Suede jackets are popular because of their soft texture. Suede is leather that has been finished with short, fluffy ends of the surface that have been napped, creating a downy finish. It’s less able to resist wear and is suppler than traditional leather.
Just as with cloth, the stitching and cut will allow for a variety of styles. Add fringe and you’ll get a country flair. With strategically placed tucks and darts and a band collar, the jacket takes on a chic, modern fashion. There are several types of jackets that come in suede.
• Blazers will not only keep you warm, but will add style to slacks, skirts, and jeans. Add a patterned blouse or top underneath for a pop of color.
• Jackets and coats will be heavier and worn as outerwear. Whether lined or unlined, the warmth of suede will keep out the cold wind.
• Boleros worn with southwestern clothes will finish off the look and brings a touch of class to the outfit.
• Bombers are a casual style that will add fun to a tee shirt and a pair of jeans and can be worn instead of an ordinary blue jean jacket.
You’ve no doubt heard that suede shouldn’t be worn in snow and rain, and for the most part this is true. Due to its textured character and porous nature, suede can become dirty and soak up liquids rapidly. Exposure to severe weather can discolor and scrape the jacket. Mens suede jackets require careful cleaning and regular, preventive care to make sure it remains soft, flexible and moisturized; otherwise your garment can become dry and cracked.
It is suggested you professionally clean your leather at least once a year, but there are steps you can take to reduce the frequency of your trips to the cleaners. First, use an eraser made specifically for suede, then follow up with a stiff suede brush to get the loose dirt out of the nap and the pores. You can purchase a suede brush from many leather stores that sell suede or from a department store. Target has a Fab Feet® ‘Block Party’ Block and Brush Suede Cleaning Kit for $7.99. Using these products regularly will help keep the jacket clean and looking fresh.
Follow up your cleaning with a waterproofing suede protector. Then let it dry in a cool place for about 5 hours. A second coat may be applied for deeper protection. The protector may stain the jacket a darker color, but if applied evenly, it won’t affect the look and durability of the garment. Foot Locker sells a spray called Protector TFL Team Foot Locker that sells for about $3.50 a can. It is water and stain repellent.
When the jacket is dry, you may rub areas that look dull or untidy with the suede brush or an emery board to plump up the nap.
You may have heard that there is a type of suede that is washable called ultra suede; however, keep in mind that this isn’t suede at all. It is a special non-woven fabric, so don’t be fooled by the claims that it is suede. Always read the labels to be certain.
It’s important to store your leather suede jackets on wide wooden or padded hangers to keep them from stretching. To keep them from getting dusty, store them in a breathable cloth garment bag, never in a plastic bag which can dry out the leather.
How can you tell the difference between high quality and lower quality suede? The nap on higher quality suede should all be consistent in length and densely packed. When considering a suede jacket, run your fingers across it. If it leaves profound marks, the quality is poor. If you see only slight impressions or none at all, you can be confident that the suede is of high quality.
While you can find women’s suede jackets online through most chain stores and upscale stores, it is advisable to buy your suede jackets locally so you can see and touch them to make sure you are getting the best products for your money. Suede jackets are timeless fashion pieces that will serve you well for many years.
