Coach Tabby 26: Leather Dreams or Plastic Nightmares?

Coach recently sent us their Tabby 26 shoulder bag for an independent review. Their confidence in our content is evident, and we're excited to give you a thorough analysis. At first glance, the Tabby 26 embodies the classic Coach aesthetic, featuring a consistent and high-quality embossed pebbled leather exterior. As always, Coach's accessories maintain their reputation for durability and style. Inside, you'll find a micro-suede fabric lining that complements the overall craftsmanship. The stitching, edge paint, and other details are on point, but as always, we're here to dig deeper.

DISCLAIMER: The mentioned brand sent this product for FREE. However, we are NOT PAID to do this review. All statements and expressions made about the products are Tanner Leatherstein’s independent review. The brand did not get to see the final video until it was published live. They also agreed to our terms and conditions that we will post our honest review about the brand and/or product and that we might disagree with the information provided in their shop or website.

Tanner Leatherstein’s reviews are not meant to be conclusive or definitive. The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.

The label on this bag reads "Genuine Pebble Leather." Now, if you're like me, the term "genuine" might make you cringe a little. It's often used to describe lower-quality leather that has been heavily processed, but in this case, we decided to investigate further.

After a quick acetone test to strip away the top finish, it became clear that this bag is made from top-grain cowhide. The pebbled pattern is embossed, and the leather has a protective pigmented finish—likely polyurethane or acrylic. This type of finish not only standardizes the leather's appearance but also adds durability. So, while the term "genuine leather" might imply something less desirable, Coach has actually used top-grain leather, which is a higher-quality material. In my opinion, Coach would do well to label this as "Top Grain Pebble Leather" to more accurately reflect the quality.

One of the first things I checked was the edge paint. It's applied with enough layers and thickness to ensure durability. I tried scratching it off with my fingernail, but it held strong. Even after using a blade, the edge paint didn’t peel away easily—it was bonded well to the leather. This level of quality means the edge paint will likely last a long time, even with regular use.

One point that consistently annoys me with Coach products is their use of plastic for the "story piece"—that little emblem that adds a narrative to the bag. In this case, it's a small part of the design, but it would be so much better if it were made from leather. It's a small detail, but one that detracts from the overall quality of the bag in my opinion.

To truly assess the durability of the Coach Tabby 26's leather, I subjected it to a series of common household stains: water, mud, ketchup, and wine. These are typical contaminants a bag might encounter in daily use, so it’s important to see how the leather finish holds up under such conditions.

I started by applying water and mud to one section of the leather and letting it sit. Next, I added a smudge of ketchup to another section, making sure to rub it in a bit to simulate an accidental spill. Finally, I poured wine into a third section to see how the leather would react to a liquid that often leaves stubborn stains.

After letting the stains settle, I used a clean, dry cloth to wipe off each section. Remember, whenever your leather gets dirty, the first step is to gently wipe it off using a clean, dry cloth—preferably a soft fabric or even paper. If the stain is too stubborn, you can use a damp cloth, but avoid soaking the leather. Gently wipe off as much of the residue as possible, and let the leather dry completely before inspecting the results.

The water and mud mixture cleaned off relatively easily. While a small amount of dust remained in the valleys of the pebbled leather, a quick wipe with a dry cloth took care of it. There was no lasting mark on the leather itself, which speaks to its resistance to dirt and moisture.

The ketchup, despite being rubbed in, was wiped off without leaving any residue. The only concern might be for lighter-colored stitching, as the red pigment could potentially stain the thread. However, the leather itself remained unaffected.

Finally, the wine posed no threat to the leather's finish. After wiping it off, there was no visible damage or discoloration. The protective finish on the leather did its job exceptionally well, keeping the material intact and unmarked.

Let’s talk numbers. I estimate that about six square feet of leather is used to make this bag, which would cost around $25. Considering the complexity of the bag's construction, the high-quality accessories, and the craftsmanship involved, I would estimate the total production cost to be around $120. With a retail price of $450, the Tabby 26 seems fairly priced. You're paying for top-notch materials and meticulous craftsmanship, both of which are consistent with Coach's reputation.

Overall, the Coach Tabby 26 is an excellent value for the price. The top-grain pebbled leather is durable and attractive, and the craftsmanship is top-notch. My only real critique is the use of plastic in the story piece, but that's a minor flaw in an otherwise impressive bag. I appreciate Coach's commitment to making quality leather products accessible to a wide audience.