These are the best suede jackets made in Britain
From a practical option from Private White V.C. to a sleek navy blazer from Cromford Leather Co., here best, most supple suede investments to make this summer…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Britain. It’s a green, pleasant, napped and gently brushed land of leather. Our isles have a rich heritage of tanning and crafting quality clothes and shoes — and none of these hard-wearing hides are as versatile, soft or sumptuous as suede.
But it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find good suede products built in Britain. Shoes are no problem — as Northampton remains a bastion of bold, sturdy shoemaking for brands including Crockett & Jones and Edward Green. But everything else? Frequently flown in from workshops and factories abroad.
Except for the below. Here, we’ve rounded, buttoned and zipped up the finest suede jackets made in Britain. From a practical option from Private White V.C. to a sleek navy blazer from Cromford Leather Co., here best, most supple suede investments to make this summer…
For smart-casual suede, this Private White V.C. Mechanic Jacket
There are few British brands as rugged and refined as Private White V.C. Stitched to stylish life in the label’s Manchester factory, this ‘Mechanic Jacket’ is crafted from super-soft goat suede and features a two-way centre-front fastening.
Extremely refined and equally luxurious, the jacket (in ‘Donkey Brown’) is in the unlined suede blouson jacket style — and walks the line between smart and casual with its working shirt cuffs and Swiss military grade copper hardware.
For Savile Row style, this Richard James Suede Bomber
The bomber jacket is a classic leather look. So named for the flight crew members of the US Air Force who originated the design, this British spin on the style is sharply sculpted from Richard James’ buttersoft suede.
Expect seven sturdily stitched horn buttons down the front, a silky satin lining and ribbed waist, cuffs and neck. And, made in England by the Savile Row brand, it’s as trimly tailored as this classic garment comes.
For a simple suede look, this Ted Baker Russell Zip Jacket
Suede isn’t known for its simplicity. The softer fabric lacks the punchy practicality of leather — and is rarely rendered into basic shapes and styles. But Ted Baker, with this essential zip-through jacket, has bucked the trend.
This expertly crafted dark red jacket has a boxy overshirt fit, a simple silver zip and plain foldover collar. And, while the premium suede was itself sourced in Italy, the jacket was carefully crafted in Britain.
For the trucker look, this YMC MK1 Tan Suede Jacket
With its trucker style and tan colour, this jacket may look like it belongs in the deep south of America — but it was made in Britain by YMC (You Must Create). Unlined for breathability and with contrast coloured linings, it’s crafted from luxury lambskin suede.
We particularly like those twin-needle topstitched seams — found at the shoulder, armholes, sleeves, front yoke and side seams. The button cuffs are also a nice touch. But it’s got to be the double-pleat front that steal the show, fastened with metal ‘donut-style’ buttons.
For formal dressing, this Cromford Leather Co. Heston Blazer
Frame-fitting and formal, this rich navy blazer from Cromford Leather Co. offers a textured spin on the iconic tailored garment. Constructed using weighty Italian lamb suede, it’s almost velvety — with a sumptuous, super-soft nap.
Subtler features include an understated ticket pocket, streamlined hacking pockets and detailing on the cuffs. And the best part? If you want an even slimmer fit, Cromford offers the ‘Heston’ through its made-to-measure service, for £2,125.
For adventurous dressing, this Bradley’s Heritage Suede Shirt Jacket
Finally, an informal classic. The shirt jacket is stylish, rugged — and currently on sale. Made in Britain by Bradley’s Tannery in Shropshire, it’s cut from a buttery tobacco brown suede and fastened with poppers.
It’s a unisex garment, and one that will only get better and more characterful as time goes on. Because, as you crease and brush and button it up over time, its soft surface will tell the story of every adventure you enjoy.
Looking for something a little lighter? Sunspel’s Riviera Polo Shirts will be your seasonal wardrobe staples this summer…
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