Suede Leather: Soft Nap, Rich Colour and How to Care for It
Suede is leather with a soft, brushed surface. It looks relaxed and rich, especially in earthy colours, and it feels great to wear.
Suede at a glance
| Comes from | Flesh side or split of lamb, goat, calf or cow |
|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, velvety nap |
| Weight | Light to medium |
| Durability | ●●●●● |
| Break-in | Almost none |
| Best for | Trucker and bomber jackets, shoes, accessories |
| At White Buraq | Yes, see our suede jackets |
What is suede?
Suede is made by buffing the flesh side of leather, the underside, into a fine nap. It's often made from split leather, but soft suedes are also made from whole lambskins and goatskins. Lambskin suede is especially light and soft.
How suede looks and feels
The nap is velvety and slightly fuzzy. When you brush it one way, the colour looks lighter; brush it back, and it deepens. Suede drapes well and feels light and relaxed.
Pros and cons
- Pros: soft and comfortable, rich colour, relaxed look, lightweight.
- Cons: absorbs water and stains more easily; the nap can flatten or mark; needs more regular care.
What suede is best for
Trucker jackets, bombers, overshirts, shoes and bags, pieces for dry days and smart-casual outfits. Browse our men's suede jackets and women's suede jackets.
How to care for suede
- Treat it with a suede protector spray before first wear, and again every few months.
- Brush it regularly with a soft suede brush to lift the nap.
- Use a suede eraser for small marks.
- If it gets wet, blot it, let it dry naturally, then brush it.
See our guide to leather in the rain and our leather care guide.
Suede vs nubuck
Suede is buffed on the flesh side, so its nap is longer and softer. Nubuck is buffed on the grain side, so it's tougher, with a shorter, finer nap.
Suede at White Buraq
We make suede jackets for men and women, handmade in our family workshop. See our men's and women's suede collections.
Frequently asked questions
Can suede get wet?
A little light rain is OK if it's been treated with a protector. Blot it, let it dry naturally, then brush it.
Is suede real leather?
Yes. It's real leather with a buffed, napped surface.
What's the difference between suede and nubuck?
Suede is buffed on the underside and is softer. Nubuck is buffed on the outer grain and is more durable.
Related leather types
- Nubuck: Nubuck has a fine, velvety surface like suede, but it's made from the tougher outer grain.
- Split: Split leather is cut from the lower layers of a hide.
- Lambskin: Lambskin is buttery soft and light, and comfortable from the first day.
- Goatskin: Goatskin is light yet surprisingly strong, with a natural pebbled grain.
Explore every leather in our leather types guide, see our leather care guide, or contact us for help choosing a jacket.