Suede fabrics are leather made from animal skin with a fuzzy finish, mostly used for jackets and shoes. It has a napped and fuzzy finish.
During the Romantic Era, exported Swedish leather became very popular with French nobles. This animal leather fabric was called ‘gants de suede’ in French. It means ‘gloves from Sweden.’
This animal leather fabric has a unique, soft, and delicate feel. Thus, these fabrics have always been associated with high-end luxury up until today.
What Is Suede Fabric?
Suede fabric is leather derived from the underside of animal skin. They’re typically from goats or lambs. It’s a fine, close-woven yarn that’s soft and thin.
It also has a unique texture because of its napped and fuzzy finish.
This fabric is commonly used in jackets, shoes, and purses. Suede fabric is also considered a luxury leather.
Characteristics of suede fabrics
Durable
Suede leather is tougher than other cloth fabrics. But even though it’s a durable fabric, it still has a delicate drape– thanks to its thinness.
Smooth
Suede has a very soft hand feel. The smooth nap finish also contributes to this and gives the fabric a unique texture.
Pliable
Suede materials are very flexible. So, it can be molded easily to create different kinds of clothing and accessories.
How Are Suede Fabrics Made?
Suede fabrics are derived from animal skin. But unlike other leather types, suede fabrics use the underside of the skin instead of the top. This creates soft, thin, and flowy leather. Leather obtained from such a procedure is called “split leather.”
PETA explains how genuine suede is harvested. After extracting the animal skin, these are dried to be able to remove the hair follicles. The skin will be exposed to tannins, a natural enzyme that transforms them into leather.
The leather is then treated, thinned, textured, and dyed to create this fabric.
What Are The Types Of Suede Fabrics?
Before, the suede fabrics were made only from animal skin. Today, suede can be produced through different methods, thanks to modern-day technology.
Genuine suede
Only suede fabric that’s acquired from animals is considered genuine suede. Genuine suede fabric can be made from different types of animals.
Sheepskin
This type of genuine suede has a fine-grain fuzzy texture. It’s lightweight and thinner than other genuine suede material variants. It also has a silk-like feel. Sheepskin, also known as lambskin, is great for clothes.
Pigskin
Genuine suede textiles derived from pigs are more durable and thick. Pigskin works well with wallets and gloves.
Cowhide
If you’re aiming for durability, cowhide is the one to choose. It’s the roughest among all suede fabrics and the most durable. For a less rough texture, consider using calfskin.
Deerskin
Deerskin has almost the same texture as sheepskin. But this animal leather is more expensive compared to other genuine suedes. Deerskin can also keep you cool in the summer and warm during the winter.
Synthetic suede
Synthetic suede is not derived from animal skin as an alternative to genuine suede. It’s cheaper and easier to care for than genuine suede.
This type of artificial fabric is known to be an affordable luxury. Common synthetic suede textile variations are also more durable.
Ultrasuede
This synthetic suede is a branded textile developed by Miyoshi Okamoto in 1970. Ultrasuede comprises 20% polyurethane (PU) and 80% polyester microfiber.
Ultrasuede looks like its genuine version, with easier care instructions.
Alcantara
Another branded faux suede fabric is Alcantara fabric. Toray Industries and Alcantara developed this. This fabric is mostly used for handbags.
Microsuede
This suede textile came to life thanks to expired Ultrasuede patents. It’s the same as ultrasuede but with more characteristics. Microsuede is stainproof, water-resistant, and durable.
Sueded silk
Other types of fabrics include suede-like fabric. Through a chemical process, silk can mimic the texture of suede. This creates sueded silk– a type of faux suede.
Sueded cotton
Just like sueded silk, you can also make suede out of cotton fibers. It also undergoes a chemical process that roughens the cotton fabric’s surface to resemble the animal fabric.
What Are The Uses Of Suede Fabrics?
Suede materials are mostly used to create luxury fashion pieces. Many footwear, accessories, and outerwear are made from suede fabrics.
Footwear
This is the most popular use of suede textiles. Suede is used to create loafers, boots, and slides. They are lighter and more durable than other types of leather.
It also forms a nice shape because of suede’s pliable properties. Aside from that, suede shoes are comfortable and add personality to the wearer.
Accessories
Suede was originally used for gloves. Up until today, it’s been a famous fabric for gloves, belts, handbags, purses, and other accessories. Suede fabrics are a popular choice for accent pieces because of the fabric’s distinct appearance.
Outerwear
Suede’s texture is unique. So, it’s a fashion essential that you’d see in most closets. The most famous suede outerwear are suede fringe jackets.
What Is Suede vs Not Suede?
The suede fabrics are leather with a fuzzy, napped finish. Leather that is not suede is grainy and rough.
If you’re asking about genuine suede vs. synthetic suede, genuine suede is made from animal skin, while synthetic suede is not. The difference can’t easily be seen because faux suede looks and feels almost the same as genuine suede leather.
Conclusion
Suede is a type of fuzzy, napped leather. It’s very popular for making luxury shoes, accessories, and outerwear. And, it’s typically made from animal skin.
But because of modern-day technology, there are now many ways to produce suede material.
These can be made traditionally, where you get suede from animals like sheep and cows. Or it can be made from synthetic and natural fibers.
Faux suede fabric is preferred in changing times, especially by animal rights activists. The process of harvesting genuine suede requires the killing of animals.
Thankfully, there are now more choices for having that suede piece you’ve wanted for so long!
