Leather or Suede? Choosing the Right Jacket (and the Right Fit)

Let’s be honest—there are few fashion items more iconic than a leather or suede jacket. Throw one on and you instantly feel more put-together, more polished, maybe even a little cooler. But which should you go for? Leather or suede?

It’s a decision that’s not just about looks. There’s material, durability, seasonality, and most importantly—fit. Because even the most gorgeous jacket will look wrong if it doesn’t fit right.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide between suede and leather—and how to make sure you get your perfect size first time, with the help of Tellar.co.uk.

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Suede vs Leather: What's the Difference, Really?

Leather Jackets: The Classic Statement

Made from the outer layer of animal hide, leather jackets are strong, structured, and weather-resistant. From vintage bombers to edgy biker styles, leather has long been the choice for those wanting timeless confidence and cool.

Why people love leather:

• Super durable – lasts years (even decades)

• Ages beautifully, especially full-grain leather

• Works in most seasons, especially autumn/winter

• Easy to wipe clean or condition when needed

It’s not just about toughness either. Leather jackets can be incredibly stylish—AllSaints, Belstaff, Massimo Dutti, and Acne Studios all do brilliant options, depending on your budget and vibe.

Suede Jackets: Soft, Subtle and Luxurious

Suede is made from the underside of the hide, which gives it that soft, velvety texture. It’s lighter and has a totally different feel—more relaxed, more refined, and great for layering.

Why people love suede:

• Incredibly soft and luxurious

• Comes in earthy tones that feel expensive

• Perfect for spring/autumn (when the weather isn’t too wild)

• Adds texture and depth to neutral outfits

Just bear in mind that suede is more delicate. You’ll want to protect it with spray and avoid heavy rain. Brands like Reiss, Sandro Paris, Barbour, and Mango do some really beautiful styles.

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Styling Tips for Both

Both jackets are incredibly versatile. It’s all about how you wear them.

Leather jackets go well with:

• Skinny or straight-leg jeans

• Chunky boots or sleek trainers

• Tees, rollnecks, or even dresses for contrast

Suede jackets are perfect with:

• Light jumpers or shirts

• Smart-casual trousers or cords

• Neutral tones for a minimal, polished look

Want to know what size to buy in those brands? Use Tellar’s store size lookup to see if a brand runs large, small, or true to size. You’ll avoid wasting money on returns—or worse, keeping something that doesn’t quite fit.

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Climate and Comfort: What Works Best?

Leather is warmer, wind-resistant, and more structured—ideal if you live somewhere with chillier weather or want something that can take a bit of wear and tear.

Suede is breathable, lightweight, and more flexible—great if you’re layering or wearing it through spring or early autumn. But it’s not ideal in rain unless you’ve treated it (and even then, it’s better kept dry).

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How Long Will They Last?

A good leather jacket, especially full-grain or high-quality lambskin, can last 10–20 years or more. You’ll need to condition it occasionally, but otherwise, it’s pretty low maintenance.

Suede? With care, you’ll get a good 5–10 years—but it really depends on how often you wear it and how well you treat it. Brushing and spraying regularly is key.

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The Real Issue? Getting the Size Right

Here’s the thing most people don’t talk about: both suede and leather jackets are unforgiving when it comes to fit.

They don’t stretch. They don’t mould over time like denim or cotton might. You can’t “grow into” them. You either get the size right—or you don’t wear it.

To make things more confusing:

• Every brand sizes differently

• UK, US, and EU sizes don’t match up

• Charts are often inaccurate (or just totally useless)

That’s where Tellar.co.uk completely changes the game.

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Tellar.co.uk: The Sizing Tool That Just Gets It Right

Imagine entering your actual body measurements and instantly seeing your size in over 1,500 brands. No guessing. No guesswork. No returns.

With Tellar:

• You only need to create a profile once: Create your free profile

• If you don’t own a tape measure, we’ve got you covered with our printable measuring tape

• You’ll get real-time recommendations that take into account how different brands fit

• It’s completely free, always

Whether you’re buying from AllSaints, Reiss, Mango or Massimo Dutti, Tellar helps you get the perfect size first time.

No more squinting at vague size charts or reading endless customer reviews.

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Still Not Sure Which to Buy? Here's a Quick Checklist

Why not own both? Just make sure they fit properly—Tellar.co.uk can help with that.

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Best Brands to Browse

• Leather: AllSaints, Belstaff, Acne Studios, Massimo Dutti, Schott NYC

• Suede: Reiss, Barbour, Sandro Paris, Mango, Ralph Lauren

Before you buy from any of these, check the store size lookup tool at Tellar.co.uk to see how they run—some brands like AllSaints are known to run small, others like Mango are more generous.

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Final Thoughts

A good jacket should last. It should make you feel amazing. And it should fit like it was made for you. Whether you choose suede for its softness or leather for its edge, the key to making it work is getting the sizing right from the start.

Tellar.co.uk makes that easy.

Create your free profile today at www.Tellar.co.uk, enter your measurements, and instantly see your perfect size in 1,500+ brands.

No second-guessing. No frustration. Just style that fits—first time.

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Follow Tellar.co.uk for more smart fashion tools and style tips:

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Pinterest: TellarUK

• Facebook: TellarSizing

• Twitter (X): @Tellar100

“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”

Start now at www.Tellar.co.uk