Similarities and differences between natural suede and suede fabric. Pros and cons of leather and suede

Artificial suede is a natural or synthetic fabric with a pile on the front side. This velvety, pleasant to the touch fabric gives an indescribable feeling of comfort and warmth. Suede drapes easily, creating pleats and ruffles, allowing you to create stylish clothing.

New generation textiles - artificial suede is not much different from its natural counterpart, and in some characteristics even surpasses it. It is more durable, wear-resistant, and is not afraid of chemical exposure and ultraviolet rays.

Signs of difference between natural suede and artificial suede

Since ancient times, natural suede has been used for sewing clothes and shoes. This popular material was made by fat processing the skin of chamois. The name of this animal in Polish sounds like zamsz. Today, suede is made from the skins of reindeer, antelope, wild goats, and sheep. This choice is explained by the high porosity and horizontal arrangement of fibers in the skins of these animals.

Artificial suede - an analogue of natural

An analogue of an expensive genuine leather artificial suede fabric has become, which has high strength and wear resistance, especially after treatment with additional water-repellent reagents. By appearance these two materials are very similar to each other, so it is difficult for a buyer who does not have special skills to distinguish between them.

When choosing a suede item, you need to pay attention to the following points:

natural suede does not exist without small scratches and pores;
after running your hand over the pile, a trace of a different shade remains;
The suede should exude a subtle scent of leather;
genuine leather of good quality cannot be of low cost.

Production

Artificial suede, manufactured using modern technologies, is very similar in appearance and quality characteristics to natural material.

There are two production methods: woven and non-woven.

Woven suede is more expensive

The woven method is the most expensive, but the material is of higher quality. The essence of the method is as follows: a cloth is woven from microfiber fibers, which is then processed on a special device designed to split the threads into fibers that have different lengths and thicknesses. The longer the processing process takes, the higher the quality of the material.

In the non-woven method of making suede, the base fabric can consist of natural or synthetic fibers, knitted fabric and nonwoven materials. First, primer is applied to the base, leveling the surface and protecting the material from being soaked in the adhesive. Then the base is treated with glue and finely chopped electrified fiber, which can be viscose, polyester or polyamide, is sprayed on. To protect the fabric from the penetration of moisture and dirt into the fibers, it is impregnated with Teflon on top.

Basic properties

Thanks to the latest technologies production, artificial suede is almost as good in quality as its natural counterpart, and in some properties even surpasses it.

Suede fabric has many advantages:

the velvety and soft surface is pleasant to the touch and looks like natural material;
durability and wear resistance;
resistance to fading;
Teflon coating prevents dirt from penetrating into the fabric;
does not accumulate static electricity;
abrasion resistance, which makes it possible to produce upholstery for furniture;
uniformity of color;
absence of kinks, scratches and other defects inherent in natural suede.

One of the properties of modern artificial suede that makes it similar to its natural counterpart is the ability of the fibers to change their position, leaving a mark on the surface after running the hand over the fabric.

Application

Fabrics that imitate suede are used in many areas of production: from the manufacture of clothing and shoes to furniture upholstery.

Suede or knitwear is necessary for sewing outerwear. Jackets, coats and jackets made from this material are soft and cozy, pleasant to the touch, and fit the figure well. Look great women's suits and suede skirts.

The fabric is denser and holds its shape well, so it is better to make costume items from it. The knitted base makes suede soft and pliable. This material drapes well and fits into folds; dresses, skirts, and blouses are sewn from it.

Suede accessory

In addition to clothing, artificial suede is used to make shoes and accessories: boots, shoes, boots, high women's boots-stockings made of suede on a stretch base. The fabric is used to make bags, wallets, belts and bracelets.

Suede fabric is very popular in furniture production. Due to its wear resistance and excellent appearance, it is used as upholstery for chairs, armchairs and sofas. Suede furniture will be appropriate not only in the apartment, but also in the office. Due to special treatment against moisture, furniture upholstered in artificial suede does not get dirty for a long time and can be used in living rooms and dining rooms.

Suede fabric is indispensable in everyday life. Everyone is familiar with suede wipes for cleaning car windows. They absorb moisture perfectly and leave no streaks at all.

Rules of care

If faux suede products are regularly and properly cared for, they will retain their original appearance for a long time.

