How Suede Fabric Is Made

Suede Fabric is a soft, flexible material that looks and feels like leather but has the durability of cotton. This combination of strength and flexibility makes suede an ideal choice for both fashionable clothing and functional coats, jackets, and shoes. It can also add a touch of extravagance to everyday items that you wear, such as hats, purses, and cufflinks.

The process of making suede begins with the slaughtering of the animal that will provide the hide used to make the fabric. The skin is then dried, and the hair follicles are removed. Once the follicles are gone, the skin is treated with natural chemicals that convert it into leather. Next, it is exposed to a series of enzymes that further transform the leather into suede.

Once the leather is finished, it's typically dyed in a variety of colors before it is sold to garment and accessory manufacturers. The special texture of suede allows it to bond well with both natural and artificial dyes. In some cases, the suede may be given a final waterproofing coating before it is sold to consumers.

The type of animal skin that is used to make suede will have a large impact on its texture and appearance. Lambskin is the most popular suede, but goat, pig, and deer hides can also be used to make the fabric. The age of the animal that is used to produce the suede will also have an effect on its consistency and finish. Older animals have tougher, thicker hides that yield a suede that isn't as soft and smooth as some people prefer.

Suede is a popular choice for high fashion designers due to its delicate look and durable quality. It became a mainstay in luxury clothing production during the twentieth century, and it continues to be a preferred fabric for designers such as Givenchy and Hermes. Many designers also work directly with tanneries to create unique styles of suede that are used exclusively for their collections.

Unlike regular leather, suede is breathable and can be worn comfortably in most weather conditions. It's also more resistant to moisture than leather, which helps it retain its shape and pliability longer. This feature is what makes suede a great material for apparel that will be worn in colder climates.

Although suede is a comfortable material to wear, it's important to treat it with care and to follow the instructions that came with your garment or accessory. Unlike most other fabrics, it is recommended that you only dry clean suede rather than washing it in the machine. The harshness of a machine wash can damage the napped surface of the fabric, which can cause it to lose its supple texture and become stiff and rigid. It is also important to use a dry cleaning chemical that won't leave any harmful residues on the suede, as these chemicals can damage the surface of the fabric.