Our Guide to Suede Watch Straps
Suede watch straps are an elegant and versatile accessory that add a touch of sophistication to any timepiece. Crafted from soft and supple suede leather, these straps offer a unique blend of comfort and style. Highly versatile, suede watch straps complement a variety of outfits, ranging from smart casual to laid-back attire.
The popularity of suede watch straps stems from their ability to effortlessly elevate the overall aesthetic of a watch, enhancing its versatility and making it suitable for both formal and informal occasions. In this guide, we’ll define the benefits of suede and its wide range of colour options that make it a favourite among watch enthusiasts.
In This Guide
What is Suede?
When it comes to accessories, suede is a beloved material. Renowned for its velvety texture and luxury appearance, suede is a popular choice for crafting a variety of items, from shoes to handbags and jackets. This luxurious leather can be derived from various animals such as cows, sheep, goats and deer with each lending unique characteristics to the final product.
What sets suede apart is the specific process by which it is created - through the sanding and brushing of the underskin (flesh side) of a split hide after tanning. This technique results in a leather that is exceptionally supple, albeit less durable compared to full grain, top grain, and nubuck leathers. Nevertheless, the allure of suede lies in its soft, napped finish that exudes an unmistakable air of refinement.
Suede vs Leather and Nubuck: What is the Difference?
Before we dive further into the details of suede, let's explore the distinction between suede, leather and nubuck.
Suede
Suede possesses a multitude of desirable qualities, including its supple and soft texture that exudes a luxurious feel. Its distinct appearance, characterised by a velvety nap, adds a touch of uniqueness to any item. Being pliable and highly versatile, suede is an excellent choice for crafting watch straps and other accessories, offering both style and comfort to the wearer.
Leather
Leather usually refers to top grain or full grain leathers which are produced from the outer side of animal hides, leading to specific material characteristics. Leather is known for its durability, strength and timeless appeal. It is a resilient material that can withstand the test of time, making it ideal for long-lasting products. Leather also possesses a natural beauty and can be finished in a number of ways, including vegetable tanning, aniline dyeing and print embossing, which result in a choice of looks and textures.
Nubuck
Both nubuck and suede share a velvety soft texture and a napped finish, but they are produced through different methods. While suede is created by sanding and brushing the flesh side of a hide, nubuck is made by sanding and buffing the grain side after tanning. This gives nubuck a finer grain and greater durability, making it more resistant to wear compared to suede. These qualities make nubuck an ideal choice for the comfortable lining leather in some of our watch straps.
Is Suede Waterproof?
While suede is stylish in appearance, it's important to note that this material is not inherently water resistant. In fact, exposing suede to water can lead to irreversible damage. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep suede items away from moisture. Although finishes can be applied to enhance water resistance, they often compromise the distinctive raised fibre texture that makes suede so desirable. Preserving the inherent charm of suede necessitates handling it with care and avoiding water to ensure its longevity.
How to Clean Suede Watch Straps
When it comes to caring for suede, delicacy is key. Here are some valuable tips to help you maintain the condition of suede:
1. Shield from harm: just like any other leather, suede should be kept away from direct sunlight, as exposure can cause fading and discolouration. Additionally, avoid placing your suede items near heat sources or sharp objects that may damage or puncture the surface.
2. Keep water at bay: suede is especially vulnerable to water damage compared to other leathers. It's crucial to prevent any contact between suede and water. Moisture can irreversibly alter the texture and appearance of suede, so make sure to steer clear of wearing suede on rainy days and be cautious of accidental spills.
3. Tackle dust and dirt: the unique napped finish of suede makes it more prone to collecting dust and dirt particles. To keep your suede looking fresh, a suede eraser can be used to gently remove minor marks or stains. For a more comprehensive clean, a suede brush is ideal for raising the nap and restoring its velvety texture. Non-suede brushes or other abrasive materials should be avoided as they can cause damage. It's best to test suede erasers and brushes on a small and less noticeable area first.
By adhering to these simple yet effective care tips, you can prolong the life of your suede watch straps and ensure they continue to show off their best features.
Condor's Best Suede Watch Straps
At Condor Straps our suede watch straps are meticulously crafted from three exquisite Italian suedes, each offering a distinct style and character, which embody the craftsmanship that we are known for.
Stitch detail Italian suede leather watch strap
This stitch detail Italian suede watch strap exudes a classic yet contemporary appeal with its exact craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Italian suede used in this style showcases a selection of neutral shades (blue, black, green and grey), making it a versatile choice for watch enthusiasts. Our favourite? A grey suede strap paired with a blue dial make an eye-catching combination.
Suede leather watch strap with contrast stitching
Our suede leather watch strap with contrast stitching showcases Italian suede, known for its exceptional velvety texture, offering the wearer both comfort and a touch of luxury that is sure to elevate any timepiece. Available in a deep and luxurious shade of burgundy (and also black, brown, taupe, blue and green) this strap offers a rich aesthetic that complements a wide range of watch designs.
Stitched Italian suede leather watch strap
The best characteristic of suede lies in its remarkably supple texture, providing a heightened level of comfort while offering understated elegance to elevate your wristwear. Embrace a shift from leather to suede with our stitched Italian suede leather watch strap, available in an array of understated tones such as black, brown, tan, blue and dark tan.
Our selection of premium Italian suede watch straps offers a range of styles and colours to suit diverse preferences, allowing you to elevate your watch game effortlessly. Explore our collection of suede watch straps today and discover the perfect strap to complement your personal style.