If you have clicked on any street-style galleries from fashion month this September, you will no doubt have noticed that suede is having a real moment – and judging by the reactions to the chestnut jacket in the Prada spring/summer 2025 show, it’s a trend that will continue to gather pace in 2025. The best thing about suede is that it has a retro, anti-trend quality, as a plush, chocolate brown tote or a belted trench looks like an heirloom that has long been a treasured part of your collection.
Suede can often be disregarded for practical reasons – what does one do about rain smudges? – however this season’s toffee totes and olive shoulder bags only benefit from a lived-in appearance. Chemena Kamali’s debut collection at Chloé for autumn/winter 2024 is partly responsible for this mood, as she ushered in a ’70s-inspired Chloé bohemianism, where ruffled dresses were accessorised with merlot and tan suede slouchy bags. However, instead of Woodstock-coded tassels and fringing, we are seeing a more elevated take on suede, with polished silhouettes and a rich palette. Toffee, mahogany and biscuit tones are timeless options, while burgundy, olive and khaki all make for expensive-looking neutrals.
Like all good handbag movements, the suede bag has benefitted from a number of recent celebrity endorsements. Daisy Edgar-Jones brought an oversized Gucci B Bag with her to the front row, which was just as big as her embellished bralette and hot pants, and is crafted from a brown suede embossed with the house’s logo. Bella Hadid has helped to propel Coach’s Brooklyn tote to It-bag status, and her beloved tan suede version perfectly aligns with her new Western style – she was photographed wearing it with frayed Daisy Dukes and black boots.
While luxury giants, such as Saint Laurent, Prada, Khaite and Coach, are all dabbling in suede, there are a number of smaller independent handbag brands that deserve an honourable mention. Little Liffner’s Sprout tote and Penne bag are popular among industry insiders, while Savette and DeMellier will also have you lusting after something suede. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the Prada buckle bag, we’ve found some beautiful options at M&S, Arket and Massimo Dutti for under £300.
Suede protector at the ready, keep reading for our edit of the best suede handbags for 2024 and beyond.
