone that it might be their only ever chanel bag (I don’t see myself buying another, but you never know).
I always say that the mini is much better value for money. The M/L costs considerably more and fits around the same as the mini. The mini has the same look as the classic flaps but is more versatile IMO 🙂
Hi Amie,
I’m new to your blog – but I really enjoying it. Thank you for sharing it’s very useful for first timer. I know that you made review how mini can fit quite a lot (not much different from M/L). Are you referring square mini or rectangle mini? thank you
Similar question, wonder if you know… if you have only one day in London or in Paris, is it normally easy to find a M/L classic flap caviar with GHW? I do not believe they carry these bags at CDG airport and LHR? Thank you, love your blog and channel.
They unfortunately don’t stock classic flaps at the airports but I would say you should be able to find stock of a black M/L somewhere between London and Paris. They always seem to have them available when I visit 🙂
Ahh this is perfect! Thank you Amie!
xx Lisa | lisaautumn.com
My caviar leather bag is brand new but has crease marks and when you open the bag the flap area causes bubbles on the back of the bag is it normal?
Hi Amie,thanks for sharing and advice. I will be going to London tomorrow. Wanted to get my first Chanel Classic flap either caviar or lamb skin.
Do you have any SA to introduce? Or number that I can contact to check the stock availability, pls advise me. Much appreciated.
Hi Amie. Some people are experts on the quality of the different leathers by season. Where and how do they get this info? I’d love a list by season with a mark out of 10 and a description. Is such a list available?
Hi i just wanted to know where do you think is the best place to buy a chanel. Paris or the UK?
Thanks! Enjoy your YouTube alot.
Amie, wonderful and informative post! Your blogs and videos are so thorough, and they are always my number one go-tos for guidance. Do you know anything about the 15xx series lambskin leather? I’m interested in purchasing a jumbo from this series and am curious of any reputation this series may have. Thank you!
i just baught my first medium classic black flap bag, sales associate suggested to go with calf skin, stating that its more durable, although price is same for lamb skin and calf. this bag is only for special occasion. I wonder why sales associates at Chanel always pushes one to buy calf skin and not lamb. I am considering to switch mine to lamb skin, since costs same, what do u say.
thanks loti
Hi! I really love your blogs and youtube videos. They are very informative. Based from your comparison from classic/vintage chanels, are the lambskin from vintage chanel more durable compared to current ones? Does the quality from vintage ones seem to be better?
Hi Amie! I am new to your blog. May I ask you this? I recently purchase my Chanel Jumbo clasic flap in lambskin a couple days ago, on October 25th. But on the authenticity card indicates 25 series number instead of 28 or 29 which is current series of this year. Do you have idea? Thanks a lot.
Thanks so much for your advice! Do you have any experience or preference on classic flaps that are made in France versus made in Italy? I found a made in france m/l caviar ghw and the leather definitely seemed more matte or dry. I read on purse forum that sometimes Italian leather can be shinier? Just wondering if that has been your experience or if it just depends on the batch?
I just have a small comment about keeping things in dusters years ago I had a brand new pair of white Chanel high heels and they were kept in the original black duster foot bags and I pulled it out ; horrified to see that the material on the shoe somehow picked up the color from the duster and it had not black but just weird spots it was from the bags in storage ( probably hot too) because I never took them out except a few times to wear and they were ok until about two years ago ( I’ve had them forever ) but wow it was devastating to me I loved those shoes the black high heels I have , never had an issue with them or any handbags .. just wondered why or how this happened
Please help me. I Will buy a Chanel wallet and found my love one, but its lamb. Will you recommend or not a wallet in lamp?
Best regards Sofie
I was in Paris this past week. Did my homework. Purchased a black caviar medium double flap. Absolutely love it! Went to 31 Rue Cambon. Amazing experience – champagne with all the perks!
Love my lovely white storage box!
I am looking for either a Classic Flap Coin Purse or Classic Zipped Coin Purse in caviar leather but I cant find anything with the term Caviar on their website. Is it the same as “grained calfskin”? I am leaning towards the Classic Flap Coin Purse in caviar but it seems they are all in lambskin. Appreciate your help. Thanks in advance
Purchasing my first WOC, and debating on caviar vs lambskin. I dress very casually but love the look of the lambskin. I’ve heard WOC’s are better in caviar if you plan to wear crossbody. Do you agree?
Hi. I’m inbetween the jumbo in lambskin and caviar. I HATE it when the bag looses its shape and start sagging. Is not A bag I’m gonna use alot. What one should I Get?
Thank you! Caviar will be my first Chanel 🙂
I definitely choose Lambskin. You just need to remember to properly care for her. I use these tips https://leather-toolkits.com/types-of-leather/lambskin-leather/ And the handbag will live forever 🙂
Just curious.. do you know which leather was released first for the Chanel Classic Flap bag? I’ve been checking their websites frequently a long time ago but I remember not seeing caviar for sale before until later. Seems like Lambskin was sold first before caviar or am I wrong?
Thanks for explaining 🙂 Great article!
Thank you thank you! I am considering my first Chanel and always wanted the lambskin. I do not baby my bags and have several other high end bags. After reading your remarks about your first lambskin maxi-i feel it is best for me to go with the caviar jumbo as my first Chanel.
Hi Amie
I want a mini rectangular.
Caviar is not available anymore.
What’s your opinion on black patent vs black lambskin re classiest look for a special occasion?
Hi I wanted to reply to you regarding your CC Black Patent Leather question. 8+ YEARS ago I bought a BLUE CC Patent Leather bag for $6600+tax (unheard of at the time). Well when I went to sell the bag I learned that the price tanked substantially. I have to assume it was the Patent Leather that did not hold its value. I have about 6 Chanel Bags at this point and a ton of jewelry. None have lost value like my Blue Patent Leather bag