Clothes made from suede wash well with neutral detergents. detergents, gels and powders used for cleaning synthetic and woolen materials. It is better to wash by hand, using a sponge dipped in soapy water, laying the product on a flat surface. The temperature of the cleaning solution should not exceed 45 °C.

After washing, the product should be rinsed and blotted with a towel to remove excess water. It is better to hang dry clothes on hangers. To prevent water stains from forming on the bottom of the product during the drying process, blot the edges with a towel as they dry.

It is not recommended to wash clothes with a pattern on the front. If necessary, it can be cleaned with a soft brush dipped in soapy water, taking into account the direction of the pile.

If you need to use a stain remover, the product should not contain organic solvents. The stain removal operation is carried out using blotting movements.

Bags, shoes or suede gloves look beautiful and respectable. Of course, the material requires careful care, and those who consider it somewhat impractical are somewhat right. But the appearance of the products is worth paying more attention to. In this article we will try to find out what suede is, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this material. It is also interesting to know how to distinguish natural material from artificial material, what are the signs of a good, high-quality suede item.

Classification

There are 2 types of suede - artificial and natural. They vary in quality and cost. Natural suede is a very expensive material:

the best raw materials are used for its production;
The processing process is very long and labor-intensive.

That's why you can often find substitute items on sale.

Natural material

To make it, deer, sheep or elk skin is used. The skin is selected completely without holes and tanned using vegetable and animal fats. The result is a thin, but durable and waterproof material with double-sided pile.

Important! Shoes made of natural suede get wet on top, but do not allow water to pass through. This is an advantageous difference natural material from artificial substitutes, as well as from nubuck and velor.

Natural suede - advantages

Benefits include:

Refined and presentable look. If you are wearing a beautiful and well-groomed suede item, it will certainly be noticed by others.
Suede accessories and shoes go well with other wardrobe items. Particularly harmonious bows are obtained in a classic or casual style.
Small abrasions only add to the sophistication of the item. Any other material with a worn effect (if it is not denim) looks sloppy.

Important! The main disadvantage is the requirement for care. However, the use of special tools helps to cope with this difficult task successfully.

Outerwear

A suede jacket or coat is warm and comfortable. Another advantage is that the material is vapor permeable and removes moisture from the body. As for artificial things, there is a high probability of sweating and then becoming hypothermic while wearing them.

Gloves

Products made from natural suede give owners a respectable look, and ladies' gloves look especially beautiful and elegant. The color range of such things is varied, so choose suitable option it won't be much of a problem. However, you need to remember that caring for such products is not easy.

To clean gloves made of natural suede, it is advisable to purchase special aerosol products. They are very convenient to apply. They enhance the water-repellent effect of the skin.

Important! It is advisable to apply a special impregnation to completely new products. This will extend their service life.

Is it possible to wash products made from natural suede? In principle, the material can be washed, but following certain rules:

Gloves are washed in warm water, after putting them on your hands.
The water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees.
A mild detergent is used that will not damage the natural suede.
The product must be rinsed especially thoroughly to remove any remaining soap, and dried when room temperature.

Substitute

A high-quality substitute is difficult to distinguish externally from natural material. But this is only an external resemblance. What is artificial suede?

The manufacturing technology here is such that the fibers are glued to a fabric base. The second option is to make thread loops that form a pile. The next stage is treatment with special substances that improve properties: color retention, water resistance.

However, this sock material is far from ideal. It does not retain heat well, does not have vapor permeability, and allows water to pass through. Compared to natural material, the substitute has a shorter working life.

Faux suede - classification

There are woven and non-woven substitutes:

Woven material is more expensive, it is stronger and more durable. It is based on microfiber fabric, processed in a special way until lint appears. different lengths and thickness. The longer the material is processed, the higher its quality.
As for non-woven manufacturing technology, there is a completely different approach. Primer and adhesive are applied to a knitted base or non-woven surface. Electrified, finely chopped fibers of viscose, polyester or polyamide are then sprayed on. To create a water-repellent effect, the material is impregnated with Teflon on top.

Advantages:

Pleasant to the touch, “velvet” surface.
Resistant to fading and wear.
Antistatic effect.
Abrasion resistance. This makes it possible to use artificial suede for furniture upholstery.
Uniform coloring.

