Suede jackets are timeless, classic and fashionable! Perfect for both casual outings and special events alike. However, their timeless charm comes with specific care needs and costs related to maintaining its appearance over time.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, such as style trends and functionality as well as ways to care for this fashion staple.
Is Suede a Good Material for a Jacket?
Suede is an ideal material for jackets that combine style, comfort, and elegance in one package. In comparison to leather, suede offers softness while providing warmth while looking refined at the same time.
Benefits of Suede Jackets:
- Luxurious Feel: Suede fabric offers a luxurious and refined feel, creating a smooth velvet surface and luxurious texture for jackets made of it.
- Breathability: Being more breathable than regular leather means suede is ideal for spring/fall weather wear.
- Comfort: Soft yet lightweight suede jackets provide unparalleled levels of wearable comfort for everyday use.
- Timeless Appeal: Timelessly appealing suede jackets have long been in fashion across generations due to their timeless charm.
- Versatility: Suede jackets are highly adaptable, seamlessly complementing casual, smart casual, and semi-formal attire - an advantage few materials can match.
Although suede requires greater care compared to leather products, its exquisite style certainly justifies such extra considerations.
What is the Point of a Suede Jacket?
The basic use of a suede jacket is the combination of form and function. That's why suede jackets remain that ultimate staple in any closet:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Suede jackets bring a refined, textured finish that elevates any outfit. Their luxurious look is unparalleled to other outerwear.
- Versatile Styling: Suede jackets pair perfectly with jeans, chinos, dresses, and skirts, making them suitable for both men and women.
- Seasonal Comfort: Suede jackets have light insulation, so they are ideal for cooler weather without being too bulky like heavier jackets.
- Durability with Elegance: Men’s suede jackets or women's suede jackets can serve for years If cared properly, retaining their soft texture and elegant appearance.
Are Suede Jackets Still in Style?
Absolutely! Suede jackets are something that remain timeless, and one will find them regardless of seasonal trends. Some styles may evolve, but the essence of suede jackets never changes. Fashion enthusiasts and designers can be seen wearing and displaying suede jackets on runways and streets.
Latest Trends in Suede Jackets:
- Neutral Tones: The traditional shades of beige, camel, and tan are popular since they are versatile enough for any occasion.
- Bold Colors: It has become a hot favorite, where statement hues include burgundy, deep green, and navy for a fresher version of traditional suede.
- Oversized Silhouettes: Looser fits are trendy nowadays, not just among the men, but also among women.
- Fringe Details: It's a western trend wherein fringe details are prominent, especially in boho or street styles.
- Minimalist Designs:Modern wards also need minimalistic designs as simple as clean-cut suede jackets, no frills to go around.
Suede jackets easily integrate both contemporary and classic fashion; as such, they are highly worth the investment for any fashion-savvy individual.
Why Are Suede Jackets So Expensive?
Suede jackets are usually more expensive compared to other outerwear because they primarily involve premium materials and a lengthy process in their production. Given this, here are the leading reasons why suede jackets happen to be costly:
- Material Quality: Suede is made from the underbelly of animal skins, which gives it its soft, velvety texture. This is a process that calls for great care in selecting and preparing quality raw materials.
- Labor-Intensive Process: The tanning and finishing process of suede is very time-consuming and requires great precision to get the luxurious finish.
- Durability and Longevity: Good quality suede jackets are meant to last long and, therefore, are quite worth the higher price tag they carry.
- Luxurious Appeal: Suede is always related to premium fashion because it has a soft texture and a sophisticated look.
- Limited Availability: Genuine suede is lesser in quantity than other leather, which adds exclusivity to it and cost.
Well-maintained men’s or women’s suede jackets are always a timeless and luxurious addition to any wardrobe, so they are worth the investment, even though they have a high price.
What is the Difference Between Leather and Suede?
Although both leather and suede are derived from animal hides, they differ in texture, appearance, durability, and maintenance. Here is a breakdown of those differences:
- Texture: While both have smooth finishes with leather having more of an eye-catching sheen while suede offers soft velvety touches for its finishing. While suede gives off more texture owing to being velvet-coated.
- Durability: Leather jackets are typically more water resistant for heavy-duty usage while suede is delicate, needing additional care and attention.
- Appearance: Leather jackets typically sport polished yet rugged designs while suede options tend towards classier pieces with distinct aesthetic appeal.
- Usage: Leather jackets are best for extreme temperatures and rigorous activities while suede ones make for easier care-taking, providing more formal occasions with dressing up options.
- Maintenance: The leather jacket is easier to clean and maintain, while the suede requires special care to preserve the texture.
Leather and suede offer different qualities; which one you select depends on personal choice, intended use, and care commitment.
How to Clean a Suede Jacket
Maintaining a suede jacket properly allows it to maintain its softness, rich appearance, and durability. Suede is a fragile material and its cleaning procedure must be precise to prevent damage.
1. Regular Maintenance
- Gently run a suede brush over the surface of the suede, removing dirt particles and bringing back the nap of the suede. Gently rub in soft strokes.
- If the jacket is slightly dirty, clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth or suede eraser sponge. Never scrub.
2. Spot Cleaning Stains
- For mild stains, try using a suede eraser or damp white cloth dipped in vinegar diluted to just the minimum concentration. Gently dab at the stain without rubbing.
- For oil or grease stains, sprinkle cornstarch onto the area until the grease is absorbed, then gently brush it off with a suede brush.
3. Drying Wet Suede
- If your suede jacket becomes damp, don't place it near heaters or dryers; rather blot the wetness away using a towel before leaving to air-dry naturally.
- Once dry, brush over its surface using a suede brush until softness returns to it.
4. Professional Cleaning
- To safely tackle difficult stains on suede fabrics, only professional suede cleaners possess the tools and methods needed for thorough yet non-harmful cleaning of this delicate surface.
Regularly spray suede-specific waterproofing sprays to prevent moisture from reaching your jacket and prevent stains.