Suede Watch Straps: A Luxury Strap Worth Having
Suede watch straps gained prominence in the mid-20th century, and in recent years have seen a revival, especially in vintage-style watches. Suede has a texture that is unique, soft, comfortable and stylish and pairs perfectly with dress watches- it is a fashion statement in itself.
Originally seen as a more refined option over leather or silver metal watch straps, suede became popular between the 1950s and 60s, and even found itself on sports watches in later years.
Nowadays it is loved for its unique style and look, found on vintage watches as well as traditional dress watches.
Why Should You Opt For A Suede Strap?
Suede straps have a lot of features that make them a great investment for your watch over traditional strap materials.
Stylish: Suede straps have a very vintage look that is unmatched by other types of watch straps. It is textured, soft and adds character to any outfit.
Comfortable to wear: Suede straps are very comfortable to wear and do not rub against the skin. This makes them ideal for everyday wear without worry of irritation or discomfort.
Lightweight: Some leather straps can feel heavy and are not very breathable. Suede, however, has a lightweight feel, is breathable and has better airflow.
Versatile: They can be worn with a variety of different outfits and occasions, and come in different colours including classic browns and blacks, but also more modern colours like blue.
Easy to swap: Suede watch straps can easily be removed and added to a watch, often having quick-release spring bars. They come in a variety of sizes too so all watch wearers can find one suitable for them.
How To Maintain A Suede Watch Strap
Suede is a very unique material, and whilst this means that it makes beautiful watch straps, it also means that it requires special and regular maintenance to keep it in the best condition.
A suede brush should be used to keep the strap clean, used gently and keeping the motion in one direction only to remove any dirt buildup from day to day wear. This will ensure that the strap stays clean and that the texture isn’t damaged by abrasive cleaning.
Never use water on a suede watch strap, even if it is stained. Suede is sensitive to water and can harden and become irritating when wet.
If you do find stains on your strap, a suede eraser can be used gently to remove them, or a specific suede cleaner for harder to tackle stains.
To maintain the appearance of your suede strap, even with regular cleaning, use a suede spray to protect it and add a barrier against any water or dirt that may get onto it whilst you are wearing it. This should only have to be reapplied every few months.
When you are not wearing your watch, make sure it is kept in a cool and dry place, out of direct sunlight that may fade the suede.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suede Watch Straps
Is suede a good material for watch straps?
Yes, there are lots of benefits to having a suede watch strap. Suede is incredibly soft, breathable, supple and stylish, making it ideal for someone who wears their watch every day as it is comfortable and won’t irritate the skin when worn for long periods of time. It has aesthetic appeal too and matches lots of different outfits and can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.
Suede vs leather watch straps- which is best?
Whether a suede or leather watch strap is best is completely down to personal preference and lifestyle. Both have their pros and cons - suede is typically more flexible and breathable than leather, potentially making it better for wearing daily. Leather is more resistant to water (though not waterproof), and is more resistant to surface damage than suede. Suede has an unmatched vintage style and look, and whilst it may not be as durable as leather, it looks aesthetically good. Both need regular maintenance, but leather is slightly easier to maintain.
How do you clean a suede watch band?
A suede watch strap should be cleaned with a special suede brush, used gently to avoid damaging the texture. Water should be avoided to clean suede as it does not dry easily, and can harden if exposed to too much water. Every few months, a specific suede spray should be sprayed onto the strap to protect it from day to day wear and exposure to water and dirt.
Is a suede watch strap as waterproof as leather?
No - a suede watch strap is not waterproof at all. Leather isn’t either, but it is more resistant than suede. Suede absorbs moisture and can show stains from it, eventually hardening if exposed to too much water. Leather is more resistant than this, but still not completely waterproof either and should be carefully maintained just the same as suede.
About Us
Here at The Thrifty Gentleman we sell a wide variety of affordable watch straps - everything from our luxury leather watch strap collections, including Italian Leather and these Suede watch straps through to our super durable military-styled nylon one piece and two piece bands.
Based in Winchester, UK and founded in 2021, The Thrifty Gentleman is a family owned and run business where great prices, super quality and quality control, and top notch customer service are all extremely important to us. We sell a combination of traditional and Apple Watch Bands in a wide variety of styles, colours and sizes from 12mm watch straps up to 24mm watch straps.
If You Like Our Suede Watch Straps, You Might Also Like
The Thrifty Gentleman is your one-stop shop for any style or type of replacement strap. If you like this style, you will also likely want to check out the following ranges:
Replacement Leather Watch Bands
Tweed Watch Straps
Premium Quick Release Watch Bands
