How to Determine if a Suede Jacket is Genuine

Understanding Suede Material

Before diving into the specifics of recognizing a genuine suede jacket, it’s vital to understand what suede actually is. Suede is a type of leather with a napped finish, typically made from the underside of animal hide, often lamb, goat, calf, or deer. This provides it with its signature soft feel and pliable texture, making it a popular choice for stylish jackets.

Touch and Feel

One of the most straightforward ways to check if a suede jacket is real is by the touch. Genuine suede is soft, smooth, and slightly fuzzy to the touch. It should also feel warm and luxurious. Run your hand over the material; it should change color slightly as the fibers are moved. Synthetic suede often feels stiffer and lacks the natural warmth and nap of real suede.

Inspecting the Back Side

Real suede jackets typically have a distinct texture on the reverse side. If you can access an inner seam, check the backside of the material. Genuine suede will have a rough, fibrous underside, while faux suede or synthetic materials will often be smooth or have a fabric backing.

Smell Test

A natural leather scent is a telltale sign of a real suede jacket. Genuine suede retains a distinct, earthy leather smell that is hard to replicate with synthetic materials. If the jacket has a plasticky or chemical odor, it might be faux suede.

Conclusion

Identifying a genuine suede jacket involves a combination of touch, inspection, smell, and common sense. By taking these factors into account, you can confidently determine whether you’re looking at the real deal or a synthetic imitation.