What Is Suede? Suede vs Leather and Types of Suede Jackets

Suede is leather with a soft, brushed surface instead of a smooth one. It feels velvety, looks matte and is lighter than most smooth leather, which is why suede jackets drape so well. This guide explains what suede is, how it differs from leather and nubuck, the main types of suede jacket, how to tell real suede from faux, and how to look after it.

What Is Suede?

Suede is made from the underside of an animal hide, the flesh side. The hide is split, and the inner layer is buffed to raise a fine, soft nap. Because it doesn't include the tough outer grain, suede is thinner, softer and more flexible than full-grain leather.

Most fashion suede comes from lamb or sheep (the softest), goat (fine and strong) or calf and cow (thicker and sturdier). The name comes from the French gants de Suède, "gloves from Sweden", where soft napped-leather gloves were made.

Suede vs Leather vs Nubuck

	Smooth leather	Suede	Nubuck
Which side of the hide	Outer grain side	Inner flesh side (split)	Outer grain side, sanded
Feel	Smooth, slight sheen	Soft, velvety, fuzzy nap	Very fine, short nap
Weight	Heavier	Lighter, drapes more	Medium
Durability	Most hard-wearing	Less resistant to scuffs and stains	Stronger than suede
Water	Copes with light rain	Marks easily when wet	Marks when wet
Best for	Everyday and all-weather wear	Spring, fall and dry days	Shoes and some jackets

For more on smooth leather grades, see our guide to leather grades.

Types of Suede Leather

Suede feels and wears differently depending on the animal and on which part of the hide it's cut from:

• Lambskin and sheepskin suede: the softest and lightest, with a fine, short nap and a lot of drape. The usual choice for fashion jackets, but the most delicate.
• Goatskin suede: a tight, fine nap and more strength than lamb for its weight, so it holds its shape and resists wear a little better.
• Calf and cowhide suede: thicker and heavier with a coarser nap. Tougher and more structured, used for truckers, western jackets and workwear.
• Split suede vs roughout: most suede is split suede, cut from the inner layer of a hide after the grain has been split off. Roughout is the full hide worn flesh side out, so it keeps the strength of the grain layer behind it; it's mainly used in boots and heavy workwear.
• Faux suede (microsuede): a polyester fabric made to look like suede. It's cheaper and easier to clean but doesn't breathe or age like the real thing.

How to Choose a Suede Jacket

• Pick the hide for how you'll wear it: lamb or sheep for softness and drape, goat for a balance of softness and strength, cowhide for a tougher jacket you'll wear hard.
• Check the nap: good suede has an even, dense nap and even colour across every panel, with no bald or shiny patches.
• Look at the seams: stitching should be straight and tight, with no loose threads; suede shows puckered seams more than smooth leather.
• Check the lining: a smooth lining helps the jacket slide over knits and stops the inside of the suede from rubbing. For winter, look for a quilted or shearling lining.
• Get the fit right: suede softens and relaxes a little with wear but doesn't stretch much, so buy it to fit over the layer you'll usually wear underneath.
• Start with an easy colour: tan, camel and mid-brown go with denim, white, navy and olive. Dark brown, navy and black hide marks and dust better.

Why Choose a Suede Jacket?

• Softness: suede feels comfortable from the first wear, with no stiff break-in period.
• Light weight: it's lighter than most smooth leather, so it works in spring and fall.
• Relaxed look: the matte finish looks less formal than shiny leather and pairs easily with denim and knits.
• Colour: suede takes colour well, from tan and brown to green, blue and burgundy.

The trade-off is care: suede shows water marks and stains more easily than smooth leather, so it's not the best choice for heavy rain.

Types of Suede Jackets

Suede Bomber

A waist-length jacket with ribbed collar, cuffs and hem. The easiest suede jacket to wear every day.

Shop the Men's Classic Brown Suede Lambskin Leather Bomber Jacket →

Suede Biker Jacket

The asymmetric zip and wide lapels of a moto jacket in soft suede, a softer take on the classic biker look.

