What Is Suede And Different Types Of Suede Leather? A Comprehensive Guide
Suede is a type of leather that is known for its soft, velvety texture and luxurious feel. It is a popular choice in the fashion industry for various applications, including shoes, clothing, and accessories. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what suede is, its origins, the process of making suede fabric, as well as the different types of suede leather available in the market today.
What Is Suede Fabric?
Suede fabric manufacturers make this type of textile from the underside of animal hide, usually from cow, goat, or sheep skins. They do not obtain suede from the outer layer of the hide but instead sand and buff the inner layer to create its characteristic soft and fuzzy surface. The resulting material has a napped texture that gives it a unique appeal and sets it apart from other types of leather.
A Brief History of Suede
People in ancient times discovered that they could transform the inner layer of animal hide into a soft and pliable material, giving birth to the history of suede. Suede production techniques have evolved over the centuries, with various civilizations, such as the Native Americans and the ancient Egyptians, contributing to its development. However, it was during the 19th century that suede gained significant popularity, especially in the realm of fashion and upholstery.
Some Attributes of Suede Leather
a. Fuzzy and Napped Texture:
One of the most distinguishing features of suede is its fuzzy and napped texture. This texture is achieved through a meticulous sanding process that raises the fibers on the surface of the leather, resulting in a velvety feel.
b. Matte Appearance:
Unlike other leathers that have a glossy or shiny finish, suede leather has a matte appearance. This lends it a sophisticated and understated charm, making it a popular choice for both casual and formal attire.
c. Permeability and Stain Susceptibility:
Suede is known for its porous nature, which makes it highly permeable. While this attribute allows the material to breathe and provides comfort, it also makes suede more susceptible to stains and liquid damage.
d. Thin and Delicate:
Compared to other types of leather, suede is relatively thin and delicate. This characteristic makes it prone to wear and tear if not properly cared for, necessitating special attention and maintenance.
e. Cleaning Challenges:
Due to its delicate nature, cleaning suede can be a challenge. It requires specialized cleaning methods and products to remove stains and maintain its original texture and appearance.
With its unique appeal and desirable qualities, suede has become a highly sought-after material in the realms of fashion and design. The next section will delve into the process of making suede fabric, exploring the intricate steps involved in its production.
The Making of Suede Fabric
The production of a suede fabric involves several intricate steps that transform raw animal hide into the soft and luxurious material we know as suede. Let’s take a closer look at the detailed process:
a. Slaughtering of Animals:
The first step in creating suede fabric is the slaughtering of animals for their hides. Commonly used animal hides include cows, goats, and sheep.
b. Removing Hair Follicles:
Once the animals are slaughtered, the tanners remove the hair follicles on the hides. This process, commonly referred to as dehairing, involves a combination of chemical treatment and mechanical scraping.
c. Transforming into Leather:
After removing the hair, the tanners soak the hides in water to increase their pliability. They subsequently treat the hides with chemicals to prevent decay and eliminate any remaining flesh or fat. This step transforms the hides into leather.
d. Treating the Leather:
The leather is then further processed to prepare it for the suede-making process. This involves a series of treatments, including degreasing, pickling, and tanning, to enhance the durability and flexibility of the material.
e. Thinning:
To achieve the desired thickness, tanners split the leather into two layers. They typically use the top layer, known as the grain side, for other types of leather. The bottom layer, which is referred to as the flesh side, is the part used specifically for suede.
f. Texturing:
The flesh side of the leather is then buffed using abrasive tools or sandpaper to create a consistent, fuzzy texture. This process raises the fibers on the surface, resulting in the velvety nap that is characteristic of suede.
g. Dyeing:
After completing the texturing process, manufacturers can dye the suede fabric to achieve a wide range of colors. They accomplish this by either immersing the fabric in vats of dye or by spraying the dye onto the surface of the material. The dye penetrates the fibers, resulting in a uniform color throughout the suede.
h. Sewing:
Once the suede fabric is ready, it can be cut and sewn into various products such as shoes, jackets, bags, and upholstery. Skilled artisans work with delicate material, ensuring precise stitching and attention to detail.
