MILAN STRAPS · SUEDE

Suede: reversed leather, fiber side

Suede leather is the reverse side of leather. Not the outside face, but the open fiber side—treated until it becomes velvety. It is the most informal leather I use. And often, the most underrated.

Suede is the inner side of inverted leather — open fibers, velvety texture, no lacquer. I use it in calf and lamb: calf holds up better to abrasion, lamb has an almost impalpable grain. It's the most informal leather I work with, and therefore requires the right pairing.

Available in 18, 20, and 22mm. Sensitive to water: a downpour can leave stains that no treatment can completely remove. For daily use in the rain, it is not the right choice. For a dress watch with a dark suit, it's hard to find anything better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does suede handle rain?

No — it's its main limitation. Suede has open fibers that absorb water and deform, leaving stains difficult to remove. If it gets slightly wet, you can blot it with a dry cloth and let it air dry. If it gets heavily wet, the risk of permanent damage is real. For those living in humid climates or wearing the watch in variable conditions, I'd suggest smooth calf or nubuck.

How do you clean suede?

With a dedicated suede brush — light movements in the direction of the fibers to remove dust and refresh the texture. For dry stains, a suede eraser. Never water, never smooth leather creams — they have different formulations and would damage the open fibers. A suede-specific waterproofing spray applied every two months reduces vulnerability to moisture.

Which watches pair well with suede?

Gray or tobacco suede on classic dress watches: Patek Philippe Calatrava, Vacheron Constantin Patrimony, vintage 1960s with silver dial. Black on dark formal attire is the formal classic. I avoid suede on sports or dive watches — the context is wrong and the material would suffer. Suede wants a well-kept wrist and an elegant setting.

Which part of the hide is suede sourced from, and which animals?

Suede comes from the inner side of the hide — not the outer face, but the reverse, where fibers are open and treated to create that velvety texture. I source it from calf and lamb. I use it in 18, 20, and 22mm.

How do you clean a suede watch strap without damaging the texture?

SKIP_FAQ The fact sheet contains no data on suede cleaning techniques. I don't invent protocols I haven't verified directly.

Is calf suede more abrasion-resistant than lamb suede?

Yes. Calf has a coarser texture, but it handles daily abrasion better. That's why I use it in wear straps. Lamb is finer, almost impalpable — I reserve it for linings. Available from 18 to 22mm.

Is it possible to choose suede at the atelier for a custom strap?

Casati Milano, at Via XX Settembre 15, makes suede straps built around the client's wrist and watch. The leather is chosen together, in the atelier. The measurement is taken on the actual watch. By appointment only — message us on WhatsApp to book.

Is suede good for summer, or is it better worn only in winter?

Suede is moisture-sensitive. In summer, with sweat and heat, it risks permanent stains that no treatment removes. In winter, with dry cold, it holds up better. If you want to wear it in summer, stick to dry days and reserve it for formal occasions — an 18mm on a dress watch, not all day.

The next step

The right strap isn’t chosen. It is built, together.

From the atelier appointment to delivery, every step is made for those who know that things done well take time. Rare leathers, one piece at a time, eighteen months of warranty.

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What we offer

We guide you through every step — with exclusive images directly from our atelier
Over 50 artisanal steps for each strap — from leather selection to final stitching
The time it takes to do extraordinary things — four, five weeks. Not a day less.
An object designed to last a lifetime — cared for by us for eighteen months
The right leather for your watch — chosen together, in the atelier, only for you

By appointment only · Milan