I’m a Fashion Editor, and These Are the 3 Suede Jackets I’m Wearing on Repeat

I’ve never met a brown jacket I didn’t like, but this J.Crew bomber makes a strong case for favoritism. First, let’s discuss the color. The rich chestnut brown is damn near perfect. It’s warm without being too orange, deep without looking black and versatile enough to work with everything in my closet. The bomber silhouette is another selling point. Rather than the long, oversized jackets that have dominated the past few seasons, this style has a shorter, more defined shape. 

One thing worth considering before investing in genuine suede is maintenance. Unlike smooth leather, suede has a soft, raised surface called a nap, which gives it that velvety texture but also makes it more susceptible to moisture and stains. In other words, don’t wear this jacket when the forecast calls for rain. Still, I consider it an investment piece that only gets better with time. A good brown bomber isn’t going anywhere, and neither, apparently, is my inability to resist buying another jacket.

I love a luxury purchase as much as the next fashion editor, but few things bring me more joy than finding something that looks significantly more expensive than it actually is. Enter this $55 H&M jacket, which has absolutely no business looking this good for the price.

Now, before the suede purists come for me, let me clarify: This jacket isn’t actually suede. It’s made from 100 percent polyester with a soft, napped finish that mimics the texture of the real thing. But visually, it delivers much of the same appeal without the hefty price tag or delicate upkeep. The dark beige color was the first thing that caught my attention. It’s beautiful! But the silhouette is what really makes this jacket worth considering. H&M describes the fit as oversized, with gently dropped shoulders, a classic collar and a zip-front closure. The covered elastic at the cuffs and hem creates a slightly rounded blouson shape, while the short length prevents the extra volume from completely swallowing your outfit. It also has welt side pockets and a lining, two practical details I appreciate in a jacket I’ll actually wear regularly. For reference, the back measures approximately 19.8 inches. 

Another bonus? It’s machine washable on a cool setting. Which is a significant advantage over genuine suede, especially if you’re someone who regularly finds herself juggling other things while walking out the door. And I’m not the only one impressed. The jacket currently has a 4.9-star rating on H&M’s website, with shoppers praising its appearance and value. One thing to keep in mind though; The oversized is in, so I wouldn’t automatically size up unless you’re going for a very exaggerated look. For less than $60, it’s a pretty convincing argument that great style doesn’t always require loads of money.

I’ve always loved blazers because they can easily upgrade a casual look. But lately, I’ve been craving something less corporate. After all, there’s only so much oversized suiting one woman can wear before she starts looking like she’s always heading to a board meeting. This COS jacket offers a refreshing alternative. Instead of traditional lapels, it features a clean, collarless neckline. There’s also no flashy logos, oversized hardware or unnecessary embellishments. And unlike a traditional suede bomber, which tends to lean casual, this blazer can easily transition from daytime meetings to dinner. I love it with black tailored trousers, a simple tank and pointed-toe heels.

And because I’m a firm believer that a jacket should earn its keep, I’d also wear it over a long column dress with minimal jewelry. The collarless neckline creates a clean frame for a statement necklace or a pair of sculptural earrings, too. Another thing to keep in mind is that lighter neutrals can be just as versatile as darker browns. I love the idea of wearing this jacket with chocolate-brown trousers or an all-cream outfit. And at over $400, it’s certainly an investment. But unlike some of the more exaggerated trends I’ve experimented with over the years, a beautifully tailored suede blazer is something I’ll still want to wear several seasons from now.