Suede Or Leather? What Sets Them Apart & Which Is Better?

When you think of materials that never go out of style, suede and leather are the first that come to mind. Both are made from animal hides and both require a lot of time and care to produce.

Suede feels soft, like fabric, with that smooth surface. It gives off a more relaxed, luxury feel. Leather on the other hand, is stronger and smoother, with a surface that can last for years if taken care of.

In this blog we will discuss the differences between suede leather and leather. How they are made and what they are used for. By the end you will know what makes suede and leather special and which one is for you.

What is Suede Leather?

Suede is a soft and smooth type of leather that feels nice to the touch. It’s made from the inside of animal hides, such as goats, calves and lambs. People like suede because it looks relaxed and has a soft texture. Suede leather is used to make different shoes, suede jackets and high-quality bags. The only thing to keep in mind is that suede can get dirty or stained easily, so you need to take care of it.

How Suede Leather Is Made

The process of making suede is similar to leather. It comes from animal hides. However instead of using the top grain which is tougher and more resistant, the flesh side is used. This inner layer is sanded down to make that amazing suede texture. Once it’s buffed and treated suede develops its matte, fuzzy surface. Some hides are split further to produce thinner suede for fashion items such as suede Chelsea boots or lightweight jackets.

Characteristics of Suede Leather

What makes suede stand out? It’s all about texture and finish. Here’s what defines it:

Feels soft and smooth, like velvet
Has a dull, matte look
Light in weight and more flexible than leather
Soaks up water easily
Gets scuffed or marked more easily

Pros and Cons of Suede Leather

Suede leather is loved for its soft feel and stylish look, but it’s not always the best choice. While it adds a nice touch to outfits, it does require more care than leather. Here are some pros and cons of suede leather

Pros

Super soft and comfortable
Looks high-end and fashionable
Adds texture and interest to simple outfits
Lightweight and flexible

Cons

Doesn’t love water (stains easily)
Needs more maintenance than leather
Not as durable for rough daily wear

Types of Suede Leather

Suede comes in a wide variety, each with its special qualities and uses, much like leather. Let me walk you through the main categories:

Standard Suede

From lamb, calf, or goat hide. Soft and flexible.

Split Suede

Made by splitting thicker hides, often cheaper but rougher.

Nubuck

Technically a type of leather, but with a suede-like surface, tougher and more durable.

What is Leather?

Made from animal hide, leather is a durable yet supple material. Sheep or cow hides are used to make the majority of leather types. For preservation, the hides are dehydrated and subjected to one or more chemicals. A procedure called tanning is necessary to produce leather that lasts. Some tanning techniques use chromium sulfate and chromium salts, whilst others use vegetable matter. In any case, the procedure that turns animal hide into leather is called tanning.

Characteristics of Leather

Leather has been used for centuries, and with good reason. Here’s what defines it:

Durable, strong and resistant to wear
Can be polished to various finishes
Naturally water resistant
Ages beautifully with use, developing character over time
Heavier and thicker than suede

Common Uses for Leather

Every part of modern life uses leather. Its bright and adaptable style complements every item in the closet. Some of the items include:

Leather Jackets for men and women
Shoes and boots
Belts and bags
Furniture and car interiors
Motorcycle gear and workwear

Pros and Cons of Leather

Leather is strong and durable and a popular choice for many out there. It holds up well over time and works for fashion and everyday items. Here’s a simple breakdown of the pros and cons of leather.

Pros

Tough and strong
Water-resistant
Ages beautifully
A classic material
Protects well in harsh conditions

Cons

Can be heavy
Needs breaking in
More expensive for high-quality pieces

Types of Leather

There are many types of leather available in the market and each has its own qualities and uses.

Full-Grain Leather

The toughest, most natural leather shows imperfections.

Top-Grain Leather

Slightly sanded for a smoother look.

Genuine Leather

A marketing term for any real leather, often of low quality.

Bonded Leather

Leftover scraps, pressed together, to avoid durability.

Suede vs Leather: Key Differences

Below are the main differences between leather and suede:

Feature	Suede	Leather
Feel	Soft, smooth, velvety	Firm, smooth, sometimes glossy
Look	Dull, matte finish	Can be shiny or matte
Weight	Light and flexible	Heavier and more structured
Durability	Delicate, scratches easily	Strong, lasts a long time
Water	Soaks up water, stains easily	More water-resistant
Use	Fashion items like jackets, shoes	Fashion, furniture and accessories

Suede vs Leather: Which Should You Choose?

Whether you choose suede or leather, it ultimately comes down to your style and how much effort you are willing to put into taking care of it. If you want something that will last, leather is the ideal choice. It’s good for any season and gets better with age. But if you want softer textures and something a bit more fashion suede is the way to go.

Conclusion

This isn’t about suede leather vs leather being a winner or loser. Both have their place in fashion and function. Leather offers bold structure and longevity. Suede on the other hand, gives you a soft, luxurious feel. Whether it’s the clean confidence of leather jackets or the relaxed sophistication of suede jackets, both deserve a spot in your wardrobe. If you’re looking for high-quality jackets, check out our store, Jacket Elite. We’ve got a wide collection of both suede and real sheepskin leather jackets at an affordable price.