Top Fashion Brands That Use Suede Leather in Their Collections

1. Suede Leather in Fashion

In the world of fashion, suede leather is unique. Soft texture, matte finish, rich tactile appeal suede is more than a material, it’s a statement. Whether in jackets, boots, handbags or accessories, suede’s velvety surface is hard to ignore.

Unlike full-grain or Top-grain leather, suede is made from the underside of animal hides, most commonly lamb, goat or calf. This gives it a napped surface, soft to the touch and visually appealing. Its warm, touchable quality sets it apart from its shinier, glossier leather cousins.

At Glory Store, we’ve seen how suede resonates with customers. Our suede women and Men's Leather Jackets are that blend of timeless elegance and rugged charm, for men and women who want to wear confidence in texture. Whether you’re dressing for a weekend or an event, suede adapts to your style.

2. History of Suede in Fashion

The history of suede in fashion is a story of transformation. From outerwear to catwalks, suede has moved through eras with quiet rebellion.

1940s–1950s: Hollywood Glamour

In the mid-20th century, suede was synonymous with luxury and refinement. Actors and actresses in old movies wore suede gloves, jackets and shoes, exuding sophistication. Suede bomber jacket and suede boots were the staple for leading men, utility meets flair.

1960s–1970s: Counterculture & Bohemian Freedom

The cultural shift of the 60s and 70s introduced suede to a whole new audience. Think fringed suede jackets, tassel boots, patchwork vests. Artists, musicians and free spirits adopted suede as a form of rebellion against the polished look of post-war fashion. It became a symbol of individualism and authenticity.

1980s–1990s: Retro Meets Modern

Fashion was moving fast and suede found new shapes. Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren reimagined suede with sleek silhouettes, tailored cuts and darker moodier color palettes. Suede was no longer just for casual wear – it was entering boardrooms, nightclubs and luxury fashion houses.

2000s–Today: A Texture Revival

Today suede is having another moment. From high fashion to streetwear brands are embracing soft textures, vintage vibes and natural materials. Whether in a black men’s aviator jacket or high-top sneakers suede is making a statement.

3. Why Fashion Brands Choose Suede

Suede’s enduring popularity isn’t an accident. Designers love suede for many practical and aesthetic reasons.

1. Texture That Speaks

Suede introduces visual interest and a tactile experience that other materials can’t. It’s softer and more pliable than other leathers making it perfect for drapey designs, layering and sculptural forms.

2. Season less

Suede is often associated with autumn and winter but works across seasons. Lighter suede in pastel tones is used in spring collections, while burnished leather and glazed leather blends offer season less appeal.

3. Color Absorption & Dye Depth

Suede absorbs dye deep, resulting in vibrant colors. From earthy browns to bold burgundies, suede has a wide color palette for designers.

4. Craftsmanship Story

Fashion brands love materials that tell a story. Suede’s artisanal feel, natural imperfections and heritage make it a favorite for luxury houses and niche brands alike.

4. Luxury Brands That Use Suede

Many luxury houses have suede as a staple in their collections. Let’s see how top brands use suede in their high-end designs.

Gucci

The Italian giant has used suede on handbags, loafers, jackets and accessories. The Gucci Horsebit Loafer in suede is a wardrobe must-have, blending classic menswear with modern finish.

Prada

Prada combines suede with aniline leather to create contrast pieces. Their suede coats and midi dresses add texture to runway silhouettes, often with metal hardware or contrasting leathers.

Saint Laurent

YSL is all about edgy elegance and suede plays a big part in that. From Western boots to boho suede jackets, the brand delivers pieces with a raw, rebellious vibe.

Tod’s

Tod’s is all about craftsmanship and their suede driving shoes are the epitome of understated luxury. The brand’s love for high quality suede is evident in every stitch and fold.

Bottega Veneta

Minimalism with bold texture enter suede. Bottega’s suede Women Leather Bags & Clutches, trench coats, and clutches prove you don’t need logos when the material speaks for itself.

5. Streetwear and Contemporary Brands Using Suede

Suede isn’t limited to the runway it’s taken over streetwear and youth culture thanks to brands that know how to keep it cool and relevant.

Nike

The Nike Air Force 1 Suede collection is still going strong. Suede uppers, contrast stitching and tonal laces give a textured update to a classic.

Fear of God

Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God uses suede in outerwear and accessories. Suede matches the brand’s modern luxury meets streetwear minimalism ethos.

