How to Keep Your Suede Looking New – Cleaning, Protecting & Wearing

In the world of leather fashion and craftsmanship, few materials offer the kind of soft, luxurious texture that suede does. Whether you’re admiring a vintage bomber jacket, slipping into soft-lined gloves, or investing in that timeless pair of suede Chelsea boots, this type of leather has become a symbol of understated sophistication.

But what exactly is suede leather, how is it made, and why does it require so much special care?

In this in-depth guide crafted specifically for our UK 2025 readers and customers at Glory Store, we’re diving into everything you need to know about suede. From its origins to styling tips and how to maintain it like a pro. Let’s get started.

1. What Is Suede Leather?

Suede is a type of leather made from the underside of animal hide, giving it a soft, velvety surface unlike any other leather variant. While traditional leathers like Top Grain Leather and Corrected Grain come from the outer layer of the hide, suede is derived from the inner split, making it lighter, more pliable and softer to the touch.

The fuzzy texture you feel when running your fingers over suede is known as the nap, which gives suede its unique matte look and tactile appeal. However, this same feature makes it more vulnerable to moisture, stains and abrasion compared to grain leathers.

Common sources of suede include:

• Cowhide
• Pigskin
• Goat hides
• Calfskin (used for luxury suede items)

So, suede isn’t a different animal. It’s a different layer of the same leather, refined for specific applications in fashion and design.

2. How Suede Is Made

To produce suede, tanners start by splitting the animal hide into layers. The topmost layer becomes grain leather (such as Top Grain Leather), and the bottom split is reserved for suede. After the hide is split, the suede layer is buffed and sanded to raise the nap, giving it that signature velvety finish. Next is tanning, which can vary depending on the manufacturer. At Glory Store, we often source materials processed through both vegetable tanning and chrome tanning—the latter being more common in suede due to its ability to enhance softness and color retention.

After tanning, the suede is dyed in various shades, treated for slight water resistance (although not fully waterproof), and then cut into patterns for clothing, shoes and accessories.

Key production steps:

1. Hide splitting
2. Sanding and buffing the flesh side
3. Tanning (vegetable or chrome)
4. Dyeing and finishing
5. Cutting and product shaping

Understanding this process helps explain why suede is thinner and more delicate than full-grain leather.

3. Key Characteristics of Suede

Suede is loved for its soft texture, breathability and lightweight comfort, which makes it a favorite in transitional fashion seasons—particularly autumn and early winter.

Features of suede:

• Velvety surface: This soft, tactile finish is created by sanding the underside of the hide.
• Breathable material: Unlike waxed or heavily sealed leathers, suede allows for better air flow.

·    Stretchy and flexible: Suede is good for items like gloves and form-fitting shoes.

·  Porosity and absorbency: This mean it’s sensitive to stains and water damage, which we’ll get to later.

But also, important to note suede’s limitations. It’s not very scratch resistant, scuff resistant or rain resistant, that’s why suede products need extra care or even special weather proofing treatments.

4. Suede vs Other Leathers

When comparing suede leather to other types of leather like Top Grain Leather, Corrected Grain or Synthetic-Tanned Leather it’s important to understand each material serves a different purpose and has its own strengths.

Suede stands out for its soft fuzzy texture and lightweight comfort, good for fashion items like jackets, gloves and shoes. It’s breathable, flexible and elegant but prone to stains, water damage and scuffs due to its porous surface.

Top Grain Leather is taken from the top layer of the hide and is known for its smooth surface, durability and moderate water resistance. It’s a favorite for leather jackets, belts and premium upholstery especially when you want a rugged yet refined look.

Corrected Grain Leather has been buffed and treated to remove natural imperfections then embossed with a uniform grain. Not as breathable as suede or top grain but very wear resistant and often used in more structured fashion pieces and furniture.

Then there’s Synthetic-Tanned Leather, a popular vegan alternative made from artificial materials. It replicates the feel and look of natural leather but comes in various finishes—some that mimic suede, others that aim for a smoother, polished grain. It’s moisture resistant, low maintenance and appeals to ethically conscious consumers.

In the end suede is soft and breathable, Top Grain and Corrected Grain is rugged and weather tough. If you’re looking for a cruelty free and sustainable option Synthetic-Tanned Leather is the way to go.

