How to look after suede jackets – Video
This is the second in our series of videos looking at practical aspects of menswear.
The first, available here, explained the basics of good shoe care, with Edward Green on London's Jermyn Street.
In this second instalment we turn our attention to suede jackets, using a Valstar brown-suede jacket of mine.
I know men are often afraid of buying suede for fear of damaging it. But actually suede can hold up pretty well in the rain, if it is looked after properly.
You just need to protect it in advance and then clean it delicately, starting with just the back of your hand or a soft sponge. There are then various stages of more abrasive techniques, but all stop well short of actually damaging the skin.
I spoke to several experts in leather and suede, in Italy and the UK, to put together the recommendations in this video, so hopefully it will prove to be a good synthesis of the various tips out there.
Many thanks to Trunk Clothiers and to the Monocle cafe for allowing us to film in and around the shops, all on lovely Chiltern Street in Marylebone.