Suede Fabric Facts
The development of synthetic microfibers by Japanese scientists in the 1970s culminated in Ultrasuede, which Dupont began producing in quantity in 1989. Ultrasuede made it possible to manufacture suede-like luxury apparel, furniture, accessories and home goods at a lower cost than natural suede. Though suede has not lost its popularity; synthetic suede fabrics offer easier cleaning options and high quality products for those who would prefer not to buy animal-based products. Does this Spark an idea?
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Traditional Suede Features
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Traditional suede can show scuffs, marks and color differentiation. Suede and suede fabrics are not made of the same material even though the name gives that notion. Natural suede is the underside of leather, which is the skin of an animal. The most common skins come from lamb, cowhide, deer and pig. Suede is softer to the touch than leather and has a "napped" texture or brushed finish. It is less resilient than leather and must be delicately cared for. Dyes tend to run in suede products when wet, and marks and scuffs are easily visible.
Suede Fabric Types and Features
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Bolts of suede fabrics can be found at your local fabric store. Synthetic suede fabrics such as Ultrasuede and other microfibers are alternatives to animal-based products; they also have a soft brushed or napped finish, similar to true suede. It is a practical suede alternative due to its washable nature and resistance to certain stains. For instance, grease may be more difficult to remove, but water spots can be removed in the regular wash cycle if the care instructions recommend this. Although suede fabrics are primarily made from polyester, other fabrics such as cotton and silk exist with the same brushed texture.
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Products and Benefits
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Shoes are often constructed with suede fabrics. Leading uses for suede fabrics include clothing such as jackets, pants and skirts. The main ingredient in suede fabric is polyester, but it is often blended with spandex to help clothing hold its shape and for a fitted look. It is also used for a multitude of accessories such as handbags and shoes, as well as automobile interiors. Home furnishing items such as furniture, duvets and drapes are also available through retailers. Due to its durability, versatility, texture and affordability it is a popular choice.
Affordability
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With suede material, price points rise depending on the retailer, designer, brand and which skin it comes from. Suede fabrics, on the other hand, cost considerably less, and bolts of fabric can be bought in bulk from many online sites and fabric stores for less. For example, a pair of natural suede boots can cost well into the thousands, but in many cases the same pair of boots in microfiber will be less expensive.
Upkeep and Cleaning
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When buying any suede fabric product, check the tag or care instructions enclosed with the item. Some items, such as clothing, drapery and bedding, are machine washable, while suede furniture must be cleaned by hand with a soft brush, wet cloth and very gentle cleaning products. A lint brush will help restore the "nap" for furniture. In some cases the instructions call for a dry detergent as an alternative to cleaning with water. If these techniques do not work, call your local fabric store or professional cleaner, who is accustomed to cleaning suede fabrics.
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References
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- Photo Credit Fabric image by cacheman from Fotolia.com suede image by Dancer01 from Fotolia.com fabric swatches image by Empath from Fotolia.com Red female shoes on a white background image by terex from Fotolia.com
