Suede

Definition and Overview

Suede originally refers to leather made by finely raising the back side of tanned animal hide with buffing or similar methods. It is not the name of a woven or knitted structure, but a term for the surface character created by short nap.

In apparel, woven and knitted fabrics that express a suede-like texture using polyester and other materials are also available as “suede-look” fabrics. Because natural suede and suede-look textile differ in material, performance, and care methods, check the product description.

Characteristics

The surface has fine nap, and light and the direction of the nap may create a difference in depth of color. It is characterized by a subdued luster and a soft, warm texture.

Natural suede is a material that easily shows differences in appearance depending on the part and the individual hide, and is easily affected by moisture and oils. By contrast, suede-look textile can vary greatly in stretch, washability, thickness, and drape depending on the material composition and processing.

• Depending on the direction of the nap, it may appear as if there is a color difference.
• On the napped surface, friction can flatten the nap and cause fading or sheen.
• When cutting, aligning the nap makes it easier to control the appearance of the finished product.

Main Applications

Natural suede is used for jackets, coats, skirts, pants, shoes, bags, and more. It is often selected for autumn and winter plans that make use of its napped feel, but depending on thickness and finish, it can also be used for accessories year-round.

Suede-look textile is used for shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, pants, jackets, stage costumes, and more. Some are lightweight or stretchy, and they may be easier to handle for specifications and sewing that are difficult to achieve with leather.

Selection and Handling Notes

When selecting, confirm separately whether it is natural leather or suede-look textile, and compare the composition, thickness, industry weight, stretch, back side condition, and care label with the specifications. For natural leather, it is important to check the entire piece before cutting, taking into account color variation and differences in appearance.

Natural suede may become stiff, deform, shrink, or change color if washed with water, so in general follow the care label and consider professional cleaning if necessary. Suede-look textile may also shrink or change texture after washing depending on the material and processing, so test it in advance.

In sewing, unify the direction of the nap on the pattern and consider one-way cutting. On napped surfaces, feed slippage and pressure marks may appear, and needle holes may also stand out, so confirm the needle, thread, presser foot pressure, and stitch conditions with a test sew.

Differences from Similar Terms

Velour and velvet are materials made by cutting the pile of woven or knitted fabrics to create nap. Suede is originally napped leather, and the structure is different. However, suede-look textile may look similar.

Artificial leather is a general term for materials that reproduce the structure and texture of leather by impregnating or coating a base fabric with resin. There is also suede-look artificial leather, but “suede-look” may refer to the surface appearance and does not necessarily indicate the material category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are suede and suede-look textile the same?

No, they are not the same. Suede is originally napped natural leather. Suede-look textile refers to materials such as fibers or artificial leather that express a similar appearance and feel. Because washability, stretch, thickness, and the way color differences appear vary, check the composition and care instructions.

Can suede be washed at home?

Natural suede may become stiff, shrink, lose its shape, or change color if washed with water, so avoid washing it on your own and follow the product care label. Some suede-look textile can be washed, but always check the label and test in advance.

What should be noted when cutting and sewing suede-look textile?

To align the appearance of color differences caused by the nap, basically cut all pieces in the same direction. Also, on napped surfaces, feed slippage, presser marks, and needle holes may appear. Before mass production, make a sample including interfacing and determine the sewing conditions.