A fabric closely tied to 1970s fashion is making an unexpected return to the spotlight this fall. Suede, once a staple of that iconic era, is now gracing runways and retail stores alike, becoming
the must-have fabric of the season.
Celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Sienna Miller, and Hayley Williams have been seen rocking suede in various forms, from boots and hats to jackets, making it clear that this trend is back in full force.
Luxury fashion houses like Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Miu Miu have all embraced suede in their latest collections, featuring it in skirts, dresses, and jackets. This nod to the past recalls the styles once adored by fashion icons such as Twiggy and Jane Fonda. Meanwhile, high-street brands like Zara and Massimo Dutti are offering their own suede-inspired collections.
Bella Hadid and her cowboy boyfriend, Adan Banuelos, were recently spotted in New York, both sporting suede outfits, further cementing the fabric's return to mainstream fashion.
Sezane’s suede jacket, a best-seller, has been worn by style influencers like Sofia Richie and Alizee Thevenet, sister-in-law to the Princess of Wales. According to Clare Lewis, founder of Retold Vintage, “Suede’s soft, tactile appearance and versatility make it a standout. It can be dressed down with denim or elevated with tailored pieces. Plus, its breathability makes it a lighter alternative to leather, perfect for transitioning between seasons.”
Suede's durability also means there’s a wealth of vintage pieces available online through platforms like Vinted or in vintage stores. In fact, searches for "suede jacket" on eBay have surged by over 260% since July.
Rixo has also included a floral-decorated suede jacket in its Autumn-Winter collection. Orlagh McCloskey, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Rixo, says, “Suede has a softer, more feminine feel than leather, and Rixo embraces that aesthetic every season.”
At Paris Fashion Week, Sienna Miller and Juliette Lewis were spotted in the front row of Chloe’s show, where suede was featured in the Spring-Summer 2025 collections. Alix Earle also leaned into the suede trend at New York Fashion Week in September.
Stylist Julia Brennard suggests adding suede to your wardrobe through transitional pieces. “A suede midi skirt can be an autumn staple—pair it with a t-shirt and kitten heels for warmer days or with a chunky sweater and knee-high boots for colder weather,” she advises.
Suede, with its timeless appeal, is proving to be a versatile and enduring fabric, ready to dominate wardrobes once again. Photo by Andrew Magill from Boulder, USA, Wikimedia commons.