The Best Men’s Suede Jackets for Old-School Style

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. And 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 our guide to the best suede jackets for men.

what is Suede (and why is it good)?

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 people 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.

What to look for

Material: Some of the most popular suede used in jackets comes from cowhide, sheepskin, goatskin, and pigskin. Cowhide suede is the most rugged of these options, while sheepskin, lambskin, and goat are softer.

Style: Suede jackets come in all types of styles, from bombers to trucker jackets – there’s no shortage of variation. So make sure you know what kind of style you want and pay attention to how the jacket is labeled. To get a better idea of what these styles consist of, check out our leather jackets guide.

How to care for suede

Similar to other quality leather products, you’ll want to look after your suede jacket. Ideally, you want to keep it away from water, but you can use a protective spray to make it more water-resistant (although you still want to keep the jacket away from it). You can use a brush and/or a suede block to keep the suede clean and get rid of minor stains (always brushing with the grain), and if you run into a wet stain you can use talcum powder.

Banana Republic Suede Jacket

The Starter: Kicking things off, we have this jacket from Banana Republic, a label that’s started listening to consumers more and rebranding for the modern age. This pick features a point collar, angeled hand pockets, and a button front closure. It’s also a great option if you’re looking to grab your first suede jacket that’s still high-quality and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s versatile, subtle, and has that classic look that’s always in vogue.

Reiss Noa Suede Button-Through Trucker Jacket

The Best Trucker: This jacket from Reiss is a trucker-inspired pick, and it’s made with goat leather, lined with polyester, and features pressed studs on the closure, cuffs, and pockets. The leather feels soft, but it was made to be tough and durable, so you can enjoy the comfort of goat suede with some peace of mind.

Buck Mason Desert Dust Rollup Suede PCH Jacket

The Best Sheep Suede Jacket: If there’s one brand that’s going to make a quality suede jacket, it’s Buck Mason. The label is dedicated to making quality garments that serve as modern takes on classic American styles. And this suede jacket is the perfect example, because you’re getting a jacket that’s classically American with modern style and construction. This jacket is fully-lined and hand-cut full from grain sheepskin suede that’s been semi-vegetable tanned. It’s also been reinforced with seams on the stress points of the jacket for improved durability.

Taylor Stitch The Bomber Jacket

The Best Bomber: Taylor Stitch strikes the perfect balance between stylish, city-ready garments that can still take on the outdoors, and the label takes great care in operating and crafting products for the long haul as well. So you can trust that this bomber jacket from the label will last for years, and look great the whole time. This bomber jacket is made with 3oz of calf suede and ribbing along every opening, taking inspiration from the style and ruggedness of pilot jackets.

J.Crew Italian Suede Barn Jacket

The Best Workwear-Inspired Jacket: While suede jackets might be a bit thinner than regular leather jackets, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some sturdier options. Like this jacket from J.Crew, which is inspired by American workwear commonly worn on farms. It’s made with Italian suede, and lined with a warm flannel and PrimaLoft Black Eco (lightweight insulation that’s constructed with recycled plastic bottles). It also features a stitching pattern that provides a rustic look reminiscent of those classic farm jackets.

Ralph Lauren Suede Trucker Jacket

The Sustainable Pick: Made with sustainably produced suede, this pick from Ralph Lauren has that trucker jacket style with a soft goat suede construction and cotton lining. And by purchasing this jacket, you’re also supporting the Leather Working Group, which is committed to sustainable leather practices and environmental protection.

Todd Snyder Italian Suede Snap Dylan Jacket

The Best Overall: Todd Snyder got started back in 2011, and has quickly become an industry favorite thanks to stylish modern takes on classic American style. Like this suede jacket right here that’s inspired by trucker jackets and made in Italy with 100% Italian calfskin suede. With this pick, you’re getting that classic suede jacket style with very high-quality material and construction.

Golden Bear Suede Bomber Jacket

The Grail Pick: Golden Bear is a classic American sportswear based in the Bay Area that’s been crafting clothing built to last since 1922. And with this bomber jacket from the label, made with incredibly soft Goat suede and lined with satin, you’re getting that timeless American bomber jacket style with the durability we’ve come to expect from Golden Bear. Additionally, this jacket provides great layering options and is a solid choice if you’re looking for a jacket to wear all year.

The Best Selvedge Denim Jeans for Stylish Durability

Looking for some complementary options with just as much style and quality? Then head on over to our best selvedge denim jeans guide.