To care for a suede bag, brush it dry, always in the same direction, protect it with a waterproofing spray before you wear it, and never use water to clean it. A set-in mark comes off with a dedicated suede eraser; a tired colour can be revived with the right treatment. The rest is just good habits.
Suede is the material of the season. Its velvety feel warms up a wool coat, and its colours have a depth that smooth leather simply doesn't. But it has a reputation for being delicate. In reality, it mostly needs the right reflexes. Here are the ones that make all the difference.
Suede and nubuck: what are we talking about?
On our product pages you will often see "suede" and "nubuck". Both are leathers with a velvety feel whose surface has been lightly buffed. That is what gives them their soft, matte nap. It is also what makes them more sensitive to water and grease than grained leather. You will find them all in our suede and nubuck bags edit.
The everyday habit: brushing
Suede is brushed dry, always in the same direction. This simple gesture removes dust and lifts the nap where it has been flattened by rubbing. Once a week is enough for a bag you carry every day. Avoid wiping it with a damp cloth: water marks suede and leaves rings.
Think about how you carry your bag, too. Soft suede doesn't like being overloaded. On the page of the New Princess Suede XL we say it plainly: avoid heavy loads, and don't pull the bag by one handle when it is full, as this puts strain on the leather. For very busy days, a grained-leather version will cope better.
Before the first outing: protect
The best care is the care you give before the first rainy day. A waterproofing spray creates a barrier against water and stains without changing the look of the suede. The gas-free protector we offer works on suede, nubuck and smooth leather: brush off the dust, spray from 10 to 15 cm, let it dry, and repeat regularly. Always test on a hidden area first.
Caught in the rain: what now?
Don't panic, and above all, no radiator. Here is what to do:
- Gently blot with a clean, dry cloth to soak up the water, without rubbing.
- Empty the bag and stuff it with paper so it keeps its shape.
- Let it dry at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Once dry, brush in one direction to lift the nap.
A shower won't ruin a suede bag. It is the heat used to dry it quickly that does the damage.
Stains and faded colour: the right treatments
Set-in marks
For a scuff or a dry stain, the soft suede eraser is used just like a pencil eraser, with small strokes. On a fresh grease stain, sprinkle talc or fuller's earth, leave it overnight, then brush.
Colour that has lost its glow
Over time, suede can fade where it is handled most. The suede colour reviver brings back depth: brush off the dust, spray from about 20 cm, then brush to restore the velvety finish.
Brushes, sprays and treatments are all in our leather care section.
Storing it between seasons
Store your suede bag stuffed with paper, in a cotton dust bag that lets the material breathe. Never in a plastic bag. Don't leave it flat under a pile of other bags: the nap keeps pressure marks. And keep it out of direct light, which fades colours.
Your questions
Can you carry a suede bag in the rain?
Yes, if it has been protected with a waterproofing spray. If you get caught in a shower, blot the water with a dry cloth, let it dry at room temperature away from a radiator, then brush once dry.
How do you clean a suede bag without damaging it?
Dry methods only: a brush for dust, a suede eraser for marks, talc or fuller's earth for grease. Don't use water or soap, which leave rings.
Is suede in style this winter?
Yes. Suede is one of the key materials of autumn-winter, especially in browns, burgundy and black. Its velvety feel goes beautifully with wool coats and knitwear.