New Balance

New Balance’s 574 and 990 series use premium suede panels in their sneakers, durability, style and a nod to vintage athletics.

ASOS Design & Zara

Fast fashion brands like ASOS and Zara offer suede for the masses, making the texture accessible to everyone. Often blending vegan suede and synthetic fibers, these brands make suede inspired looks wearable every day.

6. Suede in Seasonal Fashion Collections

Fashion is cyclical and suede has seasonal comebacks especially in Fall/Winter collections.

Autumn’s Suede

No fabric is more autumnal than suede. Its earthy tones and cozy feel are perfect for colder months. Designers release suede trench coats, over-the-knee boots, and structured blazers as essentials.

Spring’s Soft Edge

In Spring, suede returns in lighter hues and finer textures. Think suede skirts, pastel jackets, and blush-toned accessories. Brands pair suede with lighter fabrics like linen and silk for a breezy contrast.

Runway Highlights

Fashion Week often shows suede in many ways:

·         Monochromatic looks in suede

·         Patchwork suede dresses

·       Layered suede and leather jackets (great with Glory Store’s semi-aniline leather collections)

7. Ethical and Sustainable Suede

As we become more aware of the fashion industry’s impact on the planet, brands are rethinking suede’s place in sustainability.

Eco-Friendly Suede Options

·         Vegan suede: Made from recycled polyester or plant-based materials.

·   Mushroom leather: Innovators like MycoWorks are developing bio fabricated suede from fungi.

·         Recycled suede: Some brands repurpose leather scraps into new suede products.

Brands to Watch

·         Stella McCartney uses eco-suede in many of her cruelty-free collections.

·         Allbirds and Veja are exploring plant-based suede alternatives for footwear.

Glory Store’s Promise

At Glory Store, we offer sustainable leather options, including aniline leather, semi-aniline leather and responsible sourcing.

8. Suede in Footwear: A Category Analysis

Suede has had the biggest impact in footwear. It’s got style, flexibility and comfort.

Clarks Originals

The Clarks Desert Boot is a cult classic. Made with suede uppers and crepe soles, this shoe is timeless.

Timberland

While they’re known for their waterproof leather boots, Timberland also do suede chukkas and mid-cut boots that are popular in urban fashion.

Adidas & Puma

Both brands use suede in their retro sneaker lines like the Gazelle and the Suede Classic. These shoes are nostalgic and street.

Luxury Sneakers

High-end brands like Common Projects and Balenciaga do suede-trimmed sneakers, proving the material’s versatility even in high fashion.

9. Suede Fashion Maintenance and Challenges

Suede looks great but it needs care. The napped surface is prone to staining, water absorption and scuffing.

Suede Care 101

• Use a suede brush to lift the nap and remove dirt.
• Apply protective spray to prevent water and stains.
• For deep stains use a suede eraser or professional cleaning service.

Storage Tips

Store suede in cool, dry areas away from direct sunlight. Use breathable garment bags to prevent mold and mildew.

Glory Store’s Recommendations

When you buy a suede leather jacket from Glory Store, we provide care instructions and product recommendations to extend the life of your jacket. Our care kits are tailored for suede and semi-aniline leather.

10. Future Trends: The Next Chapter of Suede in Fashion

As fashion moves forward, suede is moving too. Here’s how:

Tech-Infused Suede

Designers are combining suede with smart fabrics, water resistance, temperature regulation and even wearable tech sensors.

Digital Fashion

With virtual fashion on the rise, brands are creating digital suede textures for NFT wearables and metaverse fashion shows.

Recycled and Regenerative Suede

Future-thinking brands are exploring closed-loop suede production where every product is biodegradable or recyclable.

Minimalist Revival

Suede will continue to shine in quiet luxury and minimalist style loved by brands like The Row, COS and even Glory Store’s upcoming premium suede capsule collection.

Conclusion

Suede leather is not just a material it’s a movement. It’s soft yet strong, classic yet contemporary, rugged yet refined. From luxury icons to streetwear disruptors, suede is at the heart of how fashion expresses texture, quality and mood.

At Glory Store, we offer suede leather jackets that embody this spirit. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a timeless classic, suede brings something bold to your wardrobe.

Explore our collection and while you’re at it, check out our other leather types like aniline leather, semi-aniline leather, burnished leather and glazed leather on our blog.