What is suede?
Posted on: August 31, 2010
What is suede?
Suede is a type of leather typically produced from the skins of sheep, though skins of other animals such as goat, pigs and calves can be used. It is typified by its soft, almost velvety texture that is a result of splitting the animal skin to obtain the softer underside layer, then applying various leather tanning processes to achieve a usable material. All manner of final products can beautifully be produced from suede, including jackets, hats, gloves, handbags, and shoes. It is a gorgeous material to look at and its soft, luxurious, slightly napped finish, demands that it be handled again and again.
Typically suede is dyed to different shades of brown, but any color is achievable from red to green to blue using existing dying techniques. Whatever the color, suede tends to present different hues in a warm and luxurious way, often with varying shades and sheens depending on how the light hits the surface of it. There is a certain complexity to how it appears that is a part of what makes it so attractive to look at, touch and wear.
Where does the word ‘suede’ come from?
Suede comes from the French word from ‘Sweden’. Per Wikipedia, the word is drawn from the phrase ‘gants de Suede’, or ‘gloves of Sweden’, presumably because those were some of the first products produced with the material, and Sweden had some essential role in popularizing it.
How to maintain suede
Because suede is derived from the softer underside of the animal skin, it tends to be less naturally protected than other leather types and requires special attention to maintain its distinct qualities.
Suede can be cleaned using a specially designed suede brush that will help remove dirt from the fabric without damaging its finish or texture. It’s important when cleaning to use special products formulated specifically for suede leather. Suede tends to stain much more readily than ordinary leather, and requires special chemicals that will clean it without altering its look. Non-suede leather cleaners may result in a permanent staining and/or darkening of the material. Also as a preventative measure, one can apply special waterproofing sprays designed specifically for suede.
Some additional great tips on suede maintenance and care can be found here:
Suede is a type of leather typically produced from the skins of sheep, though skins of other animals such as goat, pigs and calves can be used. It is typified by its soft, almost velvety texture that is a result of splitting the animal skin to obtain the softer underside layer, then applying various leather tanning processes to achieve a usable material. All manner of final products can beautifully be produced from suede, including jackets, hats, gloves, handbags, and shoes. It is a gorgeous material to look at and its soft, luxurious, slightly napped finish, demands that it be handled again and again.
Typically suede is dyed to different shades of brown, but any color is achievable from red to green to blue using existing dying techniques. Whatever the color, suede tends to present different hues in a warm and luxurious way, often with varying shades and sheens depending on how the light hits the surface of it. There is a certain complexity to how it appears that is a part of what makes it so attractive to look at, touch and wear.
Where does the word ‘suede’ come from?
Suede comes from the French word from ‘Sweden’. Per Wikipedia, the word is drawn from the phrase ‘gants de Suede’, or ‘gloves of Sweden’, presumably because those were some of the first products produced with the material, and Sweden had some essential role in popularizing it.
How to maintain suede
Because suede is derived from the softer underside of the animal skin, it tends to be less naturally protected than other leather types and requires special attention to maintain its distinct qualities.
Suede can be cleaned using a specially designed suede brush that will help remove dirt from the fabric without damaging its finish or texture. It’s important when cleaning to use special products formulated specifically for suede leather. Suede tends to stain much more readily than ordinary leather, and requires special chemicals that will clean it without altering its look. Non-suede leather cleaners may result in a permanent staining and/or darkening of the material. Also as a preventative measure, one can apply special waterproofing sprays designed specifically for suede.
Some additional great tips on suede maintenance and care can be found here: