Thrifting Suede

From decorating with plants, to wicker, to suede fringe – the 70s nostalgia is back in full swing. Because it’s such a major trend this fall, you’ll see suede-inspired looks from big-name brands everywhere, which makes it easier to find similar styles when thrifting.

But even if following trends isn’t your thing, suede is still worth hunting for at the thrift store. It’s a timeless texture that instantly makes any outfit look more polished. Fashion always repeats itself, so use today’s modern styles to find their original counterpart at the thrift store.

Suede also complements a lot of prints, including floral, animal and paisley, making it one of the most versatile textures in your closet.

Pro tip: screenshot or take pictures of your inspiration and try to find a similar style at Goodwill. I did that with this green suede trench. I was thriftspired by Amal Clooney and Naomi Campbell’s $4,000 Burberry green trench coat and I found my own version for $4 at Goodwill Akron.

Styling Tips for Suede

Stick to either real or faux suede and avoid mixing the two.
Start with neutral colors like camel, tan or black as they are easy to style.
When you’re ready to go bold, try mustard, pink, green, or burgundy.
Avoid overly cheap faux suede, it can pill or lose texture quickly.

What to look for in a Suede cleaner

Low water content. Suede is absorbent do you don’t want to saturate it.
No harsh chemicals, waxes, oils, or silicones as they change the texture or color.
Suede-friendly tools like brushes, soft bristles, and erasers.

How to clean Real suede:

These are a few cleaning techniques I’ve either tried or have heard from others in the thrift community. Always test on a small area before you clean the entire item.

Spot clean suede with a leather cleaner such as a suede eraser or a suede conditioning cleaner.
Disinfect suede in the dryer on low heat with a dryer sheet. You can also try at-home dry-cleaning kits like Dryell, which basically follow this same technique.
Treat stains with a suede brush and white vinegar. I have not personally tried this but lots of people online swear by this method
Dry clean by a leather specialist
Seal suede with a suede spray to protect it from future stains or watermarks.
Use talcum powder or cornmeal to treat a liquid spill (I’ve tested this and it worked on an oil stain).
Work moving with the nap, not against it.

Thrift Shopping List

Suede moto jacket. You can start with neutrals like black or brown. To level this up, try a mustard or burgundy jacket.
Suede purses (clutches, tote bags, backpacks) Look for cool vintage shapes and colors.
Suede ankle boots in a neutral color

Suede ankle boots in a brighter color like mustard or burgundy
Suede vests (bonus if fringed!)
Suede shift dress
Belted suede jackets
Faux suede blazers

Vintage suede pants
Suede trench coat
Fringe suede jacket

Whether you’re drawn to the 70s vibe or simply love the texture, thrifting suede is not only a timeless fashion staple, but it’s also a sustainable choice that keeps quality pieces in circulation and out of landfills.

Share your finds with us #12MonthsofThrifting on instagram @dinasdays and @thanksitsthrifted.pod

Thanks, it’s Thrifted is a celebration of thrifting and the bond it created between two treasure-hunting friends. This monthly podcast is hosted by Dina and Shannon, two lifelong thrifters who are committed to sharing the cost, creative, and environmental benefits of secondhand shopping.