Important! The disadvantage is that in terms of performance characteristics, artificial suede is significantly inferior to natural one.

Application

The scope of its application is very wide:

The cotton-based material is quite dense, holds its shape well, and is therefore perfect for costume items.
The knitted base gives the suede elasticity. It drapes beautifully, so it is used for sewing dresses, blouses and skirts.
Artificial suede is used in the production of shoes, outerwear and accessories.
It is also very popular in furniture production.

Rules of care:

It is advisable to wash items made from artificial suede infrequently, preferably by hand.
When washing, use a mild detergent solution.
The water temperature is not higher than 45 degrees.
Dry the product on hangers, periodically blotting it with a towel to avoid water stains.
If there is a design on the front side of the product, it cannot be washed. This item is cleaned with a soft brush dipped in soapy water in the direction of the fibers.

Important! If the product is of very low quality, then after any washing the material will develop stains, stains, and bald patches that cannot be gotten rid of.

Reading time: 6 minutes

Natural suede is made from the skin of sheep, elk, goats, deer and other medium-sized horned animals. This material is used in various fields of textile production. Natural suede has been known for several centuries; it is pleasant in appearance and to the touch. It looks like cloth, but feels like velvet.

Properties of suede

Positive qualities of natural material:

breathability, allowing you to receive enough oxygen;
heat preservation for a long time;
softness, velvety, lightness;
hypoallergenic material;
nice appearance, looks more elegant than regular leather, can be worn on holiday events;
elastic, strong, wear-resistant fabric;
does not get completely wet;
Can be cleaned with soap.

Negative qualities of natural matter:

it costs a lot, not every person can buy it;
low ability to withstand dust and dirt;
negative influence moisture on the appearance of the product;
Only special suede products are suitable for care;
requires constant careful care, which takes a lot of time;
suede products quickly become greasy and easily become covered with grease stains, which must be removed immediately;
not suitable for daily wear, especially when riding public transport.

The difference between natural suede and artificial suede

How to distinguish:

natural material more expensive than synthetic;
if you run your hand over the product and the color becomes darker or lighter, it means the product is natural;
natural material has small defects, scratches, pores;
Despite the presence of flaws, the surface is velvety and soft.
the substitute smells like paint, glue - any chemical, the real one smells like a leather product;
the edges of boots or jackets from natural fabric not folded, it is easy to determine the naturalness by the cut; artificial suede is always folded;
natural fabric will quickly absorb a drop of water, chemical fabric will hold it outside for several seconds;
When bent, natural material forms a fold, but quickly returns to its original evenness; a wrinkle will remain on a synthetic product.

By production method

The method of tanning natural leather is fat or formaldehyde-fat. How it happens:

preparation of natural leather without animal hair;
lubricating the canvas with vegetable or animal fat;
placing it under impact pulverizers for several hours to saturate the skin with fat from the inside - it must combine with protein and start oxidative processes;
the skins are folded to warm up, oiled again and sent to the grinders - this stage is repeated several times;
after this they stop heating on their own, become soft and acquire a brownish-yellow color;
the canvas is degreased with a special solution - after some time it should become waterproof;
at the end the finished material is dyed.

Faux suede is produced in two ways:

Non-woven - fibers are glued to the fabric base or looped threads are added, which contribute to the formation of lint. This is usually cotton or linen; polyester is used for the pile. Can be washed in water up to 40 degrees, ironed up to 110 degrees. Erased liquid soap, do not use bleaches or solvents.
Woven - the fabric is woven from microfiber fiber. Then they pass through it with a device that separates the threads into small fibers. They are made with different frequencies and heights. This method is expensive, but helps produce higher quality fabric. It is stronger than non-woven, retains its shape over time and does not stretch.

Products made from this material

Natural and synthetic suede is used to make various clothes, accessories, shoes, and furniture coverings. Natural fabric is used to make orthopedic shoes.
Women's fitted clothing fits beautifully to the figure and emphasizes all the advantages. It is recommended to choose things light colors, on the dark ones all the hairs and villi are visible. The exception would be if you have a black cat or dog at home.

