Deep Dive into the Materials Coach Bags are Made Of

Coach is one of America’s most renowned brands for leather goods and is most known for its signature handbags and purses for women.

Many people may be familiar already with the brand name, but not many people are familiar with what actually goes into creating a Coach bag. Understanding the materials the brand uses is crucial to appreciating the quality of their handbags.

From their iconic “C” logo purses to their stylish backpacks, Coach leather goods have seen a bit of a revival in recent years, especially for those looking for authentic and long-lasting products. But is Coach leather even real?

In this article, we’ll delve into the materials that Coach bags are made of, exploring the different types of leather and other materials that are used to create Coach accessories, from suede and pebbled leather to coated canvas and more.

Let’s take a closer look into the world of Coach and explore the materials that contribute to the longevity and timelessness of their iconic handbags.

Are Coach leather goods real?

Yes, Coach leather is real. As the original American house of leather since 1941, leathercraft has been at the heart and soul of Coach’s brand since its founding. They’re known for using high-quality, genuine leather in their products, and they source the majority of their leather from tanneries that are LWG certified.

In fact, the brand has its very own leather, the original Glovetanned leather, which is inspired by the suppleness and durability of baseball gloves. So if you’re looking for a genuine leather bag, wallet, or accessory, you can trust that Coach products are made with real leather.

Where does Coach leather come from?

As a brand that is proud of its leather craftsmanship, Coach takes care in sourcing and crafting the material that goes into making their products.

In fact, the brand even has its very own type of leather, the original Glovetanned leather, which is inspired by the durability and suppleness of baseball gloves.

While Coach does not state the exact countries or tanneries where they source their leather, they have stated that in 2022, 95 percent of Coach leather goods were made with leather from Leather Working Group Gold- and Silver-rated tanneries.

The Leather Working Group (LWG) is an organization that focuses on the impact of leather manufacturing on the environment.

Tanneries that are part of the LWG are evaluated based on how well they meet certain standards and are granted a seal of identification for their sustainable processes, ensuring that suppliers are transparent about their practices.

The gold medal is the highest rating and is given to manufacturers who have been audited and scored at least 85%. The silver medal is awarded to manufacturers who have scored at least 75%.

What types of leather are Coach purses made of?

Leather is the pillar of the Coach brand heritage as well as their handbag designs. The materials they use are a key element in defining their aesthetic and Coach is known for using a variety of different types of leather in their handbags.

In this section, let’s take a closer look at the various types of leather that Coach uses to produce their beautiful bags, and explore the qualities of each.

Glovetanned

Coach’s Glovetanned Leather is a unique material that reflects the essence of America, just like apple pie and baseball.

In fact, baseball was the inspiration behind the creation of this leather. The leather is made using a traditional technique known as “glove tanning,” which ensures the leather remains soft and flexible yet durable over time.

This technique showcases the grain of the natural cowhide, making each piece of leather unique. The result is a leather that is soft to the touch, supple, rich in color and will only get better with age.

The story behind the creation of Glovetanned Leather reflect just how dedicated the brand was to high-quality leather making since its very beginnings.

Calfskin

Calfskin leather is known for being soft, supple, and lightweight, and is used in many of Coach’s premium handbags and wallets.

This type of leather that is made from the hide of young cows which has a finer grain than the hide of older cows and can hold color beautifully. It’s considered to be one of the finest and most sought-after types of leather for luxury accessories.

Crossgrain

Coach’s cross-grain leather is often used on the exterior of their bags to create a product that’s durable enough for everyday wear and tear.

This leather is made from the top and most durable layer of the animal hide and treated with a cross-hatch stamping machine that creates the unique texture.

This texture gives the leather a distinctive appearance but also helps to make it more resistant to scratches, scuffs and able to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Pebbled

Coach designs quite a few of its casual-style bags with pebbled leather, and that’s because it looks slightly less refined, often with a matte finish that is still elegant and sophisticated.

