Handbag Materials

Every woman needs a reliable and worthy handbag that is both durable and stylish. Handbags come in many shapes and sizes, as well as many different materials. Popular materials for handbags include leather, fabric, or vinyl. The material helps determine how long the handbag will last. Women who plan to keep their handbags for a long time and want to use use them daily may need to choose a handbag which is durable, while others who only seldom use their handbags, may not need to worry as much about durability. 

There are various kinds of handbag materials, including: leathers, canvas, denim and other fabrics.

Leather 

Many women choose leather handbags because of their durability and style. Leather is extremely reliable and is the industry's best material. When looking for durability, investing in leather products is by far the top decision for a buyer to make, if the bucks are available. Leather is a renewable source that comes from beef, which is naturally water resistant and tough. From tan to black, leather comes in a variety of different colours. Leather is a natural material whose fiber have grown together rather than having been woven. Leather comes from primary sources of python, alligator, ostrich, calfskin, puma, and pony, to name a few. Leather lasts for many, many years, mostly more than 5 years.There are many types of leather used in handbags and some are lower quality than others. It is important that you know the difference in types of leather before you purchase a handbag so you can get worth and value of your investment.




Types of Leather

Cowhide Leather

Cowhide leather is a type of leather which originates from cow skin (hide). There are many different products that include cowhide leather, such as furniture, car seats, and luxury fashion items. Cowhide leather is considered to be the highest quality type of leather and it is the best choice of leather when buying a purse or handbag. This type of leather is very durable and gives off a very luxurious appeal. The texture of the leather should be noticeable and you should be able to feel the roughness of it pretty easily. Luxury fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci all use top quality cowhide leather for their products.

Faux Leather

Faux leather is not really a type of leather but many items that are marked as leather are actually made out of faux leather. This is artificial leather which can often provide a luxurious appeal that makes it seem to be just as high quality as cowhide leather. If you are experienced with leather goods then you can easily tell the difference. If the leather has no creases then it is a good indicator that the item is made of faux leather. There are benefits to faux leather products as well though, some are very durable, can look better than the cowhide leather alternative, and they are more affordable. Also, if you are against animal use for goods then you do not have to worry about the animal’s skin being used for your handbags.

Lambskin Leather

Lambskin leather is a type of leather which originates from sheep. This particular type of leather is appealing due to the soft texture that it features. The major downfall with this type of leather is that it is not very durable and it can easily be torn or deformed. Lambskin leather is definitely not a good choice of material to be used for handbags.

Patch Leather


Patch leather can be made of cowhide or lambskin leather. This type of leather is created with multiple smaller pieces of leather patched together as one piece. It is much more affordable than other types of leather. This type of leather can also be as high in quality as opposed to other cowhide leather. However, this type of leather is not a very common choice of material to make handbags.

Patent leather 

Unlike standard leather, patent leather has a high glossy finish and comes in a wider variety of colors. A key advantage of this grade is that the cleaning requirement is minimal. The typical patent leather accessory is solid black. Patent leather is also virtually waterproof, while still retaining a flexible texture. Modern patent leather usually has a plastic coating, to boost endurance, since the glossy finish usually fades after prolonged use. 


Leather that has not been sanded or split in any way is known as full-grain leather. Full grain and top grain leather are the two highest quality choices. Full-grain leather is usually manufactured from the best hides. As a result, it is the most expensive as well as the most durable of leathers. Corrected grain, buckskin, patent, and split leather are some other options that are relatively common but they are not as high quality.


Suede

Suede is a kind of leather with a smooth, velvety, surface. When manufacturers seek to produce more material out of a single hide, the leather can be separated into two or more layers, or "splits." Generally, suede is created from splits. Because it comes from a thinner piece of hide, suede is less durable than full-grain leather. The texture of the material is prone to damage from water and stains. Suede that is manufactured from full-grain leather however is known as "Nubuck" which is more durable and expensive.

Canvas 

Canvas is extremely durable plain-woven fabric (cotton), waterproof and less expensive than leather, and can be used with everyday casual outfit. Canvas is the perfect type of handbag that carries almost anything as it withstands any wear and tear unlike other conventional handbag materials out there. Most canvas totes are generously sized so that easy to carry almost anything you have in mind. Like Louis Vuitton "Canvas", LV canvas is a ‘woven material’ and made from ‘cotton’. This woven material will go through some heavy treatments to make it durable and water resistant. In the process it will finish as a texture that has the looks and feel like leather. Undoubtedly, this material is the trendiest and top choice of handbag type in the market.

Nylon 

Nylon is a polyester blend and is suitable to make handbags for both men and women. Nylon bags are very convenient to use and can be dyed numerous colors. Nylon bags are easy to wash. Even not as strong as leather, Nylon bags are still durable in its own definition. And, the best part is, the cleaning maintenance is also minimal. 