Skirts are made various styles, tight and loose, with and without folds, wraparound, with fringe, different lengths. Some are suitable for everyday wear, some for office work. They are combined with blouses of neutral colors made of thin materials - chiffon or silk.
There is a wide variety of dress styles. There are fitted and straight cuts; long, short, medium length; with and without sleeves. You can find summer, winter and demi-season options. They should not be combined with a lot of accessories.

Suede leather trousers are often high-waisted. There are wide or tight, formal or sports-like leggings.
Costumes are convenient because you don’t have to choose an accessory. They come in trouser or skirt styles. The bag to go with them is chosen in any other color so as not to blend in.

A jacket or coat made of natural fabric is comfortable for the cold season. It is warm and maintains body temperature. It allows air to pass through, which prevents you from sweating. The item will last for several years and will show the status of the owner, because it is not cheap.
Blazers, jackets, coats are made from chemical material (polyamide or viscose) based on linen or cotton.

There are suede gloves different colors. You can match it with any fur coat or coat. They will add elegance to their owner. Hands in such gloves will never freeze.
Bags are suitable for those who do not like too much official style. They are soft and do not hold a certain shape. They are often decorated with fringes made from the same material. Backpacks made from this material are actively sold.

Do different shoes: winter and demi-season boots, summer sandals, even sneakers. Sometimes they are combined with other materials, for example, leather or fabric inserts or straps are added.
Natural material is combined with various fabrics and textures. Belts will perfectly complement regular fabric, classic or denim trousers and skirts. For shoes or clothes made of other materials, suede inserts, pockets, and decorative elements are made.
Special car wipes are made from rubberized fabric. They absorb moisture and do not leave streaks. Ideal for the final stage of car washing. Store them in plastic packaging in a slightly damp state.
The color can be any: red, yellow, blue, brown, white, pink, beige, black. But suede products practically do not come in bright colors.
Made from leather suede men's jackets, coats, jackets, shoes and even trousers.

How to choose

To prevent the item from becoming deformed after just a week, it must have a movable lining. When purchasing a product for the first time, it is recommended to first purchase an artificial item. It won't be such a shame if you don't like it. Synthetic material does not stretch as much and is cheaper.

It is worth considering whether there are clothes in your wardrobe that can be combined with suede products. Otherwise, such a thing will hang in the closet and one day you will have to get rid of it. To begin with, you can buy a suede accessory: a bag, a glove belt.

How to care

Natural suede requires careful wearing and care. Such products cannot be worn every day, especially in rainy or damp weather. Each pair of shoes is stored in a separate box, things hang on hangers.

Prevention

After purchase, shoes or clothes are treated with a cloth napkin or a soft brush. Clean the raincoat or jacket with a vacuum cleaner. To prevent the ingress of moisture, dust and dirt, suede is treated with a special water-repellent solution. It forms a film and prevents substances from getting inside the material. The first time is processed in several stages:

first apply the product and leave until completely dry, without leaving it under the sun or other heat sources;
spray a second time and dry completely;
repeat the same for the third time.

After treatment, you wait about a day and you can go outside in this thing. During the cold season, when there is high humidity outside and the roads are covered with salt, the products are treated with a waterproof spray every day.

Steaming gets rid of creases on suede clothes. It is held over a container of boiling water, then treated with a special brush.

How to clean

In dry weather in winter, shake off the snow and wipe soft cloth, leave until dry. Wet shoes are filled with newspapers, this will help maintain their shape, and left to dry. Then you can clean it.

In any case, products made from natural suede should not be dried in the sun, near a radiator or other heating elements. For cleaning, use only suede products. Get rid of dirt after coming home, before it gets stuck.

Cleaning dried dirt:

use a brush to remove what comes off easily;
wipe with a soft cloth without using force;
make a solution from water and washing powder no bleach;
lightly moisten the sponge or brush and wipe the shoes;
wipe the product with a damp cloth;
treat it with a dry silk cloth.

If after this procedure the suede seems smooth, you need to take a soft brush and hold it over boiling water. Then comb the surface of the product.

You can get rid of greasy stains using tooth powder, gasoline or talcum powder and a brush, if you clean right away. Gloves are put on your hands, cleaned with a brush and a bar of dry soap, then watered with warm water. Once a year, it is recommended to take your suede item to the dry cleaner.

