suede

For the British rock group, see Suede (band).

Suede most commonly refers to a type of leather with a soft, napped finish; however, it can also refer to a similar napped or brushed finish on many kinds of fabrics^{[citation needed]}. The term comes from the French "gants de Suède", which literally means "gloves of Sweden". [1]

Suede leather is made from the inner splits of a side of leather, usually cow, although doe suede and pig suede are available. Because suede does not include the tough exterior skin layer, suede is less durable but softer than standard ("full-grain") leather. Sueded leather may also be brushed or napped to create the characteristic brushed texture. Its softness, thinness, and pliability make it suitable for clothing and delicate uses; suede was originally used for women's gloves. Suede leather is also popular in upholstery, shoes, bags, and other accessories, and as a lining for other leather products. Due to its textured nature and open pores, suede becomes dirty quickly and is especially susceptible to stains. As it is not washable, but must instead be cleaned carefully with special suede cleaners, it is not recommended for daily-wear items. When suede gets wet, it turns a darker color and can become damaged easily, as water drives out the essential oils that keep suede leathers supple. It is difficult to waterproof or stain-proof suede leather, though some manufacturers claim varying levels of success.^{[citation needed]}

Suede leather cord is a popular trim, lacing, and jewelry material.^{[citation needed]}

Suede fabrics are manufactured with a brushed or napped finish, resembling suede leather. Ultrasuede is a trademarked term for a microfiber plush with a hand resembling the softest suede, but which is more durable, and can be made resistant to liquid, stains, and crushing. It is commonly used in upholstery and fine accessories, or in clothing and shoes. Persons who enjoy suede's texture but who prefer a non-animal product, or an easier-care fabric, find Ultrasuede an expensive but luxurious alternative.^{[citation needed]}Microsuede is a newly popular microfiber knit blend fabric; it has a soft finish, but is easily distinguishable from actual suede leather. It has a great deal of stretch, and is very popular in upholstery as well as garments. Microsuede is less durable than suede leather but is commonly found in accessories and especially shoes.^{[citation needed]}

Sueded silk, sueded cotton and similar sueded fabrics are brushed, sanded or chemically treated for extra softness. 'Suede' yarns are generally thick and plush, intending to resemble suede leather cord.^{[citation needed]}

References

• American Leather Chemists Association ALC (1906). The Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association. American Leather. 

• Bredenberg, Jeff (1999). Clean It Fast, Clean It Right: The Ultimate Guide to Making Absolutely Everything You Own Sparkle & Shine, New Ed, Rodale Books, 544. ISBN 1579540198. 

• Burch, Monte (2002). The Ultimate Guide to Skinning and Tanning: A Complete Guide to Working with Pelts, Fur, and Leather, First edition, The Lyons Press, 240. ISBN 1585746703. 

• Churchill, James E. (1983). The Complete Book of Tanning Skins and Furs. Stackpole Books, 197. ISBN 0811717194. 

• Goldstein-Lynch, Ellen; Sarah Mullins, Nicole Malone (2004). Making Leather Handbags and Other Stylish Accessories. Quarry Books, 128. ISBN 1592530761. 

• Kite, Marion; Roy Thomson (2005). Conservation of Leather and Related Materials. Butterworth-Heinemann, 240. ISBN 0750648813. 

• Michigan Historical Reprint Series (2005). The art of Tanning Leather. Scholarly Publishing Office, University of Michigan Library, 266. ISBN 142552365X. 

• O'Flaherty, Fred; Roddy Lollar (1956). The Chemistry and Technology of Leather. American Chemical Society, ACS Monograph 134, Krieger Publishing Co., 1956, reprint 1978. 

• Parker, Sybil P (1992). McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology: an international reference work. New York; St Louis; San Francisco: McGraw-Hill, 508. ISBN 0-07-909206-3. 

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