Written by Ben Chuang
When I think of suede, Carl Perkins' song "Blue Suede Shoes" always comes to mind. Surely his classic hit boosted the sale of suede shoes across the world for at least a few seasons. There's something about suede leather that goes so well with big hair, rock and roll, and vintage fall fashion, evocative of a nostalgic past.
If you're thinking "what is suede", keep reading. This article explores all the different variations of suede, the softer cousin of durable leather.
What is Suede Made Of
Suede leather is crafted from the underside of animal hides, commonly from cows, sheep, goats, or deer. Unlike top-grain leather, which uses the outer layer of the hide, suede is produced by splitting the hide to expose the softer interior fibers, resulting in a unique, soft texture.
The characteristic napped finish of suede leather, achieved by buffing and brushing the interior fibers, gives it a velvety feel and a matte appearance.
Suede’s luxurious, lightweight nature makes it popular for jackets that look great with checked or gingham shirts. However, compared to tougher, full-grain leathers, suede is more prone to staining and damage. Its porous surface can absorb water and oil, requiring careful maintenance to keep its distinct texture and appearance.
What is Suede Leather
Suede leather is a type of leather derived from the inner layer of animal hides, with its characteristic napped, or brushed, texture achieved by buffing the flesh side of the hide.
Unlike standard leather, which uses a tougher outer layer, suede leather is softer, thinner, and more flexible. This process gives suede leather a distinct appearance that looks great with slim-fit button-down shirts, often described as soft, velvety, and with a slightly fuzzy texture.
Suede leather has lightweight and supple qualities make it a favorite material for high-end fashion items like types of jackets, gloves, shoes, and handbags.
However, suede leather is also more delicate and requires special care, as its porous surface is susceptible to stains, scratches, and water damage.
How Is Suede Made?
Suede is made from the underside of animal hides, typically from lamb, goat, calf, or deer. The process begins with tanning, which preserves the leather and prevents decomposition.
The hide is then split, with the softer, inner layer used to create suede. This material is sanded or buffed to achieve its signature velvety texture.
Different tanning and dyeing techniques can enhance suede’s durability and appearance, but its softness and breathability come from the natural fibers that remain intact.
While traditional suede comes from animal skin and hides, synthetic alternatives are also available, offering a similar look and feel without the use of real leather.
Different Types of Suede
Suede leather can be made from various leather hide, each offering unique textures, softness, and durability.
Cow Suede
Cowhide suede leather is one of the most popular types, known for its durability and thickness, making it ideal for shoes, jackets, and accessories that need to withstand frequent wear. Try pairing a cow suede jacket with this dark grey dress shirt.
Sheepskin Suede
Sheepskin suede leather is softer and lighter than cow suede, prized for its luxurious feel, and often used for high-end clothing and accessories. It provides a smoother texture and is typically easier to maintain than some other suedes, but it’s less durable.
Goatskin Suede
Goatskin suede leather falls between cow and sheepskin in terms of durability, offering a soft but sturdy option that’s popular for handbags and footwear.
Pigskin Suede
Pigskin suede leather is known for its distinct texture, which features a natural grainy pattern. Pigskin suede leather is highly durable and is often chosen for workwear and casual shoes due to its resilience. A blue floral dress shirt matches perfectly with brown pigskin suede leather shoes.
What is Micro Suede
Micro suede, also known as microfiber suede, is a synthetic material designed to resemble natural suede but is created from tightly woven polyester fibers.
It is soft and luxurious like traditional suede but is often more durable, stain-resistant, and easier to maintain with polyester shrinkage properties. Micro suede is a popular choice for furniture upholstery, clothing, and accessories, as it can withstand regular use and is easy to clean compared to natural suede.
The densely packed fibers give it a smooth texture and make it less likely to absorb liquids, making it particularly well-suited for households with pets or young children.
Micro suede can also be manufactured in a wide range of colors and finishes, adding to its versatility as a suede alternative.
This synthetic option appeals to those who want the look and feel of some suede leather products without the care requirements and delicacy associated with natural suede leather, offering a practical and budget-friendly choice for many applications.
Common Uses of Suede
Suede’s luxurious texture and warm appearance have made it a favored material in fashion, interior design, and accessories.
In fashion, suede is highly popular for items like jackets, skirts, and pants, as well as shoes, where its soft feel and matte finish add sophistication to casual and formal looks alike. Accessories such as handbags, types of belts, and types of hats also make frequent use of suede, as the material adds a tactile and elegant quality.
Beyond fashion, suede is common in furniture and home décor items, such as upholstery, pillows, and even rugs, where its rich texture adds warmth to a space. Designers may use suede as a focal point in interior designs, such as in statement armchairs or accent pillows because it offers a luxurious look with a comfortable feel.
However, because suede is more delicate than some other materials, it’s typically used in indoor items or pieces that will not be exposed to frequent wear or environmental elements.
What Are the Disadvantages of Suede?
While suede is stylish and luxurious, it has several downsides:
- Prone to Stains and Water Damage – Suede absorbs moisture easily, leading to water stains and discoloration. It’s not ideal for rainy or snowy conditions unless treated with a protective spray.
- Requires Frequent Maintenance – Unlike smooth leather, suede needs regular cleaning with a suede brush or eraser to prevent dirt buildup and restore its texture.
- Less Durable Than Full-Grain Leather – Because suede is made from the underside of the hide, it's softer but also more delicate and prone to scuffing and wear.
- Can Be Expensive – High-quality suede, especially from premium brands, can be costly due to the labor-intensive manufacturing process.
Despite these drawbacks, proper care and protective treatments can help extend suede’s lifespan. Keep reading as we have a "how to care for suede" section below!
What is Faux Suede?
