Is Suede a Durable Material and Which Finish Should You Choose?

When shopping for leather jackets, boots or even sofas, one material stands out for its sophistication and timelessness suede. But a common question customer ask at Glory Store is: Is suede really durable? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on several factors, including the type of suede finish, how the suede is processed, its treatments, and how it’s used daily.

This guide covers every aspect of suede from its manufacturing process to its performance across different products. We’ll also go over the different types of suede finishes, their pros and cons, and how to take care of suede to extend its lifespan. Plus, we’ll tie in other leathers like Pebbled Leather, Saffiano Leather, Embossed Leather and Patent Leather so you can understand where suede fits in the world of luxury leathers.

1. What Is Suede?

Suede is a type of leather with a soft, napped finish. Unlike full-grain leather which is made from the outer side of the hide, suede is made from the underside, known as the flesh side. This gives suede its velvety texture and matte finish.

It’s this texture that makes suede so desirable in fashion used in everything from Women and Men's Leather Jacket, Leather Gloves, shoes and handbags to furniture and car interiors. At Glory Store, we use both smooth leather and suede to offer our customers a range of textures and aesthetics.

Key features of suede:

• Soft, fuzzy surface
• Breathable and flexible
• Lighter than full-grain leather
• More porous and absorbent, which affects durability

2. How Is Suede Made?

Suede production starts with splitting the animal hide into layers. The top layer becomes full-grain or Top-grain leather. The lower layers are used to create suede.

Suede production process:

1. Splitting the hide – The hide is split horizontally to expose the underside.
2. Tanning – Typically done using chrome tanning or vegetable tanning to stabilize and preserve the leather.
3. Buffing and sanding – The surface is lightly sanded to create the soft, fuzzy feel.
4. Finishing treatments – Some suedes are dyed, embossed or treated for water resistance.

How suede is processed affects how durable it will be. For example, thicker cuts with a tighter fiber density will be more durable than lightweight fashion suedes.

3. Is Suede Durable? Factors That Matter

Let’s get to the point: Is suede durable?

The answer is complicated. Suede is less durable than Full-grain leather because it comes from the inside of the hide which is less dense and structured. But that doesn’t mean it’s fragile. With the right finishes, thickness and protective coatings, suede can be very resilient.

What affects suede durability?

• Fiber density: More dense suede fibers = better wear resistance
• Thickness: Thicker suede wears better and resists tearing
• Exposure: Suede is exposed to moisture, stains, and abrasion
• Finish type: Some suede finishes are more durable
• Protective treatments: Water-repellent and anti-stain coatings make a big difference

In other words, suede can be quite durable if it’s well made and taken care of.

4. Types of Suede Finishes (And What They Mean for Durability)

There are several finishes applied to suede, each changing its feel, look, and most importantly, durability.

Common suede finishes:

• Brushed Suede:

The classic suede finishes. Buffed to bring out the nap. Looks luxurious but more prone to water and scuffing.

• Waxed Suede:

A light wax is applied to the surface, gives it a slight sheen and better water and stain resistance.

• Oiled Suede:

Similar to waxed but with oils that darken the tone. Increases flexibility and water resistance but can feel greasy.

• Embossed Suede:

Textured using a press to create patterns like crocodile or geometric designs. Not just aesthetic embossing compacts the nap, makes it more durable.

• Nubuck (Suede’s cousin):

While technically made from the outer grain, nubuck looks and feels like fine suede but is more tough. Often mistaken for suede in high-end products.

Each of these finishes plays a role in how long suede products last, how they react to weather and wear, and how easy they are to clean.

5. Suede vs Other Leathers in Durability

At Glory Store, we work with multiple types of leather, each for specific purposes. Comparing suede to other leathers helps you make better product decisions.

Suede vs Full-Grain Leather

• Full-grain is denser and more scratch-resistant.
• Suede is softer and lighter but requires more care.

Suede vs Pebbled Leather

• Pebbled Leather has a textured grain that hides scratches and wears well over time.
• Suede is more prone to visible wear but can look elegant when worn in.

Suede vs Saffiano Leather

• Saffiano Leather has a wax finish and cross-hatch texture very durable and water-resistant.
• Suede needs protection from the elements.

Suede vs Embossed Leather

• Embossed Leather mimics exotic skins and textures and is often sturdier than suede due to its compact finish.
• Embossed suede bridges the gap with texture and durability.

Suede vs Patent Leather

• Patent Leather is glossy and waterproof.
• Suede is matte, breathable and natural but it absorbs moisture easily.

Knowing this helps you choose between style and substance.

6. Suede Treatments

Even the best suede won’t last long if it’s not protected. Luckily modern suede treatments can extend suede’s life dramatically.

Top treatments:

• Waterproof Sprays: Form a barrier to repel moisture without affecting breathability.
• Stain Repellents: Prevent oils, food and liquids from penetrating.
• Conditioners: Keep it soft and prevent cracking (used sparingly).
• Brushes & Erasers: Clean and lift the nap to keep suede fresh.

At Glory Store we recommend using a suede protector spray as soon as you buy, especially for products like jackets and shoes that are exposed daily.

7. Real-World Durability: How Suede Performs

Suede’s durability isn’t just theory. We’ve tested it.

