What is Suede?

Why it matters

Suede is one of the most recognizable types of leather in the fashion world. Its signature softness and tactile appeal make it a popular choice for shoes, jackets, handbags, and accessories that aim for a refined yet casual aesthetic. When shoppers come across the term, they often associate it with luxury and craftsmanship, even though suede differs significantly from full-grain leather in terms of performance and longevity.

The key reason suede matters is texture. Its surface has a gentle nap created by sanding or splitting the inner layer of the hide. This gives it a velvety touch that many people find appealing, especially in accessories meant to feel more tactile or understated. It also absorbs dyes deeply, resulting in rich, muted colors that add visual warmth and depth.

However, suede’s softness comes with trade-offs. Because it is made from the inner layers of the hide, its fiber structure is looser and less durable than that of full-grain or top-grain leather. Suede can scuff more easily, absorb moisture quickly, and is more susceptible to stains and water damage. These qualities make it a less practical choice for bags or accessories that need to withstand heavy daily use. Understanding these differences helps shoppers choose the right material for their lifestyle and expectations.

How it works / What it means in leather goods

The process of creating suede begins by splitting the animal hide into layers. The outer layer, with its dense fiber structure, is used for higher-quality leathers like full-grain and top-grain. The inner layer, which is softer and more flexible, is sanded or buffed to create a napped finish. This gives suede its signature feel but also makes it thinner and less resistant to wear.

Because of its softness and lightweight nature, suede is often chosen for items that do not require maximum durability. It drapes beautifully, molds easily to shapes, and adds a tactile quality that many people love. However, it also requires more maintenance. Water and stains can penetrate quickly, so suede items often need protective sprays or more careful handling.

In handbags, suede is often used for decorative panels, accents, or linings rather than the main body of a bag. This allows designers to incorporate its soft, textural quality without compromising overall durability. Some brands also use a suede-like finish on the grain side of the leather, known as “nubuck,” which offers a similar texture but is slightly stronger because it comes from the outer layer of the hide.

Example in Latico products

At Latico, we focus exclusively on premium full-grain cowhide for our bags because it offers superior strength, character, and longevity. We do not use traditional suede in our products for these reasons. However, understanding what suede is and how it differs from full-grain leather is useful for shoppers comparing materials.

Some of our bags may have a soft, burnished finish or a naturally textured surface that resembles the velvety look of suede, but these are still made from full-grain leather. This ensures that every piece we make remains durable, ages beautifully, and develops a patina over time while still offering a luxurious feel.

Common mix-ups

Suede vs. Nubuck: These two materials look and feel similar but are made differently. Suede is created from the underside of the hide, while nubuck is made by sanding the grain side. Nubuck is usually stronger and more durable.

Suede vs. Full-grain: Full-grain leather is much tougher, denser, and more resistant to wear. It also develops a patina over time, while suede’s appearance remains relatively consistent.

Suede vs. Faux suede: Faux suede is a synthetic fabric designed to mimic the look and feel of real suede. It is often more resistant to water and stains but lacks the breathability and natural character of genuine leather.

Latico’s perspective

Latico is committed to crafting bags that last a lifetime, which is why we choose full-grain leather instead of suede. While suede has a beautiful texture and a place in fashion, its lower durability and higher maintenance requirements do not align with our mission to create timeless, everyday leather goods.

By focusing on full-grain cowhide, we deliver bags that are not only beautiful and soft but also built to age gracefully. For customers who appreciate the soft, tactile appeal of suede, many of our finishes offer similar visual warmth while maintaining the strength and longevity that Latico is known for.