Ultimate guide to Michael Kors leather bags | Real or fake?
Welcome to the ultimate guide to Michael Kors leather! You might be wondering if Michael Kors uses genuine leather or if it’s just a fancy term for “pleather” and is going to fall apart in no time.
It’s understandable if you’re questioning the quality of Michael Kors leather, considering that their leather bags are priced much lower than other high-end luxury brands.
Well, fear not, we’re here to uncover the truth behind this mid-level designer brand and it’s products. From the types of leather to what it really consists of and the different styles of leather used, we’ll give you the inside scoop on Michael Kors leather.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to become a MK leather expert. This is a must-read for anyone who loves fashion and cares about the quality of their leather products.
Is Michael Kors leather real
Key Takeway
Yes; Michael Kors leather is real leather. However, not all Michael Kors bags are designed to be made of leather and there is often confusion surrounding the materials used in some of their designs. The brand also uses cotton canvas, coated canvas, suede and faux leather.
For example, many people think the popular MK coated canvas bag or the faux-leather vegan bags are supposed to be made with real leather and are disappointed when they find out that they are not and may even think that they’re fake bags.
While Michael Kors offers a range of materials and price points to cater to different customers’ preferences and budgets, it’s worth noting that the brand always tries to maintain its high standards.
Therefore, it’s important for consumers to read product descriptions and labels carefully before making a purchase to ensure they are getting exactly what they are looking for.
While these materials can still be high-quality and durable, they are not leather. So, if you’re specifically looking for an authentic Michael Kors bag, it’s important to double-check the materials listed to ensure you’re getting what you want.
Where are materials sourced
The brand uses high-quality materials to ensure that all of their products meet their customers expectations. MK products are made in various countries around the world to ensure cost-effectiveness.
There is no definitive indication of where Michael Kors sources its materials from. The brand states that it’s committed to designing with sustainability in mind and is taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of its products.
They describe it as a work in progress, and Michael Kors himself has stated that:
“We’re constantly thinking about the impact that fashion has on the environment and ways to do things differently while still providing the quality our customers expect. It’s a work in progress, and I’m excited about the commitments we’re making to reduce our footprint.” – Michael Kors
If you search on the Michael Kors website, you’ll notice a green badge next to some of the products. The “KORS LOVES” badge allows you to shop with more insight into the raw materials that go into MK products. A Michael Kors bag that features the “Kors Loves” badge is either:
- Crafted from at least 50% environmentally preferred materials, such as recycled fibers and organic fabrics, or
- Produced with leather from certified tanneries meeting the highest standards of environmental performance, including tanneries given Gold and Silver Medal ratings from the Leather Working Group.
Types of Michael Kors leather
There are various types of leather that Michael Kors works with when producing its luxury bags and other products. The type of leather used depends on the style of bag it is and the collection it’s designed for.
For example, the smooth Calfskin leather, which is supple and very luxurious, is commonly used in bags in the more expensive Michael Kors Collection line like the Campbell Leather Weekender Bag which can set you back $1990.
Leather bags that are produced for the more affordable MICHAEL Michael Kors line, are usually made with less expensive leather but are still valuable and 100% authentic like pebbled or saffiano leather which we explore in more detail below.
Despite where the products are made, the brand maintains its high standards for quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece is designed to last. Let’s check out the different types of leather that Michael Kors uses in its purses.
Pebbled
Michael Kors pebbled leather is a popular type of leather that’s used in many of the bags in the brand’s MICHAEL Michael Kors line.
It is usually made from full-grain leather, which is one of the highest quality grades of leather that money can buy.
Pebbled leather has a unique texture that features small, raised bumps, or pebbles, across the surface.
The texture not only adds a stylish element but also provides a layer of protection against wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for those who want a stylish and durable bag that can withstand everyday use.
Saffiano
Michael Kors is known for using high-quality materials in their products, and one of the most popular leather types used in their handbags is saffiano leather.
This leather is recognizable for its crosshatch pattern, which is achieved by pressing the leather with a heated stamping machine.
This sometimes gives the leather a waxy finish and helps to make saffiano leather durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean—an ideal choice for an everyday bag.
Michael Kors offers a range of handbags made with saffiano leather (with crosshatch pattern), from classic totes to stylish crossbody bags, in a variety of colors.
Suede
Suede is a type of leather that has a soft, velvety texture. It is made from the underside of the animal skin, which is sanded and brushed to create the characteristic fuzzy surface.
Suede is often used in fashion for shoes, jackets, skirts, and bags and is especially popular during the fall and winter seasons.
It has a luxurious look and feel but requires more care and maintenance than other types of leather due to its susceptibility to water and stains.
Despite its delicate nature, suede has remained a popular choice in fashion due to its unique texture and appearance.
Calfskin
Calfskin leather is made from the hide of a young calf rather than an older cowhide. It’s durable and has a natural resistance to water, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
It is known for its soft, supple texture and fine grain and is considered more valuable than other bovine leathers, which makes it a popular choice for the premium Michael Kors Collection range.
This leather is rarely used in the MICHAEL Michael Kors range, which primarily uses regular cowhide leather, faux leather, and canvas materials.
