There are fashion icons and brands that are unmistakable and timeless, especially regarding handbags. Louis Vuitton is a staple in luxury fashion, known worldwide for its luxurious bags and signature style. I will discuss the various types of leather that make up Louis Vuitton bags.
Louis Vuitton bags are made from cowhide, calfskin, and exotic leather. The leather line started in 1985 and created several different leather finishes, from Epi to Vernis. Louis Vuitton bags come in many popular styles, including Speedy, Alma, Pochette Metis, and Neverfull, and cost $1,500–$5,400.
Have you ever wondered what makes Louis Vuitton bags so desirable? What materials and finishes make up Louis Vuitton bags? Let’s look at the various types of leather Louis Vuitton Bags.
What Is a Louis Vuitton Bag?
A Louis Vuitton bag is a range of totes, handbags, crossbody bags, and more from a collection of luxury fashion that is gorgeous and timeless. This brand of bag is a favorite of high-end fashion lovers and comes in an almost endless assortment of styles, colors, and sizes.
What We’ll Explore
- Clearing up Myths & Misconceptions
- History of Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
- Louis Vuitton Bag Leather Types
- Are Louis Vuitton Bags Leather?
- Louis Vuitton Bag Leather Types
- Popular Styles of Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
- Popular Colors of Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
- How to Maintain a Leather Louis Vuitton Bag
- Leather Louis Vuitton Bag Cost
- Pros of Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
- Cons of Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
- My Personal Research Into Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
- Helpful Leather Louis Vuitton Bags Insights
- Key Takeaways
Clearing Up Myths & Misconceptions
One common misconception around Louis Vuitton bags is that they are all made from leather. This is false because some bags are coated canvas with leather handles. Another misconception is that the leather used is all cowhide.
The fact is that Louis Vuitton also uses exotics, including python, stingray, crocodile, and ostrich, in addition to cowhide. There’s also the myth that their manufacturing process uses machines for automation. However, Louis Vuitton uses skilled crafters to hand-make all of their bags.
History of Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
The Louis Vuitton leather line started in 1985 with the creation of EPI leather. The brand has been around since 1854, when a luggage maker, Louis Vuitton Malletier, created steamer trunks and rigid cases in Paris, France.
According to graduate student Leonie Anna Sophie Iris Lahn, the merger of Louis Vuitton in 1987 with Moet et Chandon plus Hennessy created the most significant luxury company in the world. The year 2001 saw the creation of the infamous graffiti print and collaborations with artists for limited-edition handbags.
Louis Vuitton Bag Leather Types
| Leather Type | Characteristics |
| EPI | Original handbags, used in wallets and handbags, created with plant extracts and coloration for a two-toned look, withstands all weather |
| Cachemire | Luxurious and smooth with a sheen, scratch resistant |
| Empreinte | Calfskin embossed with LV monogram, soft and durable, lightly textured |
| Taurillon | Soft and understated, visible grains, comes with foil stamp, no marks or monograms |
| Vachetta | Light beige, ages to dark brown patina, used in luggage and handbags for trim and handles |
| Exotic | Ostrich, python, alligator, crocodile, python |
| Lambskin | Luxurious and lightweight, softest material |
| Vernis | Patent leather look, water repellant |
Are Louis Vuitton Bags Leather?
Louis Vuitton makes bags that are made of different types of leather and coated canvas. Their cowhide, calfskin, lambskin, and exotic leathers come in several finishes and colors for which the brand is known.
Louis Vuitton Bag Leather Types
Cowhide Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
Most of Louis Vuitton’s leather bags are made from cowhide, which is given finishes from Cachemire to Vernis. Only the highest quality cowhide is used, providing the unmistakable durability and value the brand is known for.
Calfskin Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
The most popular choice in leather Louis Vuitton bags is calfskin. It’s durable, maintains its shape, is easy to clean, and is smooth and sleek. Calfskin gives a beautiful, refined finish to handbags.
Cachemire Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
Cachemire or Veau Cachemire leather works great with all Louis Vuitton bags as it is smooth, luxurious, and has a sheen finish. This material is resistant to scratches making it suitable for everyday bags.
Empreinte Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
Empreinte leather is high-quality calfskin embossed with the LV monogram and flower pattern. It is soft, durable, and luxurious with its drummed texture.
Epi Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
Epi leather is textured, thick, and sturdy. Its durability makes it priceless for everyday bags yet it is also luxurious and elegant.
Vernis Louis Vuitton Bags
Vernis leather looks and feels like patent leather. It is water-repellant and embossed with the LV monogram and flower pattern.
Lambskin Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
Louis Vuitton lambskin leather bags are buttery soft, smooth, and flexible. It looks elegant and classy even for an everyday bag.
Taurillon Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
Taurillon leather has visible grains, a subtle bumpy texture, and is extremely durable and lightweight. This material is great for everyday bags.