Suede looks expensive and presentable, but if you don’t care for it well, the appearance will quickly deteriorate. At making the right choice, careful handling of such things pleases the owner for a long time.

The history of the appearance of suede goes back to the distant past. But even today it is one of the most popular materials, which is used for the manufacture of shoes, clothing, accessories, furniture upholstery and other types of decoration.

Suede - what is it?

Even in the Middle Ages, northern peoples were engaged in tanning the skins of deer and elk by impregnating them with fats. Today, natural suede is the name given to animal skin that has gone through the stage of being treated with special tanning substances. These are mainly various fats: fish, seal, bone, vegetable oils etc. As a result of this process, the skin becomes thin, very durable, soft and flexible. All this allows you to make a wide variety of things from the resulting material. The hallmark of suede is its velvety quality, which, unlike velor, is present on both sides of the fabric.

Stages of making natural suede

The production of this material is quite complex process. It involves the use of special machines - impact grinders, where the skins are kept for several hours. They are then stacked to warm up. After this, they are again placed in the grinder. This is done until the skins acquire a yellow-brown color. Then they are washed with a special solution to degrease. This tanning is most common in England and North America.

Faux suede

Modern technologies have made great strides forward and make it possible to create materials that can be very difficult to distinguish from natural ones. Today it is quite common in stores. What is it? A fabric that perfectly imitates a natural prototype and is produced in two ways: by gluing fibers onto the fabric base or by adding looped threads, which then form a pile during the production process. Impregnated with various solutions, such material does not fade and practically does not wear out.

How to distinguish natural suede from artificial one

Visually, it can be very difficult to distinguish these two materials. But if you run your hand over the pile, the natural suede will change its texture, color, and slope. The artificial material will immediately take on its original appearance.

Natural fabric smells like leather, but the substitute gives off a synthetic smell.

There are also differences in the degree of liquid absorption. A drop of water placed on an artificial material will linger on it for some time, but natural suede will absorb water almost instantly, leaving only a wet spot. In addition, it may have small scratches, cracks, and pores on the surface, unlike the substitute, which has an impeccable smooth appearance.

Making natural suede takes longer and is more expensive than production artificial material, so it has a higher cost.

Suede products

Things made from this material are incredibly comfortable. They are light, soft, and comfortable in any weather. Suede is used to sew all kinds of jackets, coats, and sheepskin coats. The price of this material is slightly higher compared to others. One meter of such leather fabric can cost up to 1,200 rubles. Therefore, luxury shoes and clothing are made from suede. Accessories made from this material are very popular: bags, belts, gloves and various jewelry.

Any suede product can add beauty and comfort. They are relevant in any season and practically never go out of fashion, always remaining an attribute of elegance and respectability.

How to care for suede

This is not only noble, but also quite capricious material. Suede needs careful care, then things made from it will last a long time faithfully.

It is very important to ensure that the material does not become greasy or shiny. It is better to leave the cleaning of very dirty clothes made of natural suede to specialists, so it is recommended to take them to dry cleaning from time to time. If you need to clean suede items at home, then you should follow several rules. Items should only be washed in warm soapy water and done quickly, avoiding getting too wet. Do not rub or twist the fabric too much. Lightly rub areas of heavy contamination with a sponge or brush. You only need to dry it at room temperature, hanging it flat on hangers. During drying, it is necessary to blot the lower part with a towel to avoid water streaks.

Never use stain remover to clean suede products. This can ruin the color, since the color of suede material is not very durable. If you need to remove a stain that has appeared on the fabric, you can use various home remedies. This can be done with milk and baking soda (half a glass of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of soda): clean dirty areas with this solution and then wipe them with a damp cloth.

Light suede is especially difficult to clean. Owners of clothes and shoes know very well what it is. light shades. If the stains are old, prepare a mixture of milk, talc, turpentine and magnesia (in equal proportions). Minor stains can be easily cleaned with a regular eraser. Oily stains can be removed using starch and ammonia; salt stains on shoes can be cleaned with 5% vinegar.

Today the market offers a large selection of all kinds of aerosols, gels and pastes that are used to clean suede. Photos of such funds along with detailed description their applications can be easily found on the pages of online stores.

There are also special rubber, brass, and rubber brushes for cleaning such capricious materials as suede.