5. Uses of Suede

Suede has become a versatile material in both high end and street wear. You’ll find it across multiple product categories because of its light weight and smooth texture.

Most common suede applications:

• Shoes: Suede boots, loafers, sneakers
• Jackets: Bomber jackets, fringed western coats
• Gloves: Lined suede gloves for cold season
• Bags: Handbags, briefcases, clutches
• Home décor: Throw pillows, accent chairs, headboards

At Glory Store, we have an evolving collection of suede and suede trimmed leather jackets that combines style and seasonality. The soft nap of suede against hardwearing leathers makes for great hybrid designs.

6. Pros and Cons of Suede

Let’s take a realistic look at the advantages and disadvantages of suede leather to help you decide if it’s for your wardrobe or product selection.

Pros:

• Super soft and luxurious
• Stylish and elegant
• Breathable for mild climate
• Flexible and comfortable

Cons:

• Easily stained and absorbs liquid
• Scratches and scuffs easily
• Not good for wet condition
• Requires special cleaning tools

Suede may not be your go to for outdoor adventures, but it’s perfect for social events, fashion layers and indoor winter wear. If taken care of properly, suede pieces can last for years and still look great.

7. How to Clean and Care for Suede

Caring for suede is not hard but it does require the right tools and proactive care. Here’s a quick guide to keep your suede jackets or accessories fresh.

Basic suede care tools:

• Suede brush: Remove dirt and revive the nap
• Suede eraser: Remove surface scuffs or light stains
• White vinegar (for deep stains): A small amount can lift discoloration
• Tissue and air-dry method: For light water spills

Pro Tips:

• Always let suede air dry naturally—no heat!
• Brush your suede in one direction to maintain the nap
• Store in a cool dry place, preferably with breathable garment bags

If your suede gets muddy or wet, don’t scrub it hard. Let it dry and use a soft suede brush to remove dirt without damaging the nap.

8. How to Waterproof and Protect Suede

If you’re going to wear your suede gear in unpredictable weather (which, let’s face it, UK weather is), you need to take waterproofing seriously.

Protection steps:

1. Use a suede-specific protector spray – creates an invisible water-repellent layer.
2. Reapply every few months – especially after cleaning or heavy use.
3. Don’t get wet – suede isn’t waterproof.
4. Wipe and dry immediately if water gets on the surface.

Waterproof sprays don’t just defend against rain – they also reduce dirt penetration and stop oil stains, so your suede lasts longer.

9. Seasonal Considerations – When to Wear Suede

Suede is best worn during dry, cool months, which makes it perfect for autumn and early winter. Because of its water sensitivity, it’s best to avoid rainy days or humid climates when wearing suede.

When to wear suede:

• Autumn layering with jackets or boots
• Dry winter days for indoor events or errands
• Springtime accessories like bags or caps

Don’t wear suede during:

• Heavy rainfall or snow
• High humidity periods
• Outdoor activities where rough contact is likely

If you’re styling a suede jacket from Glory Store, pair it with wool trousers, jeans or structured knits for a weather-appropriate outfit that feels premium and smart.

10. Is Suede Ethical and Sustainable?

While suede is made from animal hide, it’s often a byproduct of the meat industry, so it’s rarely the primary reason for animal use. However, many eco-conscious consumers are looking into vegan suede and Synthetic-Tanned Leather options that mimic suede’s texture without animal involvement.

Sustainability factors:

• Natural suede is biodegradable, but only when vegetable-tanned
• Chrome-tanned suede can involve harsh chemicals harmful to the environment
• Faux suede (synthetic) is often petroleum-based but animal-friendly

At Glory Store, we have real and alternative leathers to cater to different ethical preferences. If you’re looking into Synthetic-Tanned Leather, check out our recent blog post on how it performs in eco-friendliness and durability.

Conclusion: Is Suede for You?

Suede leather is a lovely, tactile material—soft and stylish. While it requires more attention than your average Top Grain Leather, it’s worth it for the comfort and looks, especially when sourced from a reputable supplier like Glory Store.

From jackets and gloves to accessories, suede is a key player in men’s fashion today. Just remember: a little goes a long way. With the right products, regular maintenance and a few protective tips, you can enjoy suede for years to come.