Make high-quality clothing and decor with suede fabric
So, what is a suede material fabric exactly? It's a textile made to copy the soft, napped surface of real animal hide. Most of what you'll get in stores now is woven from synthetic fibers rather than leather. The result feels close to the real thing, minus the higher price tag and the upkeep.
If you ever wonder what material suede is made from, then it depends on the type. Genuine suede comes from split animal hide, usually cow or lamb. Most suede cloth fabric sold today, though, is made from polyester microfibers instead. That synthetic base is what makes this suede cloth simple to clean and economical to obtain by the yard.
Real suede is a type of leather, split thin and buffed to raise that soft nap. But the suede fabric material used for clothing and upholstery is almost always synthetic. It looks and feels close enough that most people can't recognize it at a glance. Also, real suede costs a fraction of the price.
Types of Suede Fabric
There's more than one type of this fabric, so here is what sets them apart from each other.
Faux Suede Fabric
Faux Suede fabric is made to clone the look of real hide using woven or knit synthetic fibers. It is soft, holds color well, and doesn't need the watchful handling real leather does. If you want to see the finish up close, our Black Microsuede is a good example.
Synthetic Suede Fabric
Synthetic suede fabric is a broader term dealing with most of what's on shelves now, microsuede included. It is made entirely from man-made, artificial, synthetic fibers, so it survives daily washing and everyday wear better than genuine hide.
Microsuede Fabric
Microsuede is a finer, tightly woven type of man-made suede. It's the type you'll see most in stuff and home goods, mostly because of how durability holds up over years of use.
Textured Suede Fabric
Textured suede fabric has a little raised or decorative nap. It increases graphic depth without changing how the fabric handles in routine use.
Understand Microsuede Fabric
Microsuede fabric is a type of Microfiber woven so tightly that the surface feels almost like suede but acts more like a workhorse fabric. Microsuede material comes down to ultra-fine polyester threads packed closely and tightly enough to catch air and create that soft hand.
Microsuede vs Microfiber
People often treat Microsuede and microsuede microfiber as the same thing, but microsuede is a special type of microfiber. The microfiber/microsuede distinction comes down to finish. Plain microfiber feels shinier and flatter, while microsuede gets a brushed nap that copies real hide.
Suede Fabric Uses: Clothing & Upholstery
Suede Fabric for Clothing
In Clothing, this fabric turns up in jackets, skirts, and accessories. It handles tailoring and sewing well without much fuss or trouble, and it keeps its shape once cut.
Suede Fabric for Upholstery
Microsuede upholstery is a popular choice for sofas and chairs, mostly because it stands up to stains better than real leather and feels warmer to sit on. Our Navy Blue Microsuede works well for furniture projects if you want a deeper shade.
Suede Fabric by the Yard
Buy faux suede fabric by the yard to save money on your large projects. Buying by the yard costs less than buying pre-cut pieces, especially for upholstery projects.
Why Consider Suede Fabric for Projects
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Soft to the touch, close to real hide
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Easier cleaning than real leather
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Comes in far more colors than natural suede
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Costs less per yard
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Holds up to daily wear in upholstery use
How to Clean Microsuede?
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Use a soft brush and a little dish soap to mostly handle surface marks.
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To care for heavily soiled microsuede, spot clean with water and mild soap, then air dry.
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For upholstery particularly, Vacuum first, then treat stains before they set in.
How to Choose the Right Suede Fabric?
Match the fabric weight to your project. Clothing calls for something softer and lighter, while upholstery requires a sturdier weight that can take daily contact. Some microsuede blends trap more heat than others, which matters if it's going into a jacket, so check on breathability too.
A few things to check before buying:
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Match the weight to garment vs upholstery use
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Confirm care directions before buying
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Compare faux vs artificial vs microsuede finishes
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Order a swatch if the color needs to be exact
Why Buy Suede Fabric From Kiki Textile?
Ready to buy? Kiki Textile offers a solid mix of faux, synthetic, and microsuede fabric in a wide range of colors and weights. Whether you need a small cut for a clothing project or yardage for a couch, we have got you options that fit the budget. Our Chocolate Microsuede is a popular starting point for both.
FAQs
What type of fabric is suede?
Most suede fabric sold today is artificial, made from polyester microfibers considered to copy the look and feel of real hide.
Is suede a real leather?
Genuine suede is a kind of leather. Most fabric labeled suede now, though, is a synthetic substitute instead of actual hide.
Is suede fabric good?
Suede cloth fabric holds up well for both clothing and upholstery. Suede fabric material is easier to clean and also more affordable than real leather.
Is suede just polyester?
Not always, but most synthetic suede uses polyester microfibers as the base material.
What kind of fabric is microsuede?
Microsuede is a tightly woven microfiber fabric with a brushed surface that copies the texture of real suede.
What is the difference between faux suede and microsuede fabric?
Faux suede is the wider category. Microsuede is a specific, finer type of faux suede known for its tight weave and durability.
Is microsuede a good material?
Yes, microsuede is durable, easy to clean, and holds color well, which is why it's common in upholstery.
Is microsuede real leather?
No. Microsuede is a synthetic fabric made to copy the texture of leather, not an animal product.
Is Microsuede Breathable and Durable?
Microsuede is somewhat breathable, though it blocks more heat than natural fibers like cotton. Also, microsuede resists wear and stains well, which is part of why it is a go-to for furniture that gets daily use.