Suede vs leather: what's the difference?

In the realms of fashion and craftsmanship, the choice between suede and leather isn’t always straightforward. Both materials originate from animal hides but offer unique properties that cater to diverse preferences and needs.

Understanding the distinctions between the two goes beyond the surface, delving into aspects of quality, sustainability, durability, style, and strength. In this article, we explore suede vs leather by looking at these characteristics and discussing how these materials compare. 

Suede vs leather

What is suede?

Suede leather is real leather. Unlike full-grain leather, which uses the outer layer of the hide, suede is made from the underside of the skin, giving it its distinctive soft, velvety texture. It can be made from a range of animal hides including goat, deer, lamb and cow.

Quality

Both suede and leather are derived from animal hides, but their quality can be interpreted in different ways. Leather is generally considered high quality due to its durability and versatility. It's often used for products requiring strength and longevity, such as shoes, bags, and jackets.

Suede, on the other hand, is a thinner, more delicate material, prized for its velvety texture. While both materials can be of high quality, leather is often chosen for its robustness, while suede is revered for its pliability and softness

Sustainability

Leather production can involve significant resource consumption and the use of chemical treatments during the tanning processes, which can contribute to pollution. Suede, being a type of leather, shares these concerns. However, alternatives like vegetable-tanned leather, which is what we produce here at Billy Tannery, do reduce the environmental impact.

The sustainability of eco-leather vs real leather is also often debated but we consider our deer suede and goat leather to be eco-conscious. Our hides are sourced from the meat industry and would otherwise go to waste. Plus, all our production takes place within a small radius in the UK to reduce transport miles. You can find out more in our deerskin leather guide and goat leather guide.

Durability

Suede is durable, but generally not as durable as full-grain leather. Its softer surface makes it more vulnerable to damage, but with proper care, high-quality suede products can last for many years. 

Water can stain it, and its texture may wear down with frequent use. To enhance the lifespan of suede items, extra care and maintenance are essential. 

Style

Suede and leather cater to different style preferences. Suede's luxurious and velvety appearance can offer a casual, relaxed vibe. It's often chosen for softer, more laid-back fashion items such as suede sneakers or tasseled bags but that’s not to say it can’t be sophisticated too; we think our brown suede backpack is testament to this.

Leather also suits a wide range of styles, from formal to edgy. Leather items exude a sense of timelessness and can easily transition from day to night looks. Ultimately, the choice between suede and leather depends on the statement you want to make with your style.

Strength

Is suede stronger than leather? In general, no but it does depend on the type of leather. Bonded leather, for example, which is the lowest grade of leather, is less durable than suede.

Leather is created by tanning and treating animal hides to increase durability, resulting in a sturdy and tough material. Its fibres are tightly bound, granting leather products remarkable strength and resistance to tearing or stretching. Suede is also made from animal hides but undergoes a different finishing process, resulting in a softer and less resilient texture.

What are the disadvantages of suede?

The main challenges of suede are its susceptibility to stains, water damage and wear due to its delicate, napped, and porous surface. Because suede has a more open texture than full-grain leather, it can require more regular cleaning and protection, particularly if used outdoors or in wet conditions.

During the production process, the animal hide is stretched to achieve a uniform thickness and texture. Over time, the material can start to slowly contract. However, these factors can be mitigated with proper care and shouldn't deter you from owning suede products.

How do you care for suede?

Suede requires a little more maintenance than smooth leather. Regular brushing helps remove dust and dirt, while a waterproofing spray can help protect against moisture and staining. If suede gets wet, allow it to dry naturally away from direct heat before gently restoring the nap with a suede brush.

Introducing our Parkland Deer range

Our best-selling bags and accessories are now available in our Parkland deer suede and leather range. The range includes classic desert boots, multifunctional tote bags and premium leather aprons. Made in England, every product in the range is distinct for its high-quality, rich dark brown finish.

Our Parkland range showcases how suede can be both practical and sophisticated, combining the softness associated with suede with the durability of high-quality deer hides.



So, which is better, leather or suede? We don’t think there’s a clear winner as they are both appealing for different reasons and have unique properties that make them so special. 

We have written about lots of other leathers, so if you’re interested in goat vs sheep leather, cow vs goat leather or deer vs goat leather, give them a read too. 

FAQs

Is suede real leather?

Yes. Suede is a type of real leather made from the underside of animal hides.

Is suede durable?

Suede is durable when cared for properly, although it is generally less resistant to water and abrasion than full-grain leather.

What is the difference between suede and leather?

Suede is made from the underside of a hide, giving it a soft, velvety texture. Full-grain leather uses the outer layer of the hide and is typically stronger and more durable.