This leather is distinguished by its pebble-like texture and is used in both soft and flexible bags as well as rigid and sturdy bags.

Pebble leather is practical and often used in a number of Coach handbag designs in some way because it’s a great leather for everyday wear that can still maintain its beauty over time.

Suede

Coach’s suede leather is a luxurious and soft material, and it’s used in many of the brand’s designs, from handbags to shoes and clothing.

Suede leather is made from the underside of the animal hide, which is softer and more pliable than the outer layer. It has a somewhat casual and laid-back feel, which fits with the relaxed and unpretentious vibe of Coach accessories in general.

The rugged-looking texture is soft and velvety to the touch and is very reminiscent of the American West, where cowboys and other ranchers wore suede jackets, chaps, and other garments.

Even though this material can be more susceptible to staining and damage than other types of leather, with proper maintenance and care, Coach suede leather products can last for years in your wardrobe.

Lambskin Nappa

Coach bags made of nappa leather bring a fresh new look to the brand. It’s primarily in the colorful Pillow Tabby handbags because of its soft and supple texture, which gives the bag a plush and comfortable feel, and because it holds colors beautifully.

The nappa leather used by Coach is high quality and undergoes a special tanning process that enhances the natural sheen and softness of the leather.

Nappa leather is a very luxurious material that is known for its delicate and elegant appearance but is also quite strong and durable.

What is Coach signature canvas made of

The Coach signature coated canvas is made from a heavy cotton fabric printed with the iconic Coach pattern that is tightly woven together, coated with either wax or resin, and then heat-treated. The process creates a permanent finish that is water- and scratch-resistant, sturdy, and lightweight.

The use of coated canvas in designer handbags has become popular and can create a product that lasts longer than faux leather or polyurethane. Coach introduced their signature jacquard fabric in 2001, and it has remained a popular choice for their products.

Does Coach use vegan leather?

Coach do not produce vegan handbags. All of their bags contain at least one part that is made from leather. However, there are brands similar to Coach in style and quality that do make bags made entirely from vegan friendly materials. So if you’re looking for a vegan purse, you’ll need to consider a different brand.

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Summary

If you didn’t know a lot about Coach before this article then by now you should have a really good idea of what they’re passionate about.

Born from a love of leather, this well-known American brand famous for its leather goods, especially handbags and purses for women. Coach uses high-quality, genuine leather to create its iconic handbags, wallets, and accessories.

The company sources the majority of its leather from tanneries that are Leather Working Group certified, ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Coach has its very own leather called the Glovetanned leather, which is inspired by the durability and suppleness of baseball gloves.

The brand also applies it’s expertise to a variety of different types of leather, including calfskin, cross-grain, pebbled, and suede, each with its own unique qualities. So, whichever Coach bag you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy it for years to come.

FAQ

What animal leather does Coach use

Coach primarily uses bovine leather to create their best-selling signature handbags, including cowhide and calfskin leather.

Coach is also known to use goatskin leather and lambskin nappa leather for some of its more premium bags in recent years as well as shearling sheep wool and suede in some of its designs.

Is Coach leather ethically sourced?

Coach is taking steps to ensure that their leather is sourced as ethically as possible. They work with tanneries that are part of the Leather Working Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the environmental impact of the leather industry.

Tanneries are scored based on waste, energy, water and chemical management, and traceability. Coach aims to source 90 percent of their leather from LWG Gold and Silver-rated tanneries by 2025.

Additionally, they say they’re committed to traceability and mapping of raw materials, ensuring a transparent and responsible supply chain. T

hey also have a Supplier Code of Conduct and conduct audits to ensure their standards are met. They are also a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and uses the Higg Index to measure their sustainability performance.

What are Coach Outlet bags made of?

Coach outlet bags are made of a variety of materials, some of which are similar the Coach retail bags. These include leather, signature coated canvas, cotton, denim, and nylon. Bags that are made from more premium leather, like lambskin, nappa leather, and calfskin, are more limited at the outlet than the retail store.