The Suede Lore: Why Suede Keeps Making a Comeback

There’s something so profound about suede—exceeding even the appeal of edgy leather with its look, feel, and the vintage power it brings. With a story spanning decades, suede has firmly established itself as an undeniable favorite for those who consider it a staple in their closets—a statement-making piece that remains perpetually chic.

Suede’s legacy is ever-present, and this season, it was spotted on the runways of esteemed designers like Miu Miu, Prada, Khaite, and Chloé, taking the forms of boho luxe and refined classic, sometimes even within the same show. From artisan-crafted suede boots to suede jackets and bags, this material stepped up to reign as an elevated fall play on texture.

Now, it’s easy to imagine a beat-up, past-its-prime article that has long been forgotten when the word "suede" comes to mind; I get it. While suede jackets tend to be a classic route ready to be served at chain retailers every fall, they often used to lose their battles to shiny biker jackets and wool coats. However, it is suede’s turn to shine now. But, what is it about suede that makes it such an enduring favorite?

A Fabric Steeped in History and Culture

Suede has roots stretching back centuries, with origins in Scandinavia, where it was first used for gloves. Often known for its soft, velvety texture, suede is absurdly considered a delicate fabric. However, it is actually quite resilient—it is a high-quality form of leather, after all—forming almost a covenant with the opposite of what leather represents, a counter-expression to the edgy, rebellious, and sexy appeal of leather. In fact, during the 1960s and '70s, suede became a cultural staple, embodying the essence of the hippie and the bohemian. From fringed jackets to suede knee-high boots, this material has effortlessly captured the attention of trailblazers, blending comfort and ease with their signature flair.

Fast forward to the current times, suede hasn’t lost its edge. It’s as though it holds a certain magic that other fabrics simply can’t replicate—an effortless combination of classic and cool. 

The Comeback Factor: Why Suede Cycles Back 

Every single time suede pops back up, it feels like a nod to the best fashion eras of the century, reviving the unbothered and moody spark we’ve long been yearning for. Suede is the real-deal slow burn you need in the closet, a fit that feels good, looks good, and sticks around.

This season, not only are the haute couturiers giving suede’s velvety allure their seal of approval, but even runway icon Bella Hadid is putting her stamp on it too. Recently, she debuted, in Vogue’s words, the it-bag of fall by stepping out with Valentino Garavani’s artisan Nellcote suede shoulder bag with fringes, backing up the fact that suede season is truly here to stay. This might just turn into Sofia Richie’s bet on quiet luxury, keeping us hooked to another core—the cowgirl of the Wild West. Sure, Bella Hadid might boast a country heart stronger than ours, but it’s time we step up our take on a rugged charm as soulful as hers.

Yeah, maybe it’s the elections reinstating the Americana ranch vibe back in the game, maybe it’s our desire as a society to connect more with an earthy spirit, or maybe we’re just here in time to embrace the understated, quiet elegance of the timeless suede again. Who knows? But there is definitely a nostalgic touch to suede that designers love to mold for a more contemporary feel. Whether you opt to invest in a Carhartt suede jacket or a YSL suede bag to revamp your ensembles, you can be sure that it will bring a rustic flavor that’s more refined than you think.

Therefore, it’s not that suede ‘’comes back,’’ it cycles through because it’s a classic–one that we’ve overlooked for far too long. So, the next time you spot that perfect suede piece that makes a statement from miles away, I think you should cop it. Remember - it’s more than a purchase you will boot out the door once the season is over; it’s an actual investment that’s remarkably versatile. 

So, we’re steady hitting the road, cowgirl-style. Don’t miss out – check back weekly to discover what’s next and why, or subscribe to join the community and become a next-gen trailblazer, just like the hippies; they knew what they were doing.