Picking a suede jacket, or any jacket for that matter, can be a challenging task. Most of us want to buy a garment that makes us feel like what we bought is our money’s worth. With numerous varieties to choose from, it can get darn confusing to select the right one, coupled with budget limitations ( if someone's on a budget shopping spree). Therefore, it's useful to know about them so you can make an informed decision.
So for someone set out to explore the market, this blog will help you buy the right one so it is a little less overwhelming.
What is suede leather?
Before diving into its types, let's talk about suede jackets. Historically, the growing desire for popularity led to people opting for such items, and during that time, people began to identify suede as a luxury item. Its soft texture and matte luxurious appearance would change color tones as you rub your hand across it. Made from the inner side of the animal hide, which is much softer and thinner.
Crafted into different cuts and designs to be experienced by all. The suede jacket women features a fitted and tailored silhouette while the mens suede jacket, has a boxer and border shape.
Types of Suede Leather Jacket
Besides the gender differences in design, there are also a few different styles of suede jackets. Each is designed to provide a specific appeal. Let’s see the types of men's and women's suede jackets you could choose from.
1- The Standard Suede Jacket
This a classic suede jacket with details like a front zipper or buttons, a shirt collar and multiple pockets. It's an evergreen style with minimal design.
2- The Suede Bomber Jacket
Blending the opulence appeal of the fabric with a military style design creates a casual, sporty look with a touch of sophistication. It possesses features like ribbed cuffs, waistband and collar. Just a normal bomber jacket elevated with luxurious suede fabric.
3-The Biker Jacket
A hard-core vibe mixed with the velvety suede makes it out as an amazing outwear with the utmost immaculate appeal. The eccentric asymmetrical zipper design with zippered pockets has this outfit radiating edginess and classiness.
4- The Hooded Jacket
Adding a luxe essence to a casual hooded jacket makes it flexible to wear for different events. The distinguishing feature is its hood, which adds style and comfort.
Lastly, while you are picking out a style, consider the color of your choice beforehand. For instance you’re going for a warm and sophisticated look; a brown suede jacket would be ideal in that case. Or if you want something more on the vibrant side, a marron red is a great choice for a rich yet grounded appearance. And then there are always neutral shades that offer the best versatility.
How to choose a Suede Jacket?
We complied the main factors that everyone needs to know before buying a Suede leather jacket:
1- Fitting
Lets cover the basics first, the sleeves of your jacket should not go past your wrist. The shoulder fit should not be droopy but be of length of the actual shoulder. The overall length should sit at your waist.
Now for the fitting, depending on the style you want to go for that is whether you want to wear something with an open zipper and a light shirt underneath a fitted jacket would be great but if you're seeking to layer it with a sweater go for a bigger size.
Remember to adjust size if and when you hold your arms out you should feel like you're stuck – the jacket should be comfortable to wear while maintaining structure.
2- Different Leathers
There are various animal hides used to create a suede jacket having different features. So make yourself informed with the following types of animal leather.
- Cowhide, a stiff but tough one. It's the go-to fabric if you're looking for something protective that doesn't wear and tear easily.
- Goat skin is lighter and less durable than cowhide. However, it is soft and offers stretchiness. It has an elegant drape effect.
- Lambskin is much softer and supple, and it feels like it's already broken-in from the beginning. Amazing flexibility and are incredibly comfortable.
3- Hardware
Check the hardware of the jacket as well; always go for metal hardware as plastic is easy to detect just by feel and, if you have a keen eye, then by appearance. Metal zippers are a must-have. Make sure they are made with good metal that doesn't break easily or corrode. Also, the zipper should glide smoothly; switch if you sense any inconvenience.
4- Craftsmanship
Stitch work is directly correlated with the quality of the jacket. So a good quality jacket would have a firm, even, close and straight stitching. No threads should be loose or frayed. We won't debate about which stitch method is better: hand or machine. Because both can be durable once done right. Messy stitching is a big give away that the outerwear wasn't made with care for quality.
How to Style a Suede Leather jacket?
Once you’re done with the fitting part, now comes styling, so here are some quick tips on how you can dress your suede leather jacket.
1- Refined Casual
For men
Combine a brown suede jacket with a black turtleneck and brown chino, this nice put-together ensemble would be great for casual routine or attending class or a casual meeting. Add in white studded leather low top sneakers to the combo for a laid-back chill vibe.
For women
Mix brown suede jacket womens with a grey crew-neck T-shirt and grey pants that you can add to your casual styling rotation. For the refined part pair the simple and straightforward outfit with a pair of brown leather heeled sandals
2-Smart Casual
For men
An off white-suede jacket with a faded olive green sweater and white chinos to make a casually brilliant attire. Serve a little mix and match magic by rounding it off with brown suede shoes. An ideal outfit for attending golf events or visiting cafes.
For women
For a fresh and relaxed look pair this beige suede leather jacket with a button-down blue shirt and a white ripped skinny jeans. It's a simple but chic look that’s incredibly easy to recreate. Finish the outfit with a low top sneaker and a hand bag for a more relaxed take.
3- Streetwear
For men
Keep it minimum but effortful with a dark brown suede jacket layer over a hoodie and navy jeans – this combination is a surefire way to look cooler without spending much time or thought. Add in a pair of athletic shoes to the equation to make the outfit looking fresh!
For women:
For a naturally laid back vibe, throw in your favorite color suede leather jacket with a baggy grey T-shirt with white jogger pants. This is a great off-duty combo that makes you look cool in a flash.
4- Formal Classy
For men
For a practical and sophisticated look go for a black menswear suede leather jacket with a white turtleneck and black jeans. To enhance the classiness add in a pair of brown suede chelsea boots to your attire. Perfect for going out for formal dinner events.
For women
Attending a party? Wear a chic off-white suede leather jacket over a black floral chiffon shift dress. May seem simple but has a great fashionable impact. The whole ensemble comes together once you add on black block heels.
Bottom line
Looking for the perfect one is not going to be a piece of cake as it’ll require you to go out of your comfort zone and become detail oriented. However, it’ll surely be worth it as once you get what you want a quality suede leather jacket will surely not disappoint and may last for years ( if you picked a good quality one). So keep up the effort till you find what’s truly meant for you!