Few items of clothing resonate more with success than suede. It’s not loud, over-the-top, or screams opulence at everyone who encounters it, rather it’s the classy nature of the leather that draws the quiet, reserved and refined man into its comforting embrace. The term is derived from the French term “gants de Suède,” meaning “gloves of Sweden,” and as the story goes it was the Swedish women who first wore these soft gloves.
Now, whether or not the Swedish were the first European peoples to actually manufacture and wear suede is beyond us, but that doesn’t detract from its continued popularity today. As a leather, suede is a more napped material, partially because it’s made from the underside of the skin of either lamb, goat, calf, or deer. In this sense, it’s softer and less durable than exterior (full-grain) leather. And it’s this very texture and delicate nature of the leather that drives up the price point for authentic suede jackets. So while the material lends itself to various other mediums such as shoes, bags, and upholstery, today we’re simply concerned with jackets. Because nothing exhumes class like a timeless suede jacket. That’s why we decided to put together this list of the 12 best suede jackets for men. For it’s hitting this benchmark of quality outerwear that makes all the difference in presentation.
Topman Grey Suede Bomber Jacket
Considering the average price point in this post, a 100 percent suede bomber jacket for this price point is a steal. Naturally, it hosts the classic bomber shape with an elasticated collar, hem and cuffs, a set of side pockets, a quilted interior for extra comfort, and is machine washable which is something you can’t say too often about suede jackets.
Levi Sherpa Lined Trucker Jacket
Based on the classic trucker jacket, this updated version now hosts a warm and welcoming sherpa insulation for extra warmth on those chilly fall mornings. The insulation also extends outward to the lined sleeves and on the collar as well. It’s made from 100 percent genuine suede, boasts a quilted nylon lining in the sleeves as well, a set of chest pockets, and hand pockets as well to house any extra gear you need to carry along for the ride.
Reiss Downing Suede Jacket
Offering up a youthful take on a vintage ‘70s design, Reiss never fails to deliver the goods in high fashion. This jacket, in particular, dawns a tobacco hue in 100 percent goat suede, is fully lined and hosts their branded gold hardware for its snap-up feature and set of double front pockets on each chest plate. The interior lining in also 100 percent Viscose and the runs slim for a modern look and feel.
Our Legacy Suede Zip Shirt
Well if Sweden was in fact the first country to commercialize suede then it’s a safe bet that this suede zip shit from Sweden-based Our Legacy is as legit as they come. The motivation behind each zip shirt follows luxury tailoring mixed with a hint of modern edge to keep things contemporary. It’s built from a soft Senegalese suede skin and features a custom YKK zip with a suede pull tab, a single chest pocket to keep everything as minimal as can be, and rounded hem to smooth everything out.
Ted Baker Vipers Suede Bomber Jacket
For a genuine suede jacket that’s comfortable, dashing and made from 100 percent goat suede, the Ted Baker Bomber is a tough choice to beat for the price point. The classic bomber jacket allows for both casual and formal wear, the zip closure keeps things easy and adjustable and the soft ribbed trim enhances comfort and ease of wear. There’s also a set of from slant pockets, a ribbed collar, and it comes in a grey option as well in case navy blue isn’t your forte.
J.Crew Buttoned Suede Bomber Jacket
Inspired by the jacket once worn by the Lizard King himself, Jim Morrison, J-Crew did a great job of recreating this once popular style jacket from the late ‘60s. They did, however, add a few personal touches, such as Corzo nut buttons and patch pockets considering we lug around a bit more tech these days. It also features a standing collar, button closure, a ribbed trim at the collar and cuffs and will continue to look timeless as the years wear on.
Officine Generale Liam Suede Jacket
Nothing like a quality suede jacket inspired by the classic denim style of the mid-century. The Liam is a fantastic representation of the brand’s workwear influence, featuring a set of utility pockets and a neat pleated pocket. The color is a classic nod to the famous olive and khaki color palettes of the ‘50s and a 100 percent suede composition, buttoned cuffs, two chest-buttoned flap pockets, and buttoned waist tabs. It’s a suede that’s meant to fit comfortably and will pair well with any number of sweaters, t-shirts, or a smooth pair of Chelsea boots.
Eidos Suede Harrington
Looking for a suede jacket that was once worn by Elvis Presley? Look no further than the Suede Harrington Jacket. It’s a nod to the ’50s style, which remains just as relevant as it does today. Each jacket is carefully crafted in Italy from 100 percent lamb suede, giving the jacket a luxurious look in addition to its classic design. It features a buttoned funnel neck, two front snap pockets, ripped trims and is fully lined. And as an iconic mushroom suede jacket, this piece would pair well with just about any pair of jeans or slacks.
A.P.C Louis W. Suede Bomber Jacket
New to A.P.C’s Fall ’16 collection, the Louis W. Suede features a retro palette in tan, inspired by the Parisian youth culture of the late ‘60s and ‘70s. It’s made from calf suede, hosts two front pockets, brown ribbed trims for a comfortable fit, fully lined, and hosts a zip fastening for easy in and out access. The sleeve lining for each bomber is also 100 percent polyester and the trim hosts a 50 percent wool and 50 percent acrylic makeup. A perfect jacket for the urbanite this Fall.
Todd Snyder Suede Quad Jacket In Tobacco
Boasting a design suited for both the urban commuter and agricultural entrepreneur, the Quad Jacket in Tobacco is outfitted with four military-inspired front flap pockets and made from 100 percent suede with a Bemberg lining for that additional warmth on those cooler-than-normal fall mornings. It features a snap button closure, boasts a slim fit, and is ready to capitalize on your fall style with gumption.
Ralph Lauren Suede Jacket
Who wouldn’t want a deerskin suede jacket inspired by a vintage jacket for 1930s Americana? Each batch of suede is soured on this side of the pond in a North American tannery and the jacket itself features a body lined with checked chamois leather. It also features a ribbed baseball collar, buttoned placket with snapped closures, button barrel cuffs, and two front waist snap pockets along with an interior waist pocket. So if you’re looking for a North American-inspired suede jacket for the winter, this is your ticket.
Tod’s Iconic Suede Field Jacket
Commanding luxury in both appearance and function, this Iconic Suede Field Jacket represents everything Tod’s stands for as a brand name. Each piece is crafted with precision in Italy from 100 percent sheep suede and has a variety of interior and exterior pockets lined with a wool blend for enhanced comfort. It’s hosts a stand collar, two chest flap pockets, internal drawstring waist, two internal pockets and the buttons are made from 100 percent buffalo horn. Quite a luxurious jacket indeed.
