The soft-tough fashion

Lee Holmes 

Suede probably isn’t one of the most marketable fabrics when it comes to men’s fashion — largely because napped leather isn’t especially hard-wearing, practical or, for that matter, macho. Only a foolish man would dare to wear a suede coat during the depths of winter. So, unlike its tougher cousin tanned leather, we tend to only indulge our taste for suede with the odd accessory; a new belt or a pair of shoes perhaps.

However, that sartorial mindset can alter slightly come the spring sunshine. And although generally the practicalities of daily life very rarely stop fashion designers from indulging their whims, even they acknowledge that it is only as the weather warms up, that the great push for suede as outerwear can begin. And this spring/summer 2016 was no exception, with the bomber jacket given a luxe suede makeover. Jeans-style jackets were also cut from suede too; perhaps mercifully fringed suede numbers were given a wide berth. Your role model here — if you should need one — is the world’s most famous spy, 007. Specifically Daniel Craig in Spectre and definitely not Roger Moore in For Your Eyes Only. Wear with blue jeans and your favourite T-shirt for that definitive pared down yet swanky look.

Still, there’s no escaping the fact that buying a designer suede jacket is an expensive business but thankfully the high street has been quick to replicate, helping you save a few pounds at least. But this still won’t put the stoppers on any naysayers who are quick to tell you how difficult suede is to maintain and keep clean. And unfortunately they’re not wrong. —The Independent