It's time to invest in a suede jacket
From the classic bomber to the supple safari, here are the best suede jackets to pull on this spring...
Words: Jonathan Wells
Photography: Gary Houlder
RaThere are few things more effortlessly, elegantly cool than a good suede jacket. It’s got all the style and strut of its leather cousin, but without the shiny self-importance. True, it might not be as hard-wearing as leather — suede has a napped finish, and is cut from the underside of animal skin rather than the topside — but this fine fabric is immeasurably more versatile than its tougher brother; softer and less likely to crack over time.
And, with spring in the air, you’ll soon find that your winter coats are getting a little too toasty for the warmer weather — but that your summer jackets are still that little bit too light. Enter this bunch of suede saviours, which will help you see in the season in brushed, laid-back style…
A suede bomber is the bomb
The bomber jacket is a classic design — and one that has never really dipped out of fashion since it first took flight. So named for the crew members of the US Air Force who originated the style, it is traditionally loosely-cut, and has cuffs, a waistband and a shapely elasticated collar.
Your bomber jacket of choice may, like this lambskin option from Brioni, have a more stand-up collar knitted from contrasting ribbed wool. Others, like Ralph Lauren’s brown bomber — cut from supple water-repellent suede — instead choose a subtle complementary colour for their collar. Or, for a modern spin on the traditional, trust Sandro to offer up an alternative.
There’s no grey area when it comes to colours
Tan, brown and black may be the go-to hues for most leather jackets — but, when you opt for softer suede, you should also think about switching up your colour choice. Tempering your tone and opting for a lighter shade may mean going for stone or camel — but we’d nudge you towards the little-worn grey.
It’s an oft-overlooked colour, and we can’t see why. Just look at Emporio Armani's collared jacket made from exquisitely soft suede and perfect for throwing over a lightweight knit jumper or a classic white T-shirt. Givenchy's bomber is a luxe take on a classic and is a steely, multi-pocketed option. Meanwhile Belstaff's jacket is a sturdy grey high-collared bomber.
Keep things classic with a collar
And then there’s the old faithful. As close to the classic leather jacket as suede can swing it, the collared suede jacket is a retro mainstay. Not only does it allow you to channel seventies style, but you’ll also be blessed with a jacket that pairs perfectly with loose tees, flannel shirts, and collars and ties alike.
Loro Piana’s suede jacket is blessed with wrist cuffs, a sturdy zip and is the perfect option to navigate even the trickiest of transitional seasons. Wax London has introduced a boxier option with this unlined brown suede jacket. And Drake’s design, as you can imagine, hums with heritage and is a sophisticated take on a classic piece.
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