What is Suede Leather? 5 Ways to Style the Plush and Velvety Texture
What is Suede Leather? Decoding the Plush Texture for Style
Suede leather is characterized by its soft, plush and velvet like texture which is quick to add sophistication to any outfit. It is produced from the reverse side of the skin, thus has a matte rather than a lustrous finish to give it a more understated and subtle quality.
: Why Fashion Loves the Matte Luxurious Sheen
The beauty of suede lies in its matt slightly dull finish. Unlike more highly polished leathers, suede does not have much reflection which enhances the overall feel and makes for a more subtly opulent choice, that matches easily with different materials and shades of clothing making it an effortless favorite for styling purposes, and one which adds a depth to outfits without feeling overbearing overly embellished, rendering pieces in suede truly timeless rather than simply fashionable.
Texture Contrast (Suede + Denim / Suede + Silk)
To maximize its aesthetic appeal, suede works best in combination with textural contrasts. Denim offers a good balance of contrasting textures which work in harmony – a rough, rugged texture combined with a softer suede texture creates a relaxed aesthetic.
5 Outfits Featuring the Timeless Classic Silhouette
Suede works beautifully on a classic silhouette in the style of a bomber, trucker or a tailored jacket. Styling can be effortless whether wearing a denim and suede look for everyday, with a simple t-shirt, or for something more formal pair with chinos and a shirt. For ladies wear a suede jacket or skirt teamed with a fitted top or a dress for a more balanced style and ensure a neutral shade of suede such as black, brown or tan for its versatile ease of pairing.
The Double Suede (Jacket + Boots)
Combine the textures by wearing suede upon suede. A suede jacket in combination with suede boots creates an effortless cohesive and stylish look. Remember the subtle shades need to be differentiated slightly to create dimension rather than one flat suede color, but a great look is still achievable.
Layering Over Cashmere
In addition to combining textural contrast through different materials and leather finishes, there is a particular warmth and luxury associated with layering suede over a soft knitted fabric such as cashmere. The smoothness of the cashmere further elevates the quality and feel of the overall ensemble, especially in cooler months.
Can You Wear Suede in Summer?
Whilst suede is commonly viewed as a Fall/Winter material, suede may still be incorporated into summer styles but careful consideration must be given to colors, weight and silhouette to avoid an overwhelming and uncomfortable appearance.
Lightweight Unlined Suede Coats
Unlined or lightweight suede jackets are the ideal choice for the warmer months. They are naturally lighter, feel less dense, and look great when layered over lightweight clothing items; for instance combine with cotton or linen to give it a relaxed summer feel that doesn’t look too heavy.