What is it? These are, as a rule, brushes that have a combination of metal and rubber bristles, which can effectively remove abrasions, grease and at the same time comb and lift the pile.

Suede is a very delicate material, but with proper and careful care it can last quite a long time.

Suede is one of the most popular materials and is widely used in light industry and furniture production. Due to their high performance characteristics and attractive appearance, suede products have not lost their popularity for many years.

What is it?

Since ancient times, dressing the skins of domestic and wild animals has been considered one of the main crafts of the peoples of the North. Since the Middle Ages, craftsmen have impregnated deer skins with special compounds and animal fats, after which they sewed clothes and shoes from them. The technology for processing skins, in a slightly modified form, has survived to this day, and the material obtained as a result of dressing was called suede. Today, the impregnation of hides is carried out at modern equipment using fish, seal and bone fats, as well as vegetable and hoof oils. As a result of tanning, the leather acquires a fine and soft texture and becomes very durable and elastic. The material is distinguished by a surface that is pleasant to the touch, fleecy on both sides, and is famous for its velvety feel and noble appearance.

Considering the natural origin of the raw material, items made from natural suede are quite expensive. Therefore, thanks to modern technologies, humanity has learned to produce material that perfectly imitates natural suede. Artificial fabrics are visually practically indistinguishable from the prototype and are characterized by high wear resistance, resistance to stretching and abrasion, a soft and pleasant-to-touch surface and are much cheaper than natural materials.

Varieties

Today there are two types of suede.

Natural

To make suede, the skin of chamois, goats, antelopes and sheep is used, and seal or whale fat with the addition of vegetable, ungulate or linseed oil. After applying solutions to the surface, fats and oils react with leather fibers, oxidize and promote suede. To speed up the process of hairiness, the raw materials are pre-soaked in a formaldehyde solution, and after fat treatment they are placed in special machines called impact grinders. In them, the material is subjected to continuous mechanical action for 3-5 hours, after which it is stacked and heated. The process is repeated until the canvases acquire a yellow-brown tint.

Next, the material is thoroughly washed using a special solution, and then placed in a dryer. This is done in order to degrease the finished suede before sending it for painting. Freshly made natural suede has a heterogeneous light brown color with the presence of light and dark spots, and therefore undergoes mandatory staining. At the end of the full treatment cycle, suede stops allowing water to pass through and acquires high water-repellent properties.

The advantages of natural suede include high strength and presentable appearance., excellent abrasion resistance and long service life of suede products. In addition, the material does not accumulate static electricity and does not allow water to pass through. Among the disadvantages, they note the too high cost and the moral and ethical aspect due to modern trends to the use of environmentally friendly technologies and the refusal to use animal resources to meet human needs.

Artificial

Faux suede is made in two ways. The first consists of applying a polymer coating to the knitted base, followed by laser grinding, due to which a pile is formed. Cotton, wool and synthetic materials. The most optimal ratio of artificial and natural fibers in fabric is considered to be 25% cotton and 75% polyester.

To connect the fleecy part with the fabric backing, use a special PVA glue or use a self-adhesive polymer. In some cases, lamination technology is used to ensure bonding strength, after which it becomes impossible to separate the fleecy coating from the base. After the suede structure is formed, the material is subjected to Teflon treatment, as a result of which the fabric acquires high dirt-repellent and waterproof properties. If, as an experiment, you pour a little water onto the fabric, it will collect in large drops and, without being absorbed, roll off the surface of the material.

The second manufacturing method is to fluff the microfiber to obtain a soft and even fleecy surface. The process of lint formation is carried out on special brushing equipment using the technique of splitting microfiber threads until small lint is formed. This type of suede is called woven and differs from the previous one in its higher strength and resistance to deformation and stretching.

The advantages of artificial suede, which is sometimes called ecosuede, include high strength, durability, uniform texture and color, ease of care and ability to be ventilated. In addition, the material is pleasant to the touch and is not prone to creases, cracks or abrasions. Among the disadvantages, they note that white and gray products are especially soiled, the risk of damage to the fabric by the claws of pets and the low resistance to washing of non-woven suede. For glued products with a fabric base, dry cleaning or treatment with ammonia is recommended.

