For the English rock band, see Suede (band) . For other uses, see Suede (disambiguation) . Suede /ˈsweɪd/ is a type of leather with a napped finish, commonly used for jackets, shoes, shirts, purses, furniture and other items. The term comes from the French gants de Suede, suède which literally means gloves From. swedenor the English rock band, see Suede (band) . For other uses, see Suede (disambiguation) . Suede /ˈsweɪd/ is a type of leather with a napped finish, commonly used for jackets, shoes, shirts, purses, furniture and other items. The term comes from the French gants de Suede, suède which literally means gloves From. sweden