Denim and other fabrics 

Other fabrics like denim come in various colors and floral prints, and will last for years. These handbag materials are easy care and washable. The best handbag makers use 100% cotton threads, which are more authentic and versatile.

Emerging Bag Brands

We are very much familiar with household designer bag brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and such. But, how about the 'New Kids on the Block' ? Many emerging bag brands have mushroomed and showcased their refreshing ideas in their design statements.  And, they are the designers to be reckoned with. Now, let's take a look some of the emerging bag brands that might have been already in your radar and demand to be watched out for in the future.

1. BOYY

Designers Jesse Dorsey and Wannasiri Kongman joined forces in 2004 to create BOYY. The brand has only three boutiques in Bangkok, Thailand. With limited stores, this doesn't stop BOYY Bags from being well known and carried around globally. The brand exudes modern and sleek designs. Super stylish and practical, making BOYY Bags suitable for urban fashionista. Don't be surprised if you see the brand's bags more often in the long run.

2. LANCEL

Lancel brand is not really the 'New Kid on the Block'. This french brand was originally founded by Angèle Lancel in Paris in 1876. It's touted to be among the popular brands for luxury handbags in France. Today Lancel is a luxury home that offers four product lines: the leather goods (especially handbags ), small leather goods, bags of trip and accessories. For each product, the brand offers two versions: a luxurious first and second dedicated to a younger clientele. 

3. PAULA CADEMARTORI


Brazilian-born designer Paula Cademartori launched her vibrant namesake in 2010 after studying industrial design and a stint at Versace's atelier. After spending a year working as a design consultant, Cademartori pooled her savings with some financial support from her parents and launched her eponymous brand, creating a line of handbags, made by Italian artisans, instantly recognisable by their vibrant coloured leather, cut into patterns and parts of clashing hues, and signature pi-shaped buckles. Spotted on style stars Anna Dello Russo and Olivia Palermo, the whimsical colors and playful patterns instantly added fresh air of bright colors to their ensembles. 

4. PB 0110



Brand PB 0110 has been around since 2012 and it was founded by Germany's Phillip Bree,the son of BREE founders Renate and Wolf-Peter Bree.  The designs are timeless styles and are hugely characterized by minimalist,linear design and excellent workmanship.  PB 0110's linear designs in richly tanned leathers are meant to grow old with you. Bree's philosophy of eventual wear and tear is profoundly appealing. It is a fun fact to know that every one of his designs is classic and goes with almost everything.

The Hierarchy of Handbag

 The hierarchy within the world of designer handbags goes beyond their price tag. Other factors like price, material, durability, designer’s reputation, heritage and exclusivity are considered towards the order of importance of luxury designer handbags. As such, a so called “Handbag Hierarchy” is extremely important as a point of reference to signify wealth and status. A person must know where each handbag signifies in order to make a distinction from a class. A person must also be aware of the existing hierarchy among these luxury products within the fashion industry, so that the luxury designer handbag is associated with the selective class or group that she wants to be part of. 

Most of us tend to base the handbag hierarchy on the designer’s reputation and performance. Well, believe me, it is beyond that! Now, let us define the “hierarchy” criteria:

1. Price Point— Price tag is arguably the single most important determinant when purchasing a designer handbag. Simply put — how much does it cost, can you afford it and is the handbag affordable to the masses?

2. Quality Material — whether it’s leather (goatskin, calfskin, etc.), exotic skins (alligator, ostrich, snakeskin) or unique materials such as furs, materials used to craft a designer handbag play an important role in determining the handbag’s worth.

3. Fine Craftsmanship — a well-made, often hand-made handbag will more than likely to increase the net worth of the bag. Many enthusiasts put craftsmanship at the top of their list of requirements when selecting a designer handbag.

4. High Exclusivity — for many of us, a designer handbag’s also lies on is attainability. The more limited edition the bag is, the more sought after it becomes.

5. Well-Known Heritage — nothing provides one a sense of proudness than owning a little piece of handbag that has a long term brand successes throughout time.  The success of the brands can attribute to create an exclusive experience to the owner.

6. Popularity — We tend to desire a handbag that is much loved by celebrities or any famous icons. A handbag that could speak for itself, a handbag that stands out because of its popularity. This would make it easier for us not to give introduction when someone compliments us :) 

The model above illustrates the hierarchy I feel best represents the current designer handbag market. This hierarchy model, however, is not static as handbag fashion industry itself is pretty much competitive and dynamic as we know it. You can use this hierarchy model as a guide when deciding which designer handbag to purchase :)