Essentially, suede is a type of leather that is characterized by its soft, fuzzy surface.
This unique texture is achieved through a specialized finishing process that raises the leather's fibers to create a velvety feel and matte appearance.
Unlike full-grain leather, which retains the outermost layer of the leather, suede is made from the underside of the animal skin, usually from animals such as lamb, goat, deer, or calf.
Suede is softer and more flexible than traditional leather. Although not as strong as full-grain leather, real suede is very durable and can last for many years if properly cared for. Next, I will take you through the suede from the leather to the maintenance.

• Directory
• How is suede fabric produced and processed?
• What products is suede fabric used in?
• What are the differences between different suede fabrics?
• Is suede graded by quality?
• What steps can I take to maintain suede?

How is suede fabric produced and processed?

Soak animal skins (such as cowhide, sheepskin, etc.) to remove dirt, grease and other impurities on the surface. The commonly used soaking process is 250%-260% water, temperature 26-29℃, 1% soda ash, 0.2% sodium sulfide, 0.3% soaking agent, 0.2% fungicide, 0.3% degreasing agent, pH=10, rotate for 30 minutes and stop for 20 minutes, repeat 3 times, and stop drum overnight.
The next day, check whether the soaking is thorough, then drain the liquid and remove the flesh. The pre-treated raw hide is placed in the tanning liquid for tanning to make the leather water-resistant, heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant. Commonly used tanning methods include chrome tanning, vegetable tanning and combined tanning.
Chrome tanning is a common tanning method with advantages such as short tanning time and high leather shrinkage temperature, but it may cause certain pollution to the environment. The tanned leather is shaved to make it uniform in thickness, and then thawed to make the leather softer.
The surface of the leather is then sanded to create a fine, velvety surface. This step is a critical part of suede production and determines the look and feel of the leather.
Finally, the suede leather is dyed to give it the desired color. After dyeing, finishing treatments such as oiling and drying are carried out to improve the softness and glossiness of the leather. The above are the production and processing links of suede fabrics.

Which products are suede leather used in?

In the field of fashion apparel, it has become an ideal material for creating classic items. For example, cowhide suede jackets are known for their excellent durability, while sheepskin suede is often used to make wool leather jackets that are both warm and soft to the touch. In addition, designers have extended it to shirts, dresses, shorts and other categories, and it has also shined in the field of sports shoes. Brands such as New Balance use high-quality suede with mesh materials to create spring and autumn shoes that are both breathable and retro. In the footwear market, cowhide suede is widely used in casual shoes and work boots due to its wear resistance, while suede material balances the elegant needs of formal occasions with the practicality of windproof and warmth with its delicate touch. High-top shoes, short boots and other styles provide wearers with a dual experience of comfort and fashion through their flexible characteristics. As for the field of accessories, the retro charm of suede is finely used in items such as belts, gloves, hats, and even extends to jewelry decorations such as earrings. Its matte texture and texture changes inject exquisite details and nostalgia into the overall shape. Suede is also a popular material for designer handbags. It is highly sought after for its softness and unique texture.

What are the differences between different suede fabrics?

Different types of suede fabrics have different usage scenarios due to their different properties and characteristics, so I have compiled a table to help you understand them clearly.

Is suede quality graded?

The quality of suede leather is divided into grades, mainly based on appearance, physical and chemical properties, sensory properties and processing technology. Different grades of suede leather fabrics have obvious differences in appearance, performance and use. The following table describes each grade in detail.

What steps can I take to care for suede?

First, you should regularly brush the surface with a soft brush to remove dust and dirt. Try to avoid suede from contact with water and moisture. If it is stained with water, it should be gently blotted with a clean towel in time. For stubborn stains, you can use a cleaner designed for suede to treat it, but you must be careful to follow the instructions for the use of the cleaner to avoid excessive cleaning to damage the leather. When storing suede products, they should be placed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place, and a layer of dustproof cloth should be laid on the surface to prevent dust accumulation and moisture deformation. In addition, regular treatment with waterproof spray and suede protector can enhance its durability and waterproof performance, but when using it, make sure that the leather is in a dry state and avoid excessive spraying. Avoid exposing suede products to direct sunlight for a long time to prevent the leather from discoloring, fading or aging. In short, through careful daily cleaning and care, you can effectively extend the service life of suede and maintain its beautiful appearance and soft texture.