Exotic Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
Various exotic animals are used for Louis Vuitton bags. Crocodile and Alligator are very durable and need special treatment to prevent scale flaking, while python is beautiful and generally saved for special occasions also due to the fragility of the scales. Exotic leathers used for Louis Vuitton bags include:
- Crocodile
- Ostrich
- Python
- Alligator
Popular Styles of Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
Dozens of leather Louis Vuitton bags are available, so how does one choose? There are several price points to fit many budgets, and there are always pre-loved bags. In terms of small bags, the most popular styles include the Speedy, the crossbody Pochette Metis, and Alma. Larger bags that are often purchased include the Noe bucket and Neverfull tote.
Popular Colors of Leather Louis Vuitton Bag
- Dark brown
- Cognac
- Blue
- Orange
- Multicolor
- Magenta
How to Maintain a Leather Louis Vuitton Bag
How to Clean a Leather Louis Vuitton Bag
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Leather Louis Vuitton bags can be cleaned with a soft cloth, brush, or a leather cleaner. This prevents the buildup of dirt and keeps the leather supple and beautiful. Always follow up by applying a leather conditioner to keep it nourished and soft.
How to Store a Leather Louis Vuitton Bag
Leather Louis Vuitton bags come with dustbags that should be used for storage. This keeps the bag clean, away from sunlight, and allows airflow.
For a demonstration of how to clean a leather Louis Vuitton bag, check out this helpful video from Repair Studio.
Leather Louis Vuitton Bag Cost
Leather Louis Vuitton bags are costly, but they are indeed an investment that will come in very handy and last for many years. Prices range from about $1,500–$5,400 depending on bag size, material, and color choice.
Pros of a Leather Louis Vuitton Bag
Louis Vuitton leather bags are made of the best materials and hand checked for quality. They are the softest, most durable, and most highly sought-after bags in the world. Leather Louis Vuitton bags never go out of style and come in many beautiful varieties.
Louis Vuitton uses genuine leather for making all of its leather bags.
Cons of a Leather Louis Vuitton Bag
Leather Louis Vuitton bags cost much more than other leather bags; however, they are high quality and made to last. Some bags have non-adjustable shoulder straps, which may be uncomfortable for some. Tapered tops on some varieties can limit what fits in the bag, and if not filled adequately, some larger bags can lose their shape.
My Personal Research Into Leather Louis Vuitton Bags
I researched leather Louis Vuitton bags and found the most popular, sought-after bags by consumers. Here are the six most often purchased bags with leather types and price ranges for each.
| Bag Name | Materials Available | Price |
| Felicie Pochette | Monogram, Empreinte, Epi, Damier | $1,490–$1,760 |
| Speedy Bandouliere | Monogram Empreinte, Bicolor | $2,710–$2,870 |
| Pochette Metis | Monogram, Empreinte, Monogram Reverse, Bicolor | $2,570–$2,980 |
| Neverfull MM | Monogram, Jacquard, Damier, Empreinte | $2,030–$2,850 |
| Hobo | Monogram and Coated Canvas | $2,370–$2,780 |
| Coussin | Lambskin | $4,700–$5,400 |
Helpful Leather Louis Vuitton Bags Insights
Are Louis Vuitton bags made of leather?
Louis Vuitton bags have many bags made of various types of leather. These include cowhide, Vachetta, Epi, Empreinte, Vernis, lambskin, Taurillon, alligator, crocodile, ostrich, and python. These are the highest quality leathers one can find in the market.
Are Louis Vuitton bags plastic or leather?
Louis Vuitton bags are made of different types of leather or coated canvas. The coated canvas is 100% cotton coated with vinyl, making these bags extremely durable.
What material are Louis Vuitton bags made of?
Louis Vuitton bags are made of genuine leather or coated canvas. They have unique leathers only Louis Vuitton is known for, including Empreinte, Vachetta, Epi, Vernis, and Taurillon. Many of the coated canvas bags have genuine leather trim.
Does Louis Vuitton use genuine leather?
Louis Vuitton uses genuine leather to make all of its leather bags. Some Louis Vuitton bags are made of canvas, but the primary material used in their leather bags is genuine leather, often from cowhide, calfskin, or exotic leather like crocodile, python, or ostrich.
Does Louis Vuitton have non-leather bags?
Louis Vuitton has a line of non-leather canvas bags. Louis Vuitton coated canvas bags are made of cotton coated in plastic and do not contain leather.
What are coated canvas Louis Vuitton bags?
Louis Vuitton bags made with coated canvas are 100% cotton and coated with durable vinyl. These bags include the collections of Dauphine MM, Card Holder Recto-verso, OnTheGo GM, Pochette Metis, Neverfull MM, Horizon Soft Duffle 55, Keepall Bandouliere 55, Horizon 55, Briefcase Explorer, Poche Toilette NM, and many more.
Key Takeaways
- Louis Vuitton bags are made of genuine leather or coated canvas.
- Louis Vuitton leathers include Epi, Empreinte, Taurillon, Vachetta, and Taurillon.
- Louis Vuitton leather bags are stylish, versatile, durable, and timeless.
In Closing
Louis Vuitton bags have earned their spot in the luxury fashion industry with decades of experience and timeless style. Their leathers are beautiful and durable, and with so many bag options, the most challenging part is choosing one. These gorgeous bags will be the last anyone has to buy! Which one will you choose?
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