The process of creating suede fabric requires expertise and meticulous attention at every stage. Each step contributes to the unique qualities and luxurious appeal of suede. In the following section, we will explore the common types of suede leather available in the market today, each with its own distinct characteristics and uses.
What are the Common Types of Suede Leather?
Suede leather is available in various types, each derived from different animal hides. Let’s explore some of the most common types of suede leather:
a. Sheepskin Suede Leather:
First of all, sheepskin suede stands out as one of the most popular and widely used types of suede leather. Renowned for its remarkably soft texture and luxurious feel, sheepskin suede offers a plethora of desirable qualities. Notably, its lightweight nature coupled with excellent insulation makes it suitable for various applications, including clothing, footwear, and accessories. This particular type of suede leather frequently finds its way into the creation of cozy jackets, comfortable slippers, and stylish handbags.
b. Cowhide Suede Leather:
Cowhide suede is another prevalent type of suede leather. It is derived from the hide of cows and is valued for its durability and strength. Cowhide suede is thicker and more robust compared to sheepskin suede, making it suitable for applications that require sturdiness and longevity. It is commonly used in the production of footwear, upholstery, and heavy-duty accessories such as belts and wallets. The versatile nature of cowhide suede makes it a popular choice for both fashion and functional purposes.
c. Goatskin Suede Leather:
Goatskin suede leather, while less common than sheepskin and cowhide suede, possesses its own unique qualities. It is known for its softness, lightweight nature, and exceptional breathability. It is highly flexible and offers excellent drape, making it an ideal choice for crafting garments such as jackets and skirts. Thanks to its supple texture and resistance to abrasion, manufacturers frequently use goatskin suede leather in the creation of gloves and small leather goods.
What are some Advantages of Suede Leather?
Suede leather offers numerous advantages that make it a sought-after material in the world of fashion and design. Let’s explore some of the key benefits of suede leather:
Soft and Luxurious Feel:
One of the most significant advantages of suede leather is its irresistibly soft and luxurious texture. The napped surface creates a velvety feel that is incredibly pleasing to the touch. The tactile sensation of suede enhances the overall comfort and sensory experience when wearing suede garments or using suede accessories.
Attractive Appearance:
Suede leather boasts an attractive and elegant appearance. Additionally, its matte finish exudes sophistication and a sense of understated style. Moreover, the natural grain and texture variations in suede add depth and character to the material, making it visually appealing. Consequently, suede’s aesthetic appeal makes it a popular choice for creating fashion-forward clothing, footwear, and accessories.
Comfortable and Flexible:
Suede leather is highly comfortable to wear due to its softness and flexibility. It molds to the shape of the body, providing a comfortable fit and ease of movement. The suppleness of suede allows for a greater range of motion, making it ideal for clothing items like jackets, skirts, and pants that require flexibility and comfort.
Durability:
Despite its soft and delicate appearance, suede leather is surprisingly durable. Its tight fibers and compact structure contribute to its resilience and ability to withstand wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, suede leather products can last for many years, making it a long-lasting investment.
Breathability:
Suede leather is breathable, allowing air to circulate through the material. In addition, this breathability helps regulate body temperature and prevents the buildup of moisture, keeping the wearer comfortable. Furthermore, the ability of suede to breathe makes it suitable for warm-weather garments and footwear, ensuring optimal comfort even in hot and humid conditions.
Water Resistance:
While suede leather is not completely waterproof, it exhibits a degree of water resistance. The densely packed fibers of suede make it more resistant to water penetration compared to other types of leather. This quality makes suede suitable for light rain or occasional splashes. However, it is important to note that suede is still susceptible to water damage and requires proper protection and care.
Versatility:
Suede leather’s versatility is another advantage that sets it apart. It can be easily dyed in a wide range of colors, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Suede’s adaptability makes it suitable for a diverse array of products, including clothing, shoes, handbags, upholstery, and even interior decor items. Its ability to effortlessly transition from casual to formal settings makes suede a versatile choice for various fashion styles and applications.
What are some Disadvantages of Suede Leather?
While considering suede leather, it is important to take into account the few disadvantages that it comes with.
Let’s explore some of the common drawbacks of suede leather:
Stain and Dirt Susceptibility:
Suede leather’s porous nature makes it more susceptible to stains and dirt compared to other types of leather. Spills, oils, and even simple contact with dirty surfaces can leave visible marks on suede. Special care and cleaning techniques are required to remove stains from suede effectively.