Customers wearing our suede jackets through rainy days, windy city streets and packed commutes have consistently found that properly finished suede performs better than expected.

What we’ve observed:

·         Brushed suede shows wear first especially around elbows and collars.

·         Waxed suede holds up better against wet conditions.

·         Embossed and nubuck finishes fare the best in rugged use.

For example, one of our customers has worn the same suede moto jacket for five years. With regular brushing and protective spray, it’s still going strong.

8. Suede Durability by Product Type

Suede performs differently depending on how it’s used. A pair of rugged suede boots faces entirely different challenges compared to a suede Men's bomber jacket or a lounge chair upholstered in suede.

a. Suede in Footwear

·         Constant friction with the ground

·         Vulnerable to dirt, road salt and water

·         Requires frequent brushing and waterproofing

Best Finish: Waxed suede or oiled suede resist moisture and develop a stylish patina.

b. Suede in Jackets

At Glory Store, suede jackets are among our signature offerings. The key is choosing thicker, tighter napped suede with a wax or embossed finish.

For example, our black men’s aviator jacket in waxed suede combines timeless design with resilience in colder climates. We pair it with a durable lining, reinforced stitching and water-repellent treatment to increase wearability.

c. Suede in Furniture & Upholstery

Suede sofas look luxurious but are more prone to spills and oils. Best for low-traffic areas or customers willing to treat and maintain the fabric.

Best Finish: Embossed suede or treated microfiber suede (synthetic variants).

d. Suede in Accessories (Bags, Gloves, Hats)

Smaller accessories experience less friction but absorb oils from hands. Many suede Leather backpacks now include waterproof linings and top-layer sealants.

Pro Tip: Use a suede brush weekly to maintain nap and texture.

9. Suede Finish Pros and Cons

Each suede finish has its own balance of looks, feel and durability and knowing these trade-offs will help you choose the right one for you.

Let’s break down the most common suede finishes and how they differ:

Brushed suede is the most traditional type of suede. It has a soft, fuzzy surface and a vibrant nap that looks and feels luxurious. But it’s also the most delicate. Brushed suede is highly absorbent so it’s more prone to staining, scuffing and moisture damage. This type of finish is best for fashion items used in controlled environments like jackets worn in dry weather or indoor events.

Waxed suede is much more rugged. The wax coating adds a layer of water and stain resistance without covering the natural texture of the nap. This finish gives a slightly stiffer feel and a darker, more muted tone. Waxed suede is great for outerwear like our black men’s aviator jacket at Glory Store where durability is key.

Oiled suede is similar to waxed suede but with a more natural, lived-in look. Oils applied to the surface deepen the color and increase flexibility. This type of finish can repel water and handle wear well but may feel greasy to the touch and is usually only available in limited colors. Oiled suede is good for boots and workwear where patina and durability is desired.

Embossed suede is both stylish and practical. By applying pressure to create patterns or textures – like crocodile skin or geometric shapes – the nap is compressed. This compression increases the material’s resistance to scuffs and wear making embossed suede one of the more durable finishes. The texture also helps hide blemishes and adds a premium look. This is a favorite in fashion forward jackets and high-end accessories. Nubuck deserves a special mention. Although often confused with suede, it’s made from the outer layer of the hide (the grain side) which is sanded to produce a finish similar in look and feel to suede. Because it’s from the outer hide, nubuck is generally stronger, more durable and less porous. But like suede, it still needs to be treated for water resistance. Nubuck is a great option if you want the softness of suede but need more durability.

Each of these finishes has its trade-offs so the best one for you depends on your lifestyle. If you want timeless style with low maintenance waxed or embossed suede are great options. For more occasional, fashion focused wear brushed suede is soft and elegant just make sure to protect it properly.

10. How to Care for Suede to Make it Last Longer

Even the most durable suede will deteriorate if not cared for. The beauty of suede is in the texture but it’s also more prone to the elements. At Glory Store, we include care instructions with every suede purchase because suede needs a little love.

Suede Care Tips:

• Use a suede brush regularly to lift the nap and remove surface dirt.
• Avoid water unless your suede is treated—moisture flattens the nap.
• Apply waterproof spray monthly to create a hydrophobic barrier.
• Don’t leave suede in direct sunlight for too long—UV light fades the material.
• Store it properly in breathable garment bags to prevent humidity and mold.

Cleaning Small Stains:

• Use a suede eraser for minor scuffs or dry stains.
• Blot oil stains with cornstarch and brush off after 12 hours.
• Never scrub always dab and brush gently to preserve texture.

Pro Tip: Get a dual-sided suede brush one side for cleaning, the other for nap restoration.

Should You Buy Suede?

Yes, but only if it’s the right kind of suede, finished well, treated regularly and used properly.

At Glory Store, we use high-grade suede with protective finishes to make products that balance luxury and longevity. Whether it’s a street-style suede Men's Biker Jacket, a pair of rugged boots or refined outerwear, suede has character no other material has.

And if suede isn’t for you, check out our other leather content:

• Learn about Pebbled Leather for textured durability
• Understand Saffiano Leather for sleek functionality
• Discover Embossed Leather for depth and protection
• Find out why Patent Leather shines in style and resistance

Ready to invest in suede?

Shop our handcrafted suede and leather jackets now at Glory Store where craftsmanship meets character.