The Complete Guide to Best Suede Fabric

Suede fabric is used mostly in making upholstery and even in clothing. It is a very famous fabric that serves multiple purposes. It is a type of leather, and it is usually made from an animal skin just the way natural leather is made. The only difference between suede fabric and other animal skin is that suede is made from the underlying skin of the animal. In contrast, other leathers are made from the outer lying surface of the animal skin. 

Suede Fabric

About the Material  

The underlying skin of the animal is considered to be softer than the inner lying skin. But this also makes the suede fabric less resilient. Also, for these, the fabric stains more than the leather, which is made from the outer side of the animal skin. This is the reason it is regarded as a luxury material. It is less durable than the other leathers but at the same time, it is softer and smoother in texture. Also, it is far more comfortable when you will be feeling against the skin.  

Compared to the other type of leather, it is much more permeable. This means that suede fabric does not inherit the waterproofing characteristics of leather. Thus it is recommended to wear suede garments in dry weather only.  

The most used animal skin to make suede is lambskin. However, skins of the calf, deer, goat, and other animals are also used. 

In order to reduce cruelty, the industry has found another alternative to this, which is the use of synthetic suede. The replication of authentic suede cannot be done by synthetic suede, but the price is not that high and the synthetic variety is far more durable than the authentic one. 

How Is It Made? 

The production of authentic suede fabric begins with the skinning of the animals. The skin needs to be correctly skinned. The hide needs to be dried up properly; all kinds of hair and its follicle should be removed from the leather. Next up, the use of chemicals: it is known as lime. Lime is used to remove the residues of the hair follicles. It is then mixed with tannin, which is natural enzymes and can reduce the inert and then transform it entirely to leather. 

Tannin is used to prevent the fabric from decaying. The method of applying tannin is known as tanning. Now the leather making is almost finished. But it cannot be called suede fabric now. The leather in this stage is treated by salts, natural compounds, and oils. This is the process where the leather becomes far more durable. Synthetic chemicals are also used to improves its durability. In the next stage, the leather is split and thinned. Another process is also used to make it more desirable. Many manufacturers apply the dye in suede to match their color preferences. Leather is not friendly to color, whereas suede is far friendlier to dye. 

Where Is It Used? 

Suede is mostly used in apparel, such as in making jackets and other winter wears. It is also used to make accessories such as handbags, high-quality belts, inner parts of a coat, seat cover of any automobile or upholstery, or in making any designer hats. Another popular segment, where suede fabric is mostly used is the shoe industry. Here the suede fabric is used in making boots, sandals, heels, and other types of shoes, etc.  

Conclusion 

Suede fabric is delicate than any leather, and thus, it is more preferred by many industries. However, the usage is limited, as this fabric is of delicate quality. The natural shade of this fabric is light brown. Suede apparel, shoes, upholstery, and accessories are very sensitive; thus, it requires regular maintenance and these products must be handled with extreme care.