The term ‘suede’ is French – in the 17th century, typical gloves from Sweden were made of kidskin, or young goat leather. The fabric has a napped surface and the gloves were a symbol of special status because of the delicate nature of the fabric – thus, ‘suède’, the French for Sweden, was adopted as a generic term for the material. Because of it’s delicate nature, suede is more suitable for use in clothing, gloves and light jackets as it is more pliable than full-grain leathers.
Suede is a type of leather. The material is recognisable for its soft, napped finish – a characteristic of the way it is made. Suede is created when a section of hide is split – the inner splits are suede, the outer split is ‘full-grain’ leather. The brushed appearance of suede material can also be created by passing leather through a series of burrs and brushes. Generally, suede is made from cow or steer hides; however, suede can also be made from deer, pig and other animals with suitably thick skins.
Suede jackets typically need to be treated with special water proofing agents or another type protective coating as the material can discolour badly, and if it gets wet, the natural oil can be washed away, leaving the material less soft and supple. To keep a suede jacket looking fresh and new, you should brush it frequently with a suede brush or block, available from drycleaners and shoe stores. If your suede jacket is soiled by dirt or rain, you should gently wipe it with a clean, damp cloth and allow it to air dry. Because suede is porous and lacks any sort of natural protective barrier, it does attract dirt and is prone to staining, it is recommended that you have your jacket cleaned professionally.
Suede jackets are fashionable in many styles. Leading designers often come out with new suede collections in the fall, because the fabric is breathable enough to keep wearers from overheating in the unpredictable autumn months, and yet, the natural properties of the material mean it will keep you warm without the bulk of a winter coat. Popular brand names making stylish suede jackets for men and women include Prada, Burberry, Guess, Diesel and Dior.
The material is flexible, so suede jackets come in a variety of shapes and styles, such as traditional blazer, denim-jacket style, trench coat, ranch jacket, and the trendy aviator jacket. Many designers accent their suede jackets with fur linings and collars for a touch of added luxury. Because the material is so flexible, other designers use dyes and pigments to make their suede coats and jackets stand out from the competition.
© Jackets.org.uk 2008
