There are few things cooler than a suede jacket. It’s got all the style and strut of its leather cousin, but without the shiny self-importance. True, it might not be as hard-wearing as leather — suede has a napped finish, and is made from the underside of animal skin rather than the top — but it is immeasurably more versatile, softer and less likely to crack over time.

And that’s before we even come to how seasonal this timeless design is. With autumn on the approach, you’ll soon find that your winter coats are too warm for the weather outside, but your summer jackets are getting a little too light. Enter your suede saviour, which will help you see in the season in brushed, laid-back style…

The bomber jacket is a classic design — and one that has never really dipped out of fashion. So named for the flight crew members of the US Air Force who originated the style, it is traditionally loosely-cut, and has cuffs, a waistband and some form of collar.

Many, like this brown offering from dunhill, have a gently cut-away ribbed collar to ensure versatility across dress codes. Others, like Loro Piana‘s blue bomber — cut from supple water-repellent suede — instead pair a classic collar with ribbed virgin wool trims. Or, for something a little different, trust Tom Ford to offer up an alternative; a bomber with a practical buttoned throat latch collar.

Tan, brown and black may be the go-to hues for most leather jackets — but, when you opt for softer suede, you should also think about switching up your colour choice. Tempering your tone, and opting for a lighter shade may mean going for stone or camel — but we’d nudge you towards the little-worn grey.

It’s a colour oft-overlooked, and we can’t see why. Just look at AMI‘s softly stitched light grey overshirt: a beacon of versatility. Or Officine Générale‘s Floyd bomber, complete with flap pockets, ribbed cuffs and Riri zip. Or our particular favourite, Reiss‘ Jagger jacket, inspired by classic trucker styles and finished with characteristically understated brushed silver-tone fastenings.

And then there’s the old faithful. As close to the leather jacket as suede can swing it, the collared suede jacket is a retro mainstay. Not only does it allow you to channel your inner 70s maverick cop, but you’ll also be blessed with a jacket that pairs perfectly with loose tees, flannel shirts, and collars and ties alike.

A.P.C‘s ‘Frene’ jacket has a smooth satin lining, giving it the lightweight credentials to navigate even the trickiest of transitional seasons. Paul Smith‘s take on the trucker style is butter-soft, rich of hue and has a touch of decadence thanks to those gleaming silver-tone buttons. And Belstaff‘s design, as you can imagine, means business. Inspired by scooter jackets of the late 1950s, the ‘Cooper’ has adjustable press stud cuffs, side belts and a thoroughly utilitarian feel.

A suede jacket not enough? Here are the best trench coats for the modern man…

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