DESIGN
Coach’s Definitive Guide to Leathers
Our Coach leathers are crafted to last. Here’s what makes each unique.
- At Coach, our leather handbags are designed to adapt to your ever-evolving personal style.
- Each Coach leather is unique, and with plenty to choose from, it’s worth exploring what differentiates one from the next.
- Here’s everything you need to know about each of our beloved Coach leathers before committing to your lifelong style companion.
At Coach, we believe that leather is inherently made to be lived in and lived with. As the Original American House of Leather since 1941, we've been dedicated for years to crafting luxury that lasts with high-quality, durable bags. A Coach bag is more than your average accessory—it's a blank canvas for style, an ode to luxury craftsmanship, and an extension of your self-expression every day.
But, with so many different types to choose from, how do you find the perfect bag for you? Before making an investment, we recommend exploring the different leathers each bag is made from—it provides the foundation to the design, and in turn, its look and feel.
Read on to learn more about each of the leathers we offer when you're searching for your next bag.
Soft Grain
What it is: Crafted of lightweight goatskin with a special grain, soft grain leather is silky soft with a beautiful drape and a natural satin sheen. Its grain varies from piece to piece
What it's known for: Ultra-soft feel and a one-of-a-kind look
What it's known for: Ultra-soft feel and a one-of-a-kind look
Sport Calf
What it is: A cousin of our Glovetanned Leather, Sport Calf is a soft, durable leather with a fine, smooth grain and natural highs and lows in the color that give it a “vintage” look. Natural oils give this leather a slightly waxy feel and will help it burnish over time. To care for it, clean with a damp cloth and moisturize with our Coach Leather Moisturizer.
What it's known for: Unique look that gets better with age
What it's known for: Unique look that gets better with age
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
What’s the history behind Glovetanned Leather?
What’s the history behind Glovetanned Leather?
Invented in the 1950s by Coach founder Miles Cahn, Glovetanned Leather is part of our origin story (and what made us a household name). A bold departure from the pristine leathers of the past, Glovetanned Leather was designed to get better with time. Its beauty comes from every sign of wear, based on the soft yet durable nature of a baseball glove. For decades, Coach has crafted bags with this signature leather, and today, many vintage Coach pieces showcase its enduring quality.
What’s the best way to care for Natural Grain Leather?
What’s the best way to care for Natural Grain Leather?
Natural Grain Leather only gets better with time. The best way to care for and maintain Natural Grain Leather is to put it to good use—wear it out to wear it in. When stored away for long periods of time, Natural Grain Leather can become stiff or dry. But when worn often, your bag will mold to you—taking in the sunlight, air and oils from your skin for a naturally “broken in” look that’s one-of-a-kind.
What’s the difference between Crossgrain and Soft Grain Leather?
What’s the difference between Crossgrain and Soft Grain Leather?
Scratch-resistant with a finely grained surface, Crossgrain is ultra-durable, making it the perfect material for more structured bags. Soft Grain, on the other hand, is crafted of lightweight goatskin and has a silky soft hand-feel. Because its grain varies, each piece is one-of-a-kind with a beautiful drape and natural satin sheen.