It’s important to note that both calf and cowhide leather are considered durable, which is not the only factor when it comes to determining how valuable a leather is. The tan is also an important factor when determining the quality and value of leather.
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Lambskin
Michael Kors lambskin leather is one of the softest and most luxurious leathers used in their bags. It’s lightweight and is known for supple and fine grain texture.
Lambskin leather is also known for its durability, making it a great choice for handbags that will be used frequently although it’s usually considered more valueable than cowhide leather and should be well cared for.
The leather is sourced is treated with various chemicals to create a soft and smooth finish. Despite how delicate and lightweight it is, Michael Kors lambskin leather is strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, making it a popular choice for those looking for a combination of luxury and practicality in their bags.
Python-embossed
Some Michael Kors bags are made with glossy, python-embossed leather. This is cowhide leather that is embossed with a texture resembling python skin.
It is not made from actual python skin but rather from high-quality leather that has been treated to give it the appearance of python skin.
The embossing process creates a raised pattern on the leather that looks like the scales and texture of real python skin, giving the leather a unique and exotic look.
This is not a type of leather, but rather a type of texture that is given to the leather to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to their designs.
Crocodile-embossed
Similiar to the Michael Kors python embossed leather, crocodile embossed leather mimics the look and texture of genuine crocodile skin. It is created by embossing a pattern onto the surface of the leather to create a scale-like effect.
This gives the leather a unique and exotic appearance that is perfect for high-end luxury products such as handbags and wallets that make a statement piece in your outfit.
Unlike genuine crocodile leather, crocodile-embossed leather is much more affordable and can be produced ethically without harming any animals if it’s created with faux-leather materials.
Michael Kors is known for using high-quality crocodile embossed leather in some of their most iconic designs, making it a popular choice among style enthusiasts.
Quilted
Michael Kors quilted leather is a type of texture that has been stitched or pressed with a distinctive diamond or square pattern to add a kind of quilted-effect.
This textured appearance can be given to almost any type of leather, whether it’s calfskin leather or vegan leather.
The quilting process adds an extra layer of depth and dimension to the leather, making it visually appealing and unique.
Michael Kors offers a variety of quilted leather products in different colors and styles, making it easy for style enthusiasts to find the perfect piece to suit their tastes.
Vegan
Michael Kors also offers a wide range of bags made from vegan leather, also known as faux leather.
Vegan leather is a synthetic material that mimics the look and feel of real leather but is made without using any animal products.
It can be made from various materials, such as polyurethane, PVC, or even recycled plastic bottles.
Michael Kors vegan leather usually consists of a blend of polyurethane and PVC. His vegan leather bags come in a range of styles and colors and are a popular choice for those looking for a more sustainable and cruelty-free option.
Cotton Canvas
Michael Kors cotton canvas is a material used in some of the brand’s bag designs. This durable and lightweight material is typically made of 100% cotton and is often uncoated, which means it’s soft and pliable but not that resistant to water.
While not as luxurious as some of the brand’s leather options, a Michael Kors purse made with cotton canvas are still stylish and practical, making them a popular choice for everyday use.
They can come in a variety of colors and styles, but are usually seen in their natural cotton color. The cotton canvas is often paired with the brand’s signature brown leather to reinforce parts of the bag that are expected to get more wear and tear.
What are MK coated canvas purses made of
Michael Kors coated canvas bags are typically made of a dense fabric that has been coated with a layer of transparent resin or polymer. This makes the material water-resistant, durable, and more sturdy.
The coated canvas fabric is usually printed with the Kors logo, which, when coated, is then dried and cured to create a more glossy, waterproof surface.
This process makes the canvas more durable and resistant to stains and scratches than untreated canvas, which can help the material last longer.
The coated canvas bags that contain the Kors logo print have become part of the signature Michael Kors style. However, some people mistake coated canvas for real leather.
While coated canvas handbags can be durable, they are not as sturdy or valuable as real leather. However, these handbags are usually features leather straps and fixtures to give more durability to the places that need it the most.
Summary
To wrap up, Michael Kors does use real leather in their products, although not all their bags are made of leather.
The brand offers a range of materials, styles and finishes at different price points to cater to customers’ preferences and budgets.
The brand has stated they’re committed to designing with sustainability in mind and taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of its products.
They use various types of leather depending on the style of the bag and the collection it’s designed for, with pebbled, saffiano, and suede leather being some of the most popular types. While python, crocodile and quilted finishes give a more unique and exotic look.
So, whether you’re looking for a high-end luxury bag or a more affordable option that can last in your wardrobe for years, MK bags are a great choice if you’re looking for style and durability.
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Are all Michael Kors handbags leather
No, not all Michael Kors handbags are made of leather. The brand offers a variety of materials for their bags, including coated canvas, vegan leather, cotton canvas, and more. It’s important for customers to read product descriptions and labels carefully to ensure they are getting the type of material they desire.
Is Michael Kors saffiano leather real leather?
Yes, Michael Kors saffiano leather is real leather. While the original Prada-patented saffiano leather was initially made with calfskin, Michael Kors saffiano leather and most other saffiano leathers on the market are usually made with cowhide.
Saffiano leather has a distinctive crosshatch pattern that is achieved by pressing it with a heated stamping machine to create a durable, scratch-resistant, and easy-to-clean surface.
