Caring for your Suede Jacket
Any well dressed gent will know that the suede jacket is having something of a moment. They will also understand that with such a finely crafted material comes great responsibility for suede requires slightly more TLC than the rest of your outerwear.
So what exactly is suede? Well, quite simply, suede is leather that’s been turned inside out. The texture is often compared to that of velvet, although nothing can quite compare to its soft napped surface, which is produced through a process of buffing, trimming, and smoothing. Just like leather, suede comes in all manner of colours, and while the natural tan continues to be the most common, other tones such as navy prove popular.
Suede is a strong, resilient material and not nearly as delicate as you might think. With a little care, it will stay in tip-top condition for years to come.
The key is to protect your jacket and treat it gently. There are a handful of items you’ll need, all of which are easy and inexpensive to acquire:
- A good-quality, moulded coat hanger
- Water-repellent protector spray suitable for suede and nubuck
- A soft clothing brush or clean, dry sponge
- A rubber suede eraser or cleaning block
Protect
However tempting it may be to jump into your new jacket the moment it arrives, before doing anything else, apply a suede protector spray according to the product instructions. This will usually involve testing the spray first on a small, discreet area of the jacket.
Top up the protection a couple of times a year, giving the jacket a light brush before application.
Oops
A suede jacket isn’t the natural choice for a wet day, but we all get caught in a rogue downpour from time to time.
If this happens, gently blot away any excess moisture with a kitchen towel, then hang the jacket up and allow it to dry naturally, away from direct heat. The protector spray should help prevent the suede from becoming too wet.
Once the jacket is completely dry, if there are any rain marks, use a soft, clean, dry sponge to gently brush the nap back into place.
If you get mud or other dirt on your jacket, allow it to dry naturally and avoid rubbing while it is still damp. Once dry, use a rubber suede eraser or soft clothes brush to gently lift away the dried dirt. Always start with the lightest pressure and build up gradually if needed.
There are many suede cleaning products available for tackling stains and marks. However, for difficult stains, particularly oil or heavy marks, it is worth taking your jacket to a specialist dry cleaner. They can also professionally clean your jacket every year or two, if required.
Storage
Hang your jacket on a good-quality, moulded hanger, away from direct sunlight, with plenty of space around it to breathe and air. After wearing, once the jacket is completely dry, use a clean, dry sponge to gently brush away dust and rejuvenate the nap.
For seasonal storage, choose a breathable linen or cotton garment cover to protect it from dust without stifling the suede.
