Retro fabric making a big fall comeback with fashionistas

Oct 14, 2024

Stylistas are falling for this retro fabric this season.

As temperatures begin to cool and wardrobes are refreshed, suede is making a smooth comeback.

Straight from the runways of Gucci, Ralph Lauren and Miu Miu, this ’70s favorite is back, as couture connoisseurs are strutting in suede with skirts, dresses, jackets, boots and more.

The soft, velvety texture, made of leather from the underside of animal hides, has fashion lovers swooning. eBay searches for “suede jacket” have surged by more than 260% since July, several outlets have reported.

Nuuly, a popular clothing rental subscription company, has seen leather/suede options picking up month to date — currently boasting as their No. 4 fabrication as Western wear and country chic continue to wrangle in new fans, a representative confirmed to The Post.

“We expect this to continue to grow as the weather cools,” a Nuuly spokesperson told The Post.

Clare Lewis, founder of Retold Vintage, raves about its adaptability — perfect for dressing down with denim or upping the ante with tailored looks.

“Aside from its soft and tactile appearance, I love the versatility of suede,” Lewis told the Telegraph.

“It can so easily be dressed down with denim or elevated for a more luxe look teamed with tailoring. As a naturally breathable fabric, this also makes it a much lighter alternative to leather, meaning it’s a beautiful transitional piece in your wardrobe.”

Layer it over an embroidered blouse or a snug polo neck for an effortlessly chic look, or button yourself into a matching jacket and skirt set to go all out.

“It’s such a good transitional staple, and the brown hues of suede are our go-to for layering from winter all the way through to summer,” Orlagh McCloskey, co-founder and creative director of Rixo, told the Telegraph.

Peeking through any snazzy soul sister’s — or brother’s — closet, you’ll notice that the fabric was typically used to create jackets and vests in varying shades of brown.

But this season, it’s been updated with bold colors, creative prints and new styles.

Suede savants can now dress themselves in the material from head to toe with suede hats, purses, tops, skirts, pants and shoes hitting shelves in every color.

While the retro fabric feels luxurious and dominates high-end runways, it’s made its way to the streets of New York City with brands ranging from Miu Miu to Madewell — thanks, Alexa Chung!

However, the sturdy fabric has a remarkably long shelf life — if looked after properly — so classic cuties who prefer a more traditional look should rush over to, say, Brooklyn to sift through the thrift.

“There is so much suede still out there waiting to be found,” Lewis shared. “Definitely explore your local charity shop, vintage store or online reseller for options.”