What is Suede Fabric? Difference Between Suede, Leather and Faux Leather

When you think of luxurious, soft, and stylish materials, suede fabric often comes to mind. But what is suede fabric? How is it made? And what makes it such a popular choice for fashion? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of suede fabric, from its origins to its modern alternative substitutions, and make a comparison between suede, leather and faux.

What is Suede Fabric?

Definition of Suede Fabric

Suede is a type of leather that is derived from the underside of the animal skin, typically lambskin but also possibly from other animals like cows, goats, pigs, calves, and deer. Suede feels more like cotton. It is characterized by its soft and luxurious texture, fuzzy finish and smooth nap. This unique texture of suede gives it a distinctively different feel and appearance compared to regular leather, which is usually made from the outer or grain side of the hide. 

Origins of Suede

The word “suede” has a fascinating backstory. It originates from the French expression “gants de Suede”, which translates to “gloves from Sweden”. During the Romantic era, French nobility imported gloves made from Swedish leather due to their exquisite softness and elegance. 

Swedish leather artisans, known for their craftsmanship, discovered a way to use the soft inner skin of animals to create these gloves. Over time, the term “suede” became synonymous with this type of soft, velvety leather.

How is Suede Fabric Made?

The production of suede fabric is a meticulous process that involves several key steps. Here are the steps of how suede is made:

1. Raw Material Preparation: High-quality animal hides are selected, cleaned, and prepared for tanning.
2. Tanning: The hides undergo a tanning process to preserve them and make them suitable for further processing.
3. Splitting and Shaving: The tanned hides are split into layers and the inner layer is shaved to create a uniform, velvety surface.
4. Finishing: The shaved leather is dyed, napped to enhance the suede effect, and optionally coated with a protective layer.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Suede Fabric

Suede has gained popularity in the fashion and interior design industries. It also comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Zalety

• Luxurious look

• Oddychalność

• Soft and comfortable touch

• Warmth and Insulation

Wady

• High cost

• Lower durability

• Sensitivity to water and stains

• Regular maintenance

Faux Suede: An Affordable Choice to Suede Fabric

Faux suede has become a popular fabric in recent years. It is a kind of textile made of synthetic materials such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), coated onto a fabric base to mimic the appearance and texture of suede.

Affordability: It is more affordable than suede. This makes it accessible to a wider range of consumers, allowing them to enjoy the look and feel of suede without breaking the bank.

Versatility: It is available in different colors, patterns, and textures, offering greater versatility in design and styling options. It can be easily dyed, embossed, or embroidered to create a wide range of styles and patterns.

Trwałość: It is often more durable than suede. They are less prone to wear and tear, making them a longer-lasting option for clothing, furniture, and other applications.

Ease of Care: Faux is generally easier to clean and maintain than genuine suede. 

Eco-Friendly Options: With increasing concern for the environment, many faux products are now made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This allows consumers to make more responsible choices without compromising on style or quality.

Animal-Friendly: Unlike genuine suede, which is derived from any type of animal, faux is a vegan-friendly option. This makes it an appealing choice for consumers who are concerned about animal welfare and ethical fashion. 

Difference Between Suede, Leather and Faux Leather

What are the Uses of Suede Fabric?

Suede is a timeless textile. It is a pliable leather that can be a good choice for making suede shoes, clothing and accessories due to its unique advantages. 

• Outwear

Suedes are often used in the production of stylish outerwear items. Its soft touch and napped surface make it a popular choice for jackets, coats, and vests. Suede outwear is particularly favored for its ability to provide a warm and cozy feel while still maintaining a sleek and modern look. Additionally, its nap can add a layer of warmth by trapping air, making it an excellent choice for colder weather.

• Footwear

Suede footwear, such as boots, shoes, and sandals, is renowned for its comfort and style. Its flexibility allows for a better fit and can conform to the shape of your foot over time. Footwear made by suede is usually seen as a chic and sophisticated choice for both casual and formal occasions. They are also lightweight, making them ideal for everyday wear. 

• Akcesoria

Suede can also be used in various accessories. Handbags, purses, wallets, and belts made of suede add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. Its soft touch makes it comfortable to handle and wear. Suede hats, gloves, and scarves are also popular choices for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their winter wardrobe. 

Additionally, suede can be used to create unique and stylish home decor accessories, such as cushions, throws, and upholstery.

Wniosek

Suede is a beautiful and versatile material with a rich history and a wide range of applications. So, whether you’re looking for a new jacket, a stylish pair of shoes, or some cozy home decor items, consider suede fabric for a touch of elegance and sophistication. 

FAQ 

How to clean suede fabric?

Make sure to care for suede regularly. You can use a suede brush with brass or nylon bristle to gently remove any dirt or dust, always brush in the direction of the nap. If the stain persists, you can apply a suede cleaner and avoid using water directly, as it can cause the material to stiffen and lose its soft texture.

What are the different types of suede?

Suede is a kind of leather that can be categorized into genuine types like sheepskin, pigskin, cowhide, and deerskin, as well as synthetic alternatives such as Ultrasuede, Alcantara, Microsuede, sueded silk and sueded cotton.

Is suede fabric sustainable?

Suede fabric is generally not considered sustainable. Since suede is derived from animal hides, the production involves the use of resources and can have negative environmental impacts, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock farming.