When it comes to purchasing a leather jacket, there is no doubt that the type of your leather is most important. Lambskin and calfskin are two of the most common types of leather available in the market, they are different and have different features, but how to know if you should use lambskin or calfskin leather? Here in this guide, we will compare both types and allow you to choose the right leather type for you.

What Is Lambskin?

Lambskin leather is obtained from young sheep and is one of the softest and finest leathers in the world. It is characterized by its smooth skin feel and light weight, making it suitable for high-fashion leather jackets. Although lambskin feels so smooth and comfortable on the skin, it is not as hard-wearing as other skins.

Is Lambskin Leather Durable?

In terms of the quality between lambskin vs calfskin, lambskin has low durability. It tends to get scratched, scarred or damaged easily and is generally not as durable as calfskin leather. But if appropriate measures are taken, one can get to enjoy these lambskin jackets for several years. However, if you want to use something that can handle a tough environment, you will probably be better off avoiding lambskin.

Is Lambskin Leather Expensive?

To be fair, yes lambskin leather is relatively expensive, especially due to the feel it possesses and the work that goes behind it. Thus, if you have a question like, “Is lambskin leather expensive?”, the answer will be in the affirmative. However, for many, the investment is worth it since it can provide softness and a strong fashion statement.

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Is Lambskin Good for Winter?

Lambskin is less warm compared to the other types of leather, which is not suitable for colder climates. However, if you layer appropriately, a lambskin jacket can still be worn in cooler weather or rather during the early part of the spring.

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What Is Calfskin?

Calfskin leather is sourced from young cows, giving you the durability you need and all the softness you want. It is denser to touch and more rigid than lambskin hence a perfect type of leather for people wanting a long-lasting leather jacket.

Is Calfskin Leather Durable?

Yes, calfskin leather is much more durable than lambskin leather. It is more resistant to scratches and can withstand more wear and tear compared to other leather types, which is why people prefer calfskin for daily wear. Is calf leather durable? Absolutely.

Is Calfskin Leather Expensive?

Calfskin is more affordable than lambskin but both are regarded as luxury goods. The price depends on the brand and the quality; however the answer to ‘Is calfskin leather expensive?’ is complicated. It could be expensive, but people regard it as an investment rather than a purchase due to its longevity.

Is Calf Leather Good for Winter?

Calfskin is warmer than lambskin, which should make it suitable for winter jackets or coats. It offers fairly good heat retention and insulation so they do not have to be very thick, which will come in handy particularly if one is living in an area with a cold climate. 

Lambskin vs Calfskin: The Comparison

• Durability:
  A comparison of calfskin and lambskin reveals that calfskin is more durable. It is less prone to damage and can even last longer as compared to the traditional ones and it requires very little effort in terms of maintenance.
• Cost:
  Lambskin and calfskin are expensive forms of leather; however, lambskin may be more costly than calfskin because of its softness. 
• Comfort:
  Lambskin is softer and thus more comfortable for wearing in comparison to other types of leather, especially for the first time. Calfskin is relatively soft but has a stiffer texture compared to other leathers and might need some time to wear in.
• Maintenance:
  Lambskin needs more attention when it comes to its care. It should be conditioned frequently to retain its softness, I find mine has become so hard. Calfskin is less demanding and does not need to be pressed as often.

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• Style:
  Lambskin is often used for high-fashion jackets to offer a smooth texture and feel to the jacket in question. Calfskin on the other hand is a more formal material which still has its use in both fashion and function.

Is a Leather Jacket Good for Winter? 

Usually, when choosing between lambskin and calfskin for winter jackets, the latter is preferable given the warmth associated with its material. But at the same time, if properly layered, a lambskin jacket can do just as well for conditions that are slightly colder than that. To learn more read our Is A Leather Jacket Good For Winter?

Is an Expensive Leather Jacket Worth It?

Whether you go for lambskin or calfskin, a leather jacket is a wear which one can invest in. The type of fabric that you select should be compatible with your lifestyle, weather conditions and your fashion tastes. Calfskin will keep the shoes durable and hard-wearing, while lambskin will make the shoes feel plush. Either way, it is more productive to spend more for a quality jacket so that you will have a long-lasting jacket. We cover all of these flows in-depth in our are expensive leather jackets worth it.

Conclusion

Lambskin and calfskin are very similar to one another and there is no clear-cut way on which to choose between the two depending on your requirements. Lambskin is rather soft and provides an excellent feel to the gear while calfskin is relatively more hard-wearing and tends to give a dress shape to the gear. By understanding the differences, you can get the leather that will serve your needs in terms of fashion and also in terms of durability to allow you to make the best jacket.

Word From Nomad Nappa