suede

American  

[sweyd] / sweɪd /

Or suède

noun

1. kid or other leather finished with a soft, napped surface, on the flesh side or on the outer side after removal of a thin outer layer.

2. Also called suede cloth.  a fabric with a napped surface suggesting this.

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verb (used with object)

sueded, sueding

1. to treat so as to raise a nap on (leather, cloth, etc.).

verb (used without object)

sueded, sueding

1. to raise a nap on leather, cloth, etc.

suede British  

/ sweɪd /

noun

1. 1. a leather finished with a fine velvet-like nap, usually on the flesh side of the skin or hide, produced by abrasive action

   2. ( as modifier )

      a suede coat

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Etymology

Origin of suede

1855–60; < French ( gants de ) Suède (gloves from) Sweden

Explanation

Suede is a soft, velvety kind of leather. If you're anything like Elvis Presley, you're fond of your blue suede shoes and would prefer that people don't step on them. Suede is made from leather that's been rubbed to create a nap, or a slightly fuzzy texture. The softer underside of leather is generally used to make suede. Shoes, furniture, gloves, bags, and many other products are commonly made from suede, or from material that's made to look like suede. The word comes from the French phrase gants de Suède, or literally "gloves from Sweden."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

suede sueded

Amy Pascal, the head of the studio, dressed casually in a green suede leather jacket, jeans and fur-lined clogs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 19, 2026

I’d swapped handbags for the season — a slouchy straw tote with a teak handle traded for a forest-green suede pouch — and my wallet, apparently, hadn’t gotten the memo.

From Salon ● Dec. 28, 2025

Australian label Aje's catwalk was full of delightful fringed pieces, whilst Balmain's models graced the runway with huge, suede messenger bags.

From BBC ● Dec. 27, 2025

And because she’s a more advanced model, her look evokes an individuality, a sense that she and her owner could kiki about fashion and try on those black suede boots.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 27, 2025

She wore a light-tan suede suit, shoes to match and a mannish hat with a feather in the band, and she patted my face with gloved hands.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Dinamica, a sueded fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and clothing fibers, covers seats.

From New York Times ● Jun. 4, 2020

Also included in the spring 2006 sportswear line are shorts and casual pants in sueded twills, enzyme washed dobbies and yarn dye plaids.

From Time Magazine Archive

A Beaded Bikini, made from chamois skin to wick moisture and dry quickly, and the Kick Pant, a lightweight, breathable, chamois skin lounge pant that features a sueded draw cord with bead detail.

From Time Magazine Archive

The collection features fabrics from sueded synthetics to laundered cottons in colors ranging from sun drenched mid-tones to sultry brights.

From Time Magazine Archive