Suede vs Leather: What’s the Difference & Which Is Better?

You have probably been in a situation where a leather jacket caught your attention, and just when you were checking it out, you saw someone trying on a suede blazer in the mirror next to you. You can’t keep your eyes away from it. And what happens next? Well, you’re doubting your choices, and there’s a suede vs leather debate going on in your mind. 

So, what to do now? Well, you’re at the right place to find out. Keep up!

First, understand that although these two magnificent materials have their own individual quality and personalities, you’ll always find them used in the same applications. To name a few, jackets, coats, pants, and even shoes are made of either leather or suede. 

So, to choose either as per your needs and personal style, you must comprehend the difference between suede and leather. 

Let’s begin with…

What Is Suede?

This may take you by surprise, but suede is also a type of leather, but is sourced from the inner side of the hide. The best of them are sourced generally from sheep, lambs, goats, and cows. 

Due to being taken from the underside of the skin, you’ll see that suede has a soft, velvety texture. When you look at it, you’ll see the matte and napped surface that makes it a unique and pretty, lavish fabric.

One of the biggest differences between leather and suede is that, unlike sturdy leather, suede is flexible and lightweight. When you wear an item made of suede, not only do you feel amazing, but you also look polished. This is why you can wear it to almost any occasion, achieving an elegant and sophisticated vibe.

Let’s go…

How Suede Is Made

As you now know from the above, the massive difference between suede and leather is that suede comes from the inner side of the skin. This part goes through the tanning process to obtain the final product.

At first, the hide is cleaned, followed by treating it with chemicals to preserve it. Once the tanning is done, the material is brushed and buffed, which gives you the plush, woolly texture – suede’s most common facet.

Common Uses for Suede

Since suede is popular for its softness and luxuriousness, it’s used in many different industries such as:

Footwear

Suede shoes and boots have made their way into casual to slightly formal settings. You can wear it all day long, and it’ll feel lightweight and comfortable.

Upperwear

Who isn’t aware of suede jackets and coats for their utmost comfort and flexibility? No matter the occasion, they adjust well with many different outfits, letting you make an impression.

Accessories

For suede fabrics, lush, refined appeal, they are no longer restricted to outerwear and lowerwear; in fact, you can now get suede belts, handbags, wallets, and whatnot. 

Linings

They are also used to make comfortable linings for gloves and upperwear garments.

Suede is everywhere now! 

Pros and Cons of Suede

You see, everything around you or anything you own has its benefits and drawbacks, and the same is the case with suede. So, in the heated suede vs leather discussion, let’s cover some pros and cons.

Pros

• You’ll feel the soft and comfy texture when you touch or run your fingers on the suede surface.
• Suede is a breathable fabric, which means it lets air through. So, technically, you can wear it in different weather conditions and still feel great.
• For its matte finish and napped surface, suede is preferred more for high-end events than its counterpart.. 

Now, some…

Cons

• Having suede is also a big challenge because it’s prone to stains, specially from spills. So if not treated right away, it can leave a permanent mark.
• Suede is not as durable as leather. So, if you plan to wear a women’s suede jacket during a hike or other outdoor adventure for comfort, reconsider your choice. They can’t handle a rough experience..
• Suede requires extra care and needs a lot of attention from brushing off the dirt and dust after each wear, and is only compatible with a few selected cleaning products.
• You can’t wear it daily as it can easily be ruined.

What Is Leather?

Compared to its contemporary, leather is a very conventional and well-known material, known pretty much all around the globe. It’s derived from the upper layer of the animal hide. 

The final product you see goes through a series of tanning processes to make it usable and durable. Additionally, leather is strong and can withstand wear and tear, which is why it is used as one of the leading materials in the fashion and furniture industries.

The leather, however, comes in different types – full grain and top grain are the most common ones. They’re used in different platforms for various purposes, but what’s common between all types is their longevity and strength.

How Leather Is Made

To make the leather, animal hide is considered, such as sheep, cow, etc. To prevent the skin from deteriorating, it goes through a series of tanning processes. And when it comes to making leather, you have different process options. This includes:

Vegetable Tanning

Here, the leather is treated with the natural resource, AKA a plant such as an oak tree. By the end of this eco-friendly method, you get a beautiful brown colored leather.

Chrome Tanning

In the chrome method, the leather is treated with chemicals not just to preserve it but also to make it soft and more flexible. Compared to veg-tan, leather from this process can withstand some moisture.

After the tanning method, the leather is dyed and finished, which in turn make it super durable and strong. The final material is then used for different purposes from style to interior.

Common Uses for Leather

First things first, leather is now found in almost every aspect of life. People love it for its bold and versatile vibe that goes with almost anything in the wardrobe. A few of the industries are:

Apparel

Be it women’s leather jacket, shirt, or pants, leather is everywhere. They are strong and classic, and you can cherish them for decades.

Leather Bags

Leather bags are everywhere because of the durability and utility they offer. Not to mention, they’re part of the ensemble now. So when you’re deciding what to wear, bags play a great role, letting you stand out.

Shoes

As they say, your toes are the first thing people notice when you walk into a room. So why not add leather shoes so you can enter confidently with your head held high and look stylish? Not to mention, they stay with you, if not forever, at least for decades.

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, you want something that you enjoy using for years without worrying about how it changes with time. Leather belts, wallets, and other such items provide this.

Pros and Cons of Leather

leather is adored for many reasons, but little do people know, there are cons that come with it.

Let’s first see some…

Pros

• The leather is sturdy. But with proper leather cleaning, you can even prolong their life, and they can live for decades.
• Leather stays relevant. So even if you wear it after 5 or 12 years, the leather will still look trendy.
• No, water is not good for leather, but it can hold on to some moisture better without much damage.

Cons

• leather can be costly, leaving people disappointed.
• Leather can dry out and crack. This is why leather needs to be exceptionally cared for. Good conditioning means having a refreshing look at everything you throw at it.
• Leather is stiff and heavy, which can be challenging to wear for many, making them uncomfortable.

Suede vs Leather: Key Differences (Table)

Below are the key differences between leather and suede in simple form:

Suede vs Leather: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between suede and leather totally depends on what you prefer and how you want to use it. Because what you go for reflects your lifestyle choices and your individuality.

So for instance, if you want something that’s strong, easy to maintain and long-lasting, you need leather. However, if you’re after something that looks elegant and has a velvety, soft texture, suede is your thing.

Style Considerations: Suede or Leather?

When you’re styling for an event, consider the vibe you want to exude. Once you have that in mind, you’ll know whether you want leather or suede.

For a structured look that has edginess while staying sophisticated, wear the leather. For its soft, lavish texture, suede is considered best for casual settings. 

It’s you who settles this ongoing suede vs leather drama by just understanding both worlds. Whatever you choose to go with, remember it includes how much you‘re willing to invest, your taste in fashion, and the efforts you want to make in maintaining it.