Differences from other materials

Before describing the differences between suede and textile fabrics and knitwear, it is necessary to understand how artificial and natural materials differ from each other. Home distinctive feature faux suede is the absence of pile on the second side, which, upon closer examination, makes it easy to distinguish it from natural one. In addition, on a cut of natural suede the layer of leather will be clearly visible, while in artificial suede the fabric base is clearly visible. The smell of the materials is also different, and while natural fabric will have a persistent smell of leather, artificial fabrics will not have it. Fabrics can also be distinguished by their texture. Thus, natural suede is particularly soft and has some color unevenness even after painting, while artificial fabrics are ideally uniform and rougher to the touch.

If you can't inspect reverse side material and doubts arise about its naturalness, it is recommended to hold the product in your hands for some time: artificial suede will not change its temperature and will remain cool, while natural suede will quickly heat up. In addition, if you run your finger over the pile of a natural material, the fibers will change their position and the mark will become darker, while on the artificial fabric everything will remain unchanged. Another difference between natural and artificial material is the fact that when sewing clothes and shoes from natural suede, the edges of the fabric are not processed, while artificial fabrics require an overlocker. Materials can also be distinguished by their reaction to water. Natural suede will instantly absorb moisture and darken, while water will roll off artificial material without leaving a wet mark.

The main difference between suede and other types of synthetic and natural fabrics is its versatility. The material is equally suitable for sewing clothes and shoes, which significantly expands the scope of its application and allows you to complement ensembles with leather goods and eye-catching accessories. Natural suede is often confused with nubuck. The main difference between these materials is the raw materials for their production. Nubuck uses leather from larger animals, such as cows, elk and deer, and uses abrasive sanding technology for suede.

This process is called chrome treatment or tanning. In addition, suede pile is much thicker and higher than that of nubuck, and has a softer texture to the touch. Nubuck is often subjected to oiling, which increases the water-resistant qualities of the fabric, which, in turn, makes the material a little rough and rough. The functional characteristics of nubuck are significantly lower than the working properties of suede. So, shoes made of nubuck quickly get wet and dirty. And if suede shoes When cleaning, you can wet it, but for nubuck only dry cleaning is allowed.

Application options

The scope of application of natural and artificial suede is quite wide. The material is actively used for sewing clothes and shoes, upholstering furniture, as well as for making gloves, bags and jewelry.

Cloth

Suede is used for sewing sheepskin coats, jackets, jackets, skirts and coats. For sewing outerwear, the ideal option is a suede jacket with a cotton or knitted base. Often, to improve the decorative qualities of the fabric, the pile is given a certain direction. Suede clothing fits nicely to the body, sits well on the figure and looks very dignified. When buying suede items, it is better to choose products in light colors. This is due to the fact that on blue or black clothes small villi, hairs and threads will be much more noticeable than on a beige, sand or pink model.

When sewing yourself, it is better to choose artificial fabric with a knitted base. Such suede, unlike material with a cotton base, is easier to sew and drape, making it well suited for sewing blouses and skirts. But for making suits and jackets, on the contrary, it is better to purchase the cotton version. In addition, you need to keep in mind that when basting parts made of thick suede, holes from needles and pins remain on the material, and therefore sewing needles should be chosen as thin and sharp as possible.

Shoes

Suede shoes have not gone out of fashion for many years. Thanks to its versatility and presentable appearance, shoes made from this material fit perfectly with almost any wardrobe. In suede shoes or boots, your feet always remain dry and do not freeze. The fabric successfully combines the ability to ventilate and repel moisture, which is why it is often used for sewing sports shoes. For the production of such models, the skin of large animals is used, which has increased strength and wear resistance.

Accessories and decorations

Suede leather goods are always at the peak of popularity. The material is ideal for sewing bags, gloves, straps and wallets, in addition to which you can always purchase an elegant decoration in the form of a bracelet or pendant.

Upholstery

To cover sofas and armchairs in furniture production, artificial suede made from microfiber is often used. This is due to the high performance properties of the material, such as abrasion resistance, the ability to maintain the original color and ease of cleaning. In addition, the material is not prone to pilling and is available in a wide range of colors.

