Which suede spray came out on top?
I tested out 3 of the highest reviewed suede sprays on Amazon in my bags so you don’t have to.
First I used the Nikwax waterproofer on my coach Rhyder 24 in chocolate brown suede.
Cons:
I was not a fan of the spray nozzle. While it sprayed a lot of product it was hard to get even layers.
It came leaking 😭
It made my bag feel kinda stiff and not soft so I had it brush it out a lot.
It also looked like so build up happened. And it made my bag darker which I don’t mind but I def would not use it in a light suede bag!
Pros:
Perfect waterproofing! The water beaded up and wiped off perfectly!
It looked great in the handles.
Zero smell while spraying!
This does also wear off over time to the build up and stiffness and discoloration will wear off.
Next I used crep on my new Coach outlet large suede Rowan!
Cons:
Strong initial smell (goes away after drying though)
Did not completely protect against water spots.
Pros:
Smell goes away completely after drying.
No discoloration
Did have some water resistance
Love the spray nozzle.
Next I used Apple branded leather garde on my Tory Burch Charlie suede drawstring bag.
Cons:
Drips a little (but that was mostly user error on my part)
Strong initial smell (but goes away after drying)
Pros:
No discoloration (works for light suede)
Waterproofs well (slight water marks left but not as bad as crep)
Smell disappears
Love the spray nozzle
Smell goes away completely
Have you tried any of these?
From my experience using suede sprays on different bags, it's clear that choosing the right spray depends on your priorities—whether it's waterproofing, maintaining the suede's softness, or avoiding discoloration. When using the Nikwax Waterproofer, I noticed excellent waterproofing as water simply beaded up and wiped away effortlessly. However, the spray nozzle was tricky; it often leaked and made it hard to apply an even coat, which caused build-up and stiffness on the leather. This spray also darkened the suede noticeably, which can be a pro or a con depending on your bag's original color. I personally had to brush the surface a lot afterwards to restore some softness, but if your bag is a lighter shade of suede, Nikwax might not be the best choice. Crep Protect impressed me with its easy-to-use spray nozzle and no discoloration, maintaining the original look of my suede bag well. Although its water resistance wasn’t perfect—it allowed some water spots—the scent faded completely once dry, which was a plus. For casual wearers or those who don’t face harsh weather often, this could be a good balance between protection and maintaining texture. Apple branded leather guard stood out for combining effective waterproofing with minimal discoloration, making it great for light-colored suede bags. It had some minor drips during application, likely due to user handling, but overall it performed well with only slight water marks that were less bothersome than those seen with Crep. The scent also dissipated quickly. I appreciated the nozzle design which made application relatively easy. Overall, if waterproofing is your top priority and color darkening isn’t an issue, Nikwax is a powerful option. But if you want to keep your bag’s original soft feel and color intact with moderate water protection, Apple’s leather guard may be the best fit. Crep falls somewhere in the middle, balancing ease of use and reasonable protection. I’d recommend testing sprays on a hidden area first to see how your suede reacts—especially if you own a light-colored or particularly delicate suede bag. Remember, regular maintenance and gentle brushing after application can help keep your suede looking fresh and supple. Have you tried any of these sprays on your bags? Share your experience to help others make informed choices about suede care!
