Leather vs Suede Style Guide
J.L. Rocha Collections
Leather vs Suede: Style Guide
introduction:
If possible: every man should own both a leather and a suede jacket. We believe this essential fact because of the versatility in each material for expression, style and practicality.
This blog post will cover our recommendations and tips for deciding on suede vs leather.
Embrace your unique journey
And furnish it with your own versatility.
Suede vs Leather Practical Information
The Difference in Material
When it comes to the fabrication process, the labor included to create both suede an leather is comparable when done qualitatively, therefore price is a negligible difference when it comes to the material fabrication. The main differences between suede and leather in terms of material are the texture, durability, and characteristics. Here are some of these differences laid out:
Suede is made from the flesh side of leather vs the outer side which is used for leather.
Leather is smooth in texture and hand feel while suede is textured with a notable nap hand feel.
Leather has a sheen look to it while suede is more of matte characteristic.
Leather is more durable relative to external damages.
Key Care Information
When wearing suede and leather, it is important to understand the basic care information and basic care differences:
Both leather and suede are hydrophobic, however, leather can withstand a bit more water than suede. Neither suede nor leather should be over saturated with water.
Both suede and leather should be stored between 65-72° Fahrenheit, with roughly around 55% humidity, use of cedar Jacket Hangars, Shoe Trees, and Blocks is highly recommended for care.
Leather should be moisturized once per year and professionally cleaned as needed, while suede should be cleaned with a suede brush or professionally cleaned with frequency determined by use.
Suede vs Leather Style Guide
Wearing suede vs leather can provide different styles and communicative properties to your aesthetics. We encourage all our community to showcase their unique style - and to tag us on social media if so desired to help our community grow in unique ways. When it comes to wearing suede or leather, here are some of the common principles we recommend following:
Practical Style Advice for Suede
We recommend not wearing suede or leather jackets in temperatures below 32° Fahrenheit or above 62° Fahrenheit with ideal temperatures falling between 48-58° Fahrenheit.
When it comes to precipitation: we recommend not wearing your suede during any precipitation, while wearing your leather only when precipitation is sparing - for excessively rainy or snowy days - wear weather appropriate garments.
For packing your suede or leather, ensure proper care - storing jackets in a properly fitted travel garment bag or packed in your suitcase/carry-on inside out as normally would be done with a blazer.
Beyond these principles, we have also compiled a few style inspiration choices that will help you determine some of the best occasions to wear suede for.
Advice for Choosing Suede vs Leather Garments
Suede vs Leather Jackets: Can be worn interchangeably for certain occasions, in casual environments - suede and leather jackets are both applicable, however when it comes to semi-formal/luxe-casual events we recommend sticking with a minimalistic suede jacket or lambskin leather. These refined materials provide a sense of high quality care and knowledge.
Suede vs Leather Travel Bags: We recommend when traveling to primarily use leather travel bags, however, when it comes to backpacks and carry-on’s suede can be an exceptional addition to truly connect with each journey you take. Additionally, desert destiations can be more agreeable with suede travel bags than excessively humid destinations.
Suede vs Leather Shoes: Suede shoes are traditionally seen as more casual items due to the softness of the material, leather shoes are typically seen as more formal depending on the style.
When it comes to traditional formal and black tie events, we do not recommend wearing leather or suede garments, instead we opt for traditional menswear ideals with patent leather furnishings for black tie events specifically.
Leave a lasting legacy
With both leather and suede legacy pieces, vegetable tanned to last lifetimes with proper care.
Closing Notes:
Did we cover the key areas of Leather vs Suede? If there are any key questions you have, feel free to comment on this post or let us know via social media. We are happy to expand and explain more about leather vs suede across any of our garment offerings. We always appreciate our communities support, and encourage you to engage with our family owned brand. Our belief is that everyone is versatile and unique: as such, your garment collection should be as versatile and unique as you are. Expanding your options between suede and leather is a high quality method for creating timeless variations in your garments, while leaving you well equipped for any occasion that you may need to attend. We hope this post has been informative, and always appreciate your support. Show our community your suede and leather style with the hashtag #individuallyJL or by tagging us online!
- Thank you/Gracias