Wiping material

Thin perforated suede found wide application as a wiping and polishing material and is used to care for the surface of optical lenses, LCD monitors and plasma TVs. Suede rags have a long service life and do not lose their working qualities for a long time. In addition, the fabric perfectly absorbs water, does not leave behind whitish stains and dries quickly. This allows the material to be used for washing car windows, headlights, interiors and bodywork.

Orthopedics

Due to the ability of the material to breathe, suede is widely used in the manufacture of orthopedic insoles and specialized shoes. For these purposes it is used special kind technical suede, the working qualities of which are clearly stated in the standards of GOST 3717-84. The raw materials usually used are sheep, goat and deer skins, which are distinguished by their short pile and dark brown non-marking color.

Technical goals

When making natural suede, pork splits are often used. Unlike cattle skins, it produces low-quality suede, which is used for sewing work gloves, aprons, and casings for various equipment and technical equipment.

How to properly care?

Any suede is quite demanding to care for, so when purchasing products made from it, you need to take some points into account. Thus, suede clothing made from microfiber and natural linen can be easily washed and even soaked briefly in a warm soapy solution, but the water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees. After washing, it is recommended to lightly blot the product with an absorbent napkin and hang it on a hanger. Wringing out suede items is strictly prohibited. During the drying process, it is necessary to blot the fabric with a towel from time to time, otherwise numerous smudges may appear on the surface, which will be difficult to remove without repeated washing. There is no need to iron a suede stretch skirt or coat. The material is not prone to creases and dents and perfectly restores its original shape.

In addition to washing, it is necessary to regularly dry clean items. To do this, you can use a rubber brush, moving it in one direction of the pile. Freshly planted dirty stains should never be attempted to be scrubbed off. In such cases, you need to wait until the stain has completely dried, then shake off the dried dirt with an elastic brush and clean it with a silicone sponge. To remove greasy food stains, sprinkle the contaminated area with talcum powder and leave for three hours. Then carefully shake off the powder with a brush and comb the product with a rubber brush. In the absence of talc, you can use starch, diluted ammonia until the consistency of mush. If the stain is not completely removed, mix water with ammonia in a 4:1 ratio and blot the stain.

Packed after long storage pile, you need to hold it over steam and comb it with a hard toothbrush. If the stains are quite fresh and have not yet become embedded in the material, then you can try to remove them with a cotton swab dipped in a soap solution. To prepare the solution, instead of soap, it is better to use shampoo, taken at the rate of 20 g per liter of water. After treating the stain with this composition, you need to collect the foam and quickly blot the area to be cleaned with a dry towel. Such cleaning should be carried out very quickly - so that the material does not have time to get wet.

It is recommended to dry suede products away from heating devices and direct sunlight. Things brown cleans well with coffee grounds, and light and white - with skim milk and soda, diluted in a ratio of 0.5 tbsp. l. soda for half a glass of milk. The color of clothing is updated using spray paint for suede. The use of stain removers and acetone-containing compounds is strictly prohibited. Simple stains can be removed with a regular soft eraser.

When caring for shoes and bags, you must use a sponge soaked in a soapy solution, while avoiding getting the product too wet. After processing, the item is dried. and then combed with a stiff brush. IN winter period salt stains from reagents can be removed with a 5% vinegar solution. To do this, you need to moisten a soft cloth in the solution and try to carefully wash off the stains, paying more attention to the boundaries of the stain. However, many troubles can be avoided if you treat new suede shoes with fluorocarbon or silicone water- and dirt-repellent impregnation.

Furniture care involves regular washing of removable covers. As a rule, microfiber is used to make them, so they wash well. If the upholstery is not removed, then stains and other contaminants can be cleaned using any of the methods described above. The only mandatory condition for cleaning fixed upholstery is to get it as little wet as possible, which is due to the risk of moisture penetrating inside and the associated difficulties. When purchasing furniture with suede upholstery, you need to take into account that the height and density of the pile has a strong influence on abrasion resistance and the difficulty of maintenance. Thus, products with short pile have higher performance characteristics and are most preferable as furniture upholstery for regular use. If the suede sofa is already quite many years old and has begun to become greasy, then a special brush, which has a combined design with the presence of metal and rubber elements, or a regular eraser will help correct the situation. As for everyday care, such furniture should be regularly vacuumed, cleaned with dry salt and periodically combed with a soft brush.