What Is Suede Really? (And Why This €1000 Bag Shocked Me)

What is suede — really? In this deep dive, I break down what suede actually is, how it’s made, the difference between suede and nubuck, and the wild spectrum of suede quality — from pigskin linings to ultra-luxury baby calf suede. At the end, I’ll show you the best suede I’ve ever seen... on a €1000 bag at The Row store in Paris. Was it worth the hype? You decide. TITLE: What Is Suede Really? (And Why This €1000 Bag Shocked Me) --- CHAPTERS/TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Suede 101 An introduction to what suede really is — and a teaser about the best suede Tanner has ever seen at The Row store in Paris (and the warning that came with it). 00:22 – What Is Suede, Really? Exploring suede as the back side of leather — the flesh-facing layer that gives it its signature velvety touch. 00:36 – From Hair to Grain: The Dehairing Process How tanneries remove hair to reveal the grain side and prepare hides for transformation into suede. 01:04 – Suede vs. Nubuck: The Common Confusion Breaking down the key difference — nubuck is the front (grain) side lightly buffed, while suede is the back side. 01:32 – Every Hide Has a Suede Side All animals — cow, goat, sheep, pig — can produce suede, each with unique textures and ideal uses. 01:55 – Goat Suede: Tense Fibers, Beautiful Texture Why goat suede is so desirable for shoes, garments, and bags — often outperforming its grain side. 02:13 – Sheep Suede and Shearling Soft, thin, and delicate — perfect for gloves and outerwear. Plus, how