Faux suede is a synthetic alternative to natural suede, crafted from polyester or other synthetic materials to mimic the soft texture and luxurious appearance of suede without using animal products.
Designed to have the same napped, velvety finish as true suede, faux suede is more resilient and often easier to care for, as it is typically less susceptible to water damage and stains.
Because it’s synthetic, faux suede can be made in various colors, thicknesses, and finishes, expanding its applications across fashion, furniture, and interior design.
Faux suede’s durability and ease of maintenance make it a popular option for those looking for the aesthetic qualities of suede without the delicate upkeep required for genuine suede leather.
Additionally, faux suede is often more affordable than real suede, appealing to budget-conscious consumers and those with ethical concerns about using animal-based materials.
What Is Nubuck?
Nubuck is a type of leather that, like suede, has a soft, velvety surface. However, instead of using the underside of the hide, nubuck is made from the outer (top grain) layer of leather. This makes it more durable and resistant to wear compared to suede.
To achieve its signature texture, nubuck is sanded or buffed to create a fine nap. It shares suede’s luxurious feel but is typically more expensive due to its strength and longevity.
Like suede, nubuck is also vulnerable to stains and water damage, so regular maintenance and protective treatments are recommended.
Nubuck vs. Microsuede vs. Suede
Nubuck, microsuede, and suede all offer a soft, luxurious texture, but they differ in material, durability, and maintenance needs.
- Suede is made from the underside of animal hides, giving it a soft and velvety feel, but it’s delicate and prone to stains.
- Nubuck comes from the outer layer of the hide, making it stronger and more durable while still maintaining a soft texture.
- Microsuede is a synthetic alternative made from polyester or microfiber, designed to mimic suede’s look while being more stain-resistant and affordable.
Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Suede | Nubuck | Microsuede |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Split leather (underside of the hide) | Top-grain leather (outer hide) | Synthetic (polyester/microfiber) |
| Texture | Soft, velvety, with a loose nap | Soft but denser, with a fine nap | Soft, smooth, mimics suede |
| Durability | Less durable, prone to scuffs and stains | More durable, resists wear better | Highly durable, resistant to wear and stains |
| Water Resistance | Absorbs moisture easily, stains without protection | Slightly more resistant but still needs care | Water-resistant, easy to clean |
| Maintenance | Requires brushing, suede protectant, careful cleaning | Needs occasional brushing and protection | Low-maintenance, easy to wipe clean |
| Cost | Mid-range to expensive | More expensive due to premium leather | Most affordable option |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose suede for a classic, high-end look with a soft feel (but be ready for maintenance).
- Go with Nubuck if you want a more durable, upscale leather that still feels soft.
- Opt for microsuede if you want a budget-friendly, low-maintenance alternative that mimics suede without the hassle.
In short, Nubuck, suede, and microsuede each offer a soft, stylish feel, but nubuck is the most durable, suede is the most luxurious, and microsuede is the easiest to maintain.
How to Care for Suede
Suede requires special care to maintain its soft texture and rich appearance. Cleaning a suede jacket is different from traditional leather; water and harsh cleaners can damage its fibers. To maintain suede items, use a suede brush regularly to keep the fibers from matting and to remove dust.
For stains, a suede eraser can gently lift marks without damaging the surface, while a touch of white vinegar on a soft cloth can help with more persistent stains.
What is Vegan Suede
Vegan suede is a type of synthetic material designed to replicate the look and feel of traditional suede without using any animal hide. Made from a blend of materials like polyester, polyurethane, or sometimes plant-based fibers, vegan suede offers an animal-friendly alternative that meets the growing demand for cruelty-free fashion.
It closely resembles the soft, napped texture of genuine suede, yet is often more durable and easier to maintain. Many vegan suede products are treated to resist water and stains better than natural suede leathers, making them more practical for everyday use.
Vegan suede is also available in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing for flexibility in style and design. As a sustainable choice, some forms of vegan suede incorporate recycled materials, adding an eco-conscious element that appeals to consumers prioritizing ethical and environmental considerations.
The combination of animal-free production and easier care makes vegan suede an increasingly popular material in both fashion and interior design.
Suede vs. Leather: Key Differences
While suede is a type of leather, it differs significantly from full-grain leather in terms of texture, durability, and usage. Full-grain leather is made from the outermost layer of the hide, giving it a smooth, durable surface that can withstand rough conditions and regular wear.
It’s widely used for leather products like wallets, belts, jackets, and suede shoes that require longevity and resilience. Suede leathers, by contrast, are made from the underside of the animal skin, giving it a soft, napped surface that feels luxurious but is more delicate.
Full-grain leather tends to be thicker, heavier, and more resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, while the suede material is lighter, softer, and more flexible, though it requires extra care to avoid damage.
Related Fabric Articles
If this article has piqued your interest in other fabrics, check out these related articles for further reading:
FAQs about suede
Is Suede Real Leather?
Yes, suede is a type of real leather. It is made from the underside of animal hides, usually from lamb, goat, calf, or deer. Its signature soft and velvety texture comes from the way the leather is processed and buffed.
What Happens If Suede Gets Wet?
When suede gets wet, it can absorb moisture, leading to stains, discoloration, or a stiff texture once it dries. To prevent damage, it's best to apply a suede-protecting spray and let wet suede air dry naturally before gently brushing it to restore its texture.
Is Suede Vegan?
No, traditional suede is not vegan because it is made from animal hides. However, there are synthetic alternatives, such as microsuede, which offer a similar look and feel without using animal products.
What Are the Downsides of Suede?
Suede is stylish but comes with a few drawbacks:
- It stains and absorbs water easily without proper protection.
It requires regular maintenance to keep its soft texture.
It’s more delicate and prone to scuffs compared to full-grain leather.
High-quality suede can be expensive.
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