How to Care for Suede in Warm Weather: Summer Suede Care Guide
June 02, 2026
Suede is one of the most stylish — and most misunderstood — leather types. Many people avoid wearing suede shoes, bags, and jackets in summer out of fear of ruining them. But with the right care routine, suede can absolutely be worn and enjoyed in warm weather. This guide explains exactly how to protect and maintain suede through the summer months.
Why Suede Needs Special Care in Summer
Suede is made from the inner split of a hide, giving it that distinctive soft, napped texture. This texture is what makes suede so appealing — and also what makes it more vulnerable than smooth leather:
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The open nap absorbs liquids quickly – Water, sweat, and spills soak in fast and can leave permanent marks if not treated immediately.
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Dust and pollen stick to the nap – Summer air carries more particulates that embed in the suede fibres.
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UV exposure fades colour – Suede is particularly susceptible to sun fading, especially in lighter colours.
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Sunscreen and oils cause staining – These are very difficult to remove from suede once they’ve set.
The Golden Rule: Always Protect Before You Wear
The single most important thing you can do for suede in summer is apply a suede and nubuck protector spray before wearing. This creates an invisible barrier that repels water and resists stains without affecting the texture or colour of the suede.
Apply the protector spray in a well-ventilated area, holding the can 20–30 cm from the surface. Apply an even coat, allow to dry for 30 minutes, then apply a second coat for maximum protection. Reapply every 2–4 weeks during regular use.
Important: Never use a smooth leather protector on suede. Always use a product specifically formulated for suede and nubuck.
How to Clean Suede in Summer
Dry Cleaning (For Everyday Maintenance)
The best tool for regular suede maintenance is a suede brush. Use it after each wear to:
- Lift and restore the nap (always brush in one direction)
- Remove dust, pollen, and dry dirt
- Prevent the nap from matting down with wear
For scuffs and flattened areas, brush back and forth gently to raise the nap, then finish with strokes in one direction.
Removing Dry Stains
For dried mud, food, or other solid stains, allow the stain to dry completely first — never try to clean wet mud from suede, as this will spread it. Once dry, use a suede brush or a suede eraser to gently lift the stain. Work carefully and avoid rubbing too hard, which can damage the nap.
Treating Water Marks
Water marks are one of the most common suede problems in summer. If suede gets wet and dries with a tide mark, try this:
- Lightly dampen the entire surface of the suede item with a clean, damp cloth — this evens out the moisture so there’s no tide mark boundary.
- Stuff shoes with newspaper or a shoe tree to hold their shape.
- Allow to dry naturally at room temperature, away from heat and direct sun.
- Once fully dry, brush with a suede brush to restore the nap.
- Re-apply protector spray.
Treating Sunscreen and Oil Stains
Act fast — the longer these sit, the harder they are to remove. Blot (don’t rub) the excess with a clean cloth immediately. Then apply a small amount of specialist suede cleaner or a dry suede shampoo to the area, work in gently with a brush, and allow to dry. Repeat if necessary.
Summer Suede Storage Tips
- Store suede items away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Keep in breathable dust bags — never plastic, which traps moisture and can cause mould.
- Use cedar shoe trees in suede shoes to absorb moisture and maintain shape.
- Avoid storing near perfumes or chemicals, which can stain suede over time.
What NOT to Do with Suede
- ❌ Don’t use smooth leather products on suede – Creams, waxes, and polishes designed for smooth leather will clog the nap and ruin the texture permanently.
- ❌ Don’t rub wet suede – This spreads the stain and damages the nap. Always blot.
- ❌ Don’t dry with heat – Hair dryers and radiators will shrink and harden suede. Always air dry.
- ❌ Don’t skip the protector – Unprotected suede in summer is asking for trouble. Always protect before wearing.
Summer Suede Care Checklist
- ✅ Apply suede protector spray before first wear
- ✅ Brush after each wear to restore the nap
- ✅ Treat stains immediately — blot, don’t rub
- ✅ Allow wet suede to dry naturally, then brush
- ✅ Reapply protector every 2–4 weeks
- ✅ Store away from sunlight in breathable bags
- ✅ Never use smooth leather products on suede
Suede doesn’t have to be a fair-weather-only material — with the right products and a simple routine, you can wear and enjoy it all summer. Browse our suede and nubuck care range to find the right brush, protector, and cleaner for your suede items.