Limited Water Resistance:
While suede leather has some degree of water resistance, it is not fully waterproof. Exposure to excessive moisture or prolonged contact with water can result in water spots or discoloration. Suede should be protected from rain and other sources of water to maintain its appearance.
Susceptible to Wear and Tear:
Suede leather, being relatively thin and delicate, is more prone to wear and tear compared to thicker leather. Friction or rubbing against rough surfaces can cause abrasions or scuffs on the surface of the suede. Regular use of suede items may lead to a gradual loss of its initial softness and texture.
High Maintenance:
Suede leather requires regular and careful maintenance to preserve its appearance and durability. Special brushes and cleaning products designed specifically for suede are necessary to remove dirt, restore nap, and keep the material in optimal condition. Suede items may require more attention and upkeep compared to other types of leather.
Limited Color Options:
Suede leather, due to its unique properties, may have limitations when it comes to color options. Achieving vibrant or bright colors in suede can be challenging, as the dye may not penetrate evenly throughout the material. This limitation may restrict the range of color choices available for suede leather products.
Sensitivity to Sunlight:
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration in suede leather. UV rays can damage the dyes used in the material, resulting in a loss of vibrancy and uneven coloration. It is advisable to store suede items away from direct sunlight and use protective covers when necessary.
Price:
Suede leather is often more expensive compared to other types of leather due to the additional processes involved in its production. The meticulous sanding and texturing required to achieve the desired softness and texture contribute to the higher cost of suede products.
How Does Suede Fabric Impact the Environment?
The production of suede fabric and leather, like any other manufacturing process, has an impact on the environment. Let’s take a closer look at some of the environmental considerations associated with suede fabric production:
Resource Intensive:
The production of suede leather requires significant resources, including water, energy, and chemicals. The tanning process, in particular, involves the use of chemicals such as chromium salts, which can have adverse effects on the environment if not managed properly. The industry is actively making efforts to develop more sustainable tanning processes and reduce the environmental footprint.
Waste Generation:
The manufacturing process of suede leather generates waste materials, such as trimmings, scraps, and chemical byproducts. Proper waste management and disposal methods are essential to minimize the environmental impact of suede production. Increasingly, efforts are being made to repurpose or recycle leather waste to reduce landfill waste.
Deforestation:
Moreover, the demand for leather, including suede, indirectly contributes to deforestation through the production of livestock feed and the expansion of grazing areas. Forests are frequently cleared to make way for cattle ranching, resulting in habitat loss and depletion of biodiversity. However, the implementation of sustainable sourcing practices and the promotion of responsible land use can play a crucial role in mitigating this environmental impact.
Water Consumption:
The production of suede leather involves water-intensive processes, such as soaking, washing, and dyeing. The extraction of raw materials and the treatment of wastewater contribute to water consumption and can result in water pollution if not properly managed. Water conservation measures and the implementation of water treatment technologies are essential to minimize the environmental impact.
Chemical Pollution:
The use of chemicals in the tanning and dyeing processes can lead to pollution if not managed responsibly. Chemicals such as chromium, used in the tanning process, can be toxic and harmful to ecosystems if released into the environment. Strict regulations and the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives are important to reduce chemical pollution.
Carbon Footprint:
The transportation of raw materials and finished suede products contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint. Moreover, the industry is increasingly exploring ways to reduce emissions through more efficient logistics, the use of renewable energy sources, and sustainable supply chain practices.
Final Words
In conclusion, suede leather is a unique and sought-after material known for its softness, luxurious feel, and attractive appearance. Despite its advantages, such as comfort, flexibility, and breathability, suede leather does have some drawbacks, including susceptibility to stains, high maintenance requirements, and limited water resistance. Additionally, the production of suede fabric has environmental considerations, including resource-intensive processes, waste generation, and potential chemical pollution. However, the industry is taking steps toward sustainability and responsible sourcing. At makerofjacket.com, we offer a wide range of high-quality suede leather jackets that combine style and craftsmanship. Visit our website to explore our collection and find the perfect suede leather jacket for your wardrobe.
