Suede is a fabric with a thick, fluffy outer surface and a smooth inner side. Many people confuse suede with velvet due to their similar physical properties and overall feel. In fact, in French, the word "velours" means velvet.
If you're wondering what the difference is between suede and velvet, it's that suede has a longer pile. Suede is also more practical and durable than velvet. This durability makes suede especially suitable not only for clothing but also for upholstered furniture, shoes, and more.
How is this fabric made? The double-layered suede fabric is produced by weaving two base fabrics, over which two weft threads create an additional, independent layer. These two layers are then connected with a pile layer, made from a single thread zigzagging between the two bases. This single-thread layer is then cut, resulting in two fabrics made from five threads each.
Suede falls into the category of expensive and delicate materials and therefore requires special care.
It’s best to wash suede products by hand or on a delicate cycle in the washing machine, as there's a risk of damaging the fabric.
If you're cleaning suede upholstery, never use bleach or harsh chemicals. If stains appear, it’s best to contact a professional dry cleaner who will handle the material properly.
Let’s now summarize the advantages and disadvantages of suede.
Advantages:
1. Stunning appearance. Suede dresses look elegant and very stylish.
2. Suede has a soft sheen and reflects light beautifully, enhancing its colors.
3. This material drapes beautifully, creating a striking effect.
4. Suede is extremely pleasant to the touch.
5. It is a very dense fabric, which means suede is highly durable.
6. Suede garments hardly need ironing, as the material doesn't wrinkle easily.
7. Suede products are comfortable in all temperatures because the fibers on the surface create an air gap. This allows for airflow, helping retain warmth while also being breathable.
8. It does not shrink.
9. The fabric retains its color brightness well, but care should still be taken when washing.
Disadvantages:
1. Improper storage may cause suede to lose its luxurious appearance and develop creases on the surface.
2. If the fabric is not 100% natural, its durability and resistance to wear may decrease significantly.
3. Suede tends to attract dust and dirt like a magnet.
1. Suede pairs beautifully with knitwear, as clearly seen in the image above. A chocolate brown suede jacket combined with a soft caramel-toned sweater creates a warm and cozy color palette in earthy, autumn tones. The mix of textures creates a perfect balance for the outfit.
2. When adding suede to your outfit, you should know that neoprene is also a great complementary material. For example, a short metallic silver neoprene jacket combined with a black suede mini skirt creates an urban look inspired by techno and turbo-street aesthetics. The jacket adds volume and emphasizes the shoulders, while the suede skirt softens the overall look. The shoes aren't visible in the image, but you could go for tall leather boots with chunky soles. A fantastic look worth trying!
3. If you own a leather skirt, you must try wearing it at least once with a suede jacket. The two materials complement each other perfectly and create an urban grunge style. The image clearly shows a jacket in a warm amber shade with metallic zippers and a belt at the waist. BRILLIANT!
4. Suede can even be used successfully in a party outfit. Choose a skirt made from a shiny material like gloss foil and add a “pinch” of rust-colored suede top—and there you have a recipe with a “scent” of elegance and sex appeal. Complete the look with a small black crossbody bag with a chain strap.
So yes, we can conclude that the disadvantages of suede are few. What types of suede products can we find?
1. Accessories, shoes, or slippers.
2. Of course, evening dresses, as well as warm outerwear.
3. Upholstery, covers, bedding, and more.
4. Robes and pajamas.
Suede can be entirely natural and pure or blended with other materials.
Very often, a small percentage of synthetic fibers is added to suede to improve its qualities. For example, lycra or elastane adds stretch and improves the fit. Cotton-based suede with added spandex becomes more flexible, while polyester increases durability. It is used for everyday clothing and home textiles like robes and curtains.
Suede can also be blended with silk.
- Wool. Dense woolen fabric made from short-pile yarn. A great option for warm garments or elegant feminine hats. A stylish choice for elegant suits.
You might also come across leather suede, which is a lightweight and flexible leather material.
Knit suede or specially treated suede that is more resistant to dirt and stains also exists.
Suede has a longer, fluffier surface and is more durable and practical for everyday use, while velvet is more delicate.
A double-layered fabric is used along with a thread that is cut to form the pile fibers – a process that creates a dense, durable yet delicate material.
Hand washing or a gentle machine cycle is recommended, with no bleach. High temperatures and dryers are a no-go. The best way to clean your suede clothes or shoes is professional dry cleaning.
Luxurious appearance, soft touch, subtle sheen, excellent durability, great thermal regulation, and high resistance to wrinkling and deformation.
Like any other fabric, suede has its downsides. If exposed to pressure for long periods, it can become permanently wrinkled and deformed. Another drawback is that it can attract dust and dirt, especially if it contains synthetic fibers.