Suedehead is an early-1970s British youth subculture that emerged as a direct offshoot of the Skinhead movement. While Suedeheads shared a common working-class lineage with skinheads, they were distinguished by a significantly more formal manner of dress and a slightly longer hairstyle. The movement represented a shift toward stylistic sophistication, with some adherents even holding white-collar jobs.

Aesthetically, Suedeheads sought to distance themselves from the "bovver boy" image of their predecessors by swapping heavy work boots and braces for high-end tailoring and velvet-collared overcoats.

The Suedehead subculture peaked between 1970 and 1973 as a transitional phase between the original 1960s skinhead era and the later Mod and skinhead revivals.

By the early 1970s, many skinheads began to grow their hair out and refine their wardrobe, moving away from the aggressive utilitarianism of the 1960s. This "mini-mod" revival was most prominent among working-class teenagers in large inner-city urban areas. In the late 1970s, a second Suedehead revival emerged alongside the Mod Revival , spearheaded by figures such as Hoxton Tom McCourt.

The subculture left a significant mark on British literature and film. The 1970 film Bronco Bullfrog captured the everyday lives and style of Suedehead youth in East London. Additionally, James Moffatt (writing as Richard Allen) published the exploitation novel Suedehead , a sequel to his hit Skinhead , which became widely read by teenagers of the period. The Suedehead focus on high-quality brand awareness also provided the blueprint for the later Casual movement on football terraces.

The Suedehead look was defined by its sharp "city-slicker" elegance applied to everyday wear rather than just dancehall attire.

The name "Suedehead" derived from the adherents' hairstyle, which was grown slightly longer than the shaved heads of early skinheads. The hair was typically kept short enough to retain the texture of suede but long enough to be parted, distinguishing them from "hairies" (hippies) while remaining neat and disciplined.

While they retained the traditional skinhead devotion to ska, rocksteady, early reggae, soul, and R&B, Suedeheads also broadened their horizons to include British glam rock . Bands such as The Sweet, Slade, Mott the Hoople, and Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie) were frequently embraced. During the late 1970s revival, Suedeheads became key followers of the 2 Tone record label, supporting groups like The Specials, Madness, and The Beat.

The subculture was intrinsically linked to the ownership of Lambretta scooters. Nightclubs and dancehalls served as primary social hubs where Suedeheads could showcase their expensive clothing and participate in the wider soul and reggae scenes of the early 70s.