Shop the Men’s Dark Blue Suede Leather Biker Jacket →

Shop the Women's Tan Brown Belted Suede Leather Biker Jacket →

Suede Trucker Jacket

The shape of a denim jacket, with chest pockets and button front, in suede. Read our suede trucker jacket guide.

Suede Blazer

A tailored jacket in suede for smart-casual outfits. It looks best with knitwear, shirts and wool trousers.

Shop the Men Dark Blue Real Suede Leather Blazer →

Fringe and Western Suede Jacket

Fringe along the yoke, sleeves or hem gives a western, 70s look. Suede is the traditional material because the fringe moves softly.

Shop the Men’s Brown Fringe Cowboy Suede Leather Jacket →

Cropped Suede Moto

A short, waist-length moto shape that pairs well with high-waisted jeans and dresses.

Shop the Oak Beige Cropped Suede Moto Jacket →

How to Tell Real Suede From Faux Suede

• Feel: real suede has a slightly uneven nap that changes shade when you brush your hand across it; faux suede (microsuede) feels very uniform.
• Back side: real suede looks the same, rough and fibrous, on both sides of a cut edge; faux suede has a woven fabric backing.
• Smell: real suede has a faint leather smell; faux suede smells of plastic or nothing.
• Label: look for "genuine suede" or the animal (lamb, goat, cow). Our suede jackets are genuine leather unless the product title says faux.

Can You Wear Suede in the Rain?

Suede doesn't like water. Light drizzle usually brushes out once it dries, but heavy rain can leave dark spots and stiffen the nap. Spray a suede protector before you wear a new jacket and again every few months, and keep a smooth leather jacket for wet days.

Caring for Suede

• Brush it regularly with a soft suede brush, always in one direction.
• Let wet suede air dry at room temperature, away from radiators and hair dryers, then brush to lift the nap.
• Use a suede eraser on small marks; take oil or ink stains to a leather specialist.
• Hang it on a wide, padded hanger in a breathable garment bag, never in plastic.

Our full suede jacket care guide covers cleaning step by step.

Sizes and Custom Options

Every suede jacket we sell is made to order, so you can have it made the way you want:

• Sizes: most styles come in XS to 5XL.
• Custom size: send us your measurements and we'll make the jacket to fit you.
• Custom colour: ask for the jacket in another suede or leather colour.
• Leather type: choose lambskin, sheepskin, cowhide or suede.
• Lining and shearling: change the lining, or ask for real shearling instead of the standard faux shearling.

To order a custom jacket, see our custom order process (free design consultation) or contact us with the product link and the changes you want. Check the size guide before you order.

Shop every style in our men's suede jackets and women's suede jackets collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is suede made of?

Real suede is leather, made from the inner, flesh side of an animal hide, usually lamb, goat or calf. It's buffed to create a soft, napped surface.

Is suede real leather?

Yes. Genuine suede is a type of leather. Faux suede, or microsuede, is a polyester fabric made to look like it.

What is the difference between suede and nubuck?

Suede comes from the inner side of the hide; nubuck is the outer grain side sanded to a fine nap. Nubuck is stronger and slightly smoother.

Is suede warmer than leather?

Not usually. Suede is lighter and more breathable, so it's best for spring and fall. For winter, choose a suede jacket with a shearling lining.

How long does a suede jacket last?

With regular brushing, a protector spray and dry storage, a good suede jacket lasts many years.

Which wears better, suede or leather?

Smooth leather. It resists scuffs, stains and rain better and needs less care. Suede lasts many years too, but only if you brush it, protect it and keep it out of heavy rain.

Is suede more expensive than leather?

Not by itself. Price depends on the animal, the quality of the hide and how the jacket is made. A lambskin suede jacket can cost more than a cowhide leather one, while faux suede is cheaper.

What is the best colour for a suede jacket?

Tan, camel or mid-brown is the easiest first suede jacket: it goes with most colours and looks the most classic. Dark brown, navy and black show marks less, and olive or green works well with denim.

Can I order a custom suede jacket?

Yes. Every jacket is made to order in XS to 5XL, and you can ask for a custom size, colour, leather type or lining.