Suede is made from the inner split of animal hide (usually lamb, goat, or calf), buffed to create a soft, napped surface. It's warmer in tone and touch than smooth leather and has an almost velvety quality that photographs beautifully. Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Loewe use suede across multiple bag styles; it's often paired with gold hardware for maximum visual impact.
Suede requires considerably more care than smooth leather. It's vulnerable to water (which leaves tide marks), oil (which creates dark stains), and abrasion (which flattens the nap). A suede protector spray applied before first use dramatically reduces these risks. Dry brushing with a suede brush in one direction after each use removes surface dust and maintains the nap's uniform appearance.
Caring for Suede
Always protect suede bags before first use with a dedicated suede and nubuck protector spray. If suede gets wet, blot immediately with a clean cloth (never rub — rubbing spreads the water mark), then allow the bag to dry naturally away from heat. Once dry, brush gently with a suede brush to restore the nap. For water stains that have set, even wetting the entire panel and allowing it to dry uniformly can minimise tide marks.