Brown suede is the new black leather. Here’s why – and where to get the best updates now

Style has softened for spring 2025. With the return of romantic blouses, fondant pastel shades and an overall mood of undone elegance, what we accessorise with needs shift too. This means swapping out black leather for brown suede.

Where black leather is all gloss and edge, brown suede is warm and touchable, confident yet relaxed—the kind of material that feels right alongside this season’s ruffles and dreamy colours. Getting it right is all about choosing a rich shade of brown to complement the boho mood. Think tobacco, chocolate, lustrous honey, or gingery hues, and avoid washed-out, pale browns.

The best place to find it? Mango is leading the high street in brown suede everything. Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, and Next are strong contenders for accessories and statement pieces, while the Birkenstock Arizona in brown suede remains an all-time classic. And if your 12-year-old pair (guilty) is looking a little worse for wear, updating with brown suede feels ‘Vibe of ’25’.

An easy way to introduce brown suede into your wardrobe now is through footwear and accessories. Consider ballet pumps, boots and trainers, or a cute belt. If you’re ready to make more of a statement, a fringed or cropped suede jacket or suede trousers will take you there.

Chances are, something brown suede is already lurking in the back of your wardrobe— if yes, take this as your sign to dig it out. Of course, the brown suede mood has been brewing since last autumn when M&S’s brown suede loafer was an instant sellout, and - good news! - that ship has not sailed. We hear there’s a restock in three weeks’ time – so set your calendar alert.

Find our best suede picks below: