Faux suede is what it's called. In the case of suede, they cause the most problems. Properties of real suede

Reading time: 5 minutes

Suede fabric is a cotton or silk fabric with a pile on the front side. It received its name due to its external resemblance to natural suede - animal skin that has undergone special treatment with vegetable and animal fats, characterized by increased softness and water resistance.

Natural and artificial suede - what is it?

Natural suede has been popular since ancient times. Initially, it was obtained by fat tanning the skin of a black goat, or chamois, hence the name: French. chamois - chamois, passed into the Russian language through the Polish language - zamsz. Nowadays it is made from the skin of any small animal. This is a fairly expensive material from which outerwear, bags, belts, gloves, and shoes are made. It is distinguished by high strength, ductility and abrasion resistance, and has the smell of genuine leather.

Expensive natural suede has been replaced by artificial suede. It is also wear-resistant, especially with additional impregnation with water-repellent agents.

Production

Modern artificial suede visually has a great resemblance to natural one. There are two main methods for producing such fabric:

  1. On a woven basis. It consists of a primed fabric backing onto which a suede covering is glued. A special glue is used, based on PVA.
    It can be laminated - using heat treatment, the fleecy part is glued to the backing. The fabric is impregnated with Teflon on top, protecting it from dirt and water penetrating the fibers. If you pour a little liquid onto the surface of such suede fabric, it will not be absorbed, but will gather into balls and they can easily be removed with a piece of cotton fabric. The basic properties of the resulting product depend on the type of substrate chosen.

2. Produced on a special brushing machine by splitting the base fabric into small fibers.

Woven suede is much more expensive than non-woven and has a number of advantages: it is more durable and does not deform or stretch over time.

Basic properties

Thanks to modern production technologies, suede fabrics are practically not inferior in quality to their natural prototype, and in many ways surpass it and have only positive reviews:

One of the characteristics of modern eco-suede is the “writing effect”, which is typical for natural suede. That is, if you run your hand over its surface, the fibers will change their position and leave a mark.

Use and care

Suede-like fabrics are used in many areas - from clothing production to furniture upholstery.

Cloth

Suede fabric is often used for sewing winter and autumn outerwear - men's and women's coats, jackets, jackets. Suede suits, jackets and coats are made from jacket material on a cotton or knitted basis. The fabric is primed so that it is not saturated with glue, then a layer of glue and artificial or crushed in an electrostatic field are applied. To protect against moisture, the surface of the fabric is impregnated. Sometimes the pile is given a certain direction.

Suede clothing is very cozy and soft to the touch, fits your figure well, emphasizing all its advantages. Women's skirts, trench coats and jackets look especially beautiful and stylish. It is better to choose clothes in light colors, since adhered particles of dust, lint or thread will be very noticeable on black fabric.

Features of cutting and sewing

Basically, in the process of making clothes, suede fabric behaves in the same way as regular fabric, but it has some features.

  • When selecting models, it should be taken into account that suede on a knitted base is softer, drapes easily and looks lighter. Therefore, it is better to sew dresses, blouses, and skirts from it. And the cotton backing makes the fabric denser, so it will hold its shape well and can be used for making costume group clothing.
  • When cutting, you need to use regular scissors.
  • On dense suede fabric, holes remain from punctures with a needle, so you need to be careful when basting, and also try not to rip the stitched fabric.
  • The direction of the pile also has a peculiarity: if the piles are directed downwards, the fabric will have a slight shine, if they go upwards, the color will be brighter.
  • Use sharp needles, the same type as for denim.
  • It should be borne in mind that artificial suede does not allow air to pass through very well, so when sewing from it it is better to choose loose styles and avoid too tight ones.
  • This fabric does not fray, so it does not require additional processing of seams. For beauty, you can overlock them or use zigzag scissors when cutting.

Care

Clothing made from this material is easy to wash and retains its original appearance.

  • It is soaked for a short time in a soap solution (the water temperature should be between 35-40 degrees) and washed without much effort.
  • You can’t wring it out, you can only blot it with a towel and then hang it on a hanger in a warm place to dry.
  • Periodically it is necessary to blot the item with a towel to prevent smudges from forming.
  • There is no need to iron it. If creases still form, you can iron them from the wrong side through the fabric.

Accessories and shoes

Faux suede is used primarily for women: shoes, boots, and popular high stocking boots are made from stretch suede.

This fabric is also widely used for sewing bags, as it is soft and easy to mold and drape.

Care

  • Shoes and bags are cleaned using a dry sponge or a sponge soaked in soapy water, depending on the degree of contamination.
  • After drying, use a soft brush to give the fibers the desired direction.
  • Low-quality artificial suede can wear out on the folds and even crumble under light mechanical stress. Before buying clothes and shoes, you need to make sure that the products are of good quality.

Furniture

Suede fabric is very popular as a material due to its properties:

  • Thanks to wear resistance, sofas and armchairs will delight you with their magnificent appearance for a long time. This upholstery is used not only for home furniture, but also for office furniture;
  • This furniture looks very noble and is suitable for any interior. Will bring a feeling of warmth and comfort to the room;
  • Suede furniture can be used in living rooms and dining rooms - thanks to special treatment, it will repel accidentally spilled liquids.


  • thanks to a wide selection of textures, colors and patterns, you can choose furniture for any style of room decoration;
  • will not stretch or deform, even if you sit on it often - suede fabric is very elastic and easily restores its shape.

Care

Easy to wash by hand or in the washing machine on the delicate fabric cycle. If the upholstery cannot be removed, and dirt has formed on the furniture, then you need to beat a detergent that does not contain solvents and bleaches into a strong foam, apply it to the stain and wipe it off with a sponge or cloth. After complete drying, it is necessary to brush the surface with a brush or dry sponge to restore the direction of the pile.

They absorb moisture perfectly and leave no streaks at all.

Store slightly damp in special plastic tubes.

Whatever suede fabric you choose, in order to increase its service life and maintain its original appearance, it should be regularly and properly cared for.

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;
  • pleasant appearance, looks more elegant than regular leather, can be worn to festive 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 impact of 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 is 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 made of natural fabric are not rolled up, 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; on a synthetic product, the wrinkle will remain.

By production method

The method of tanning natural leather is fat or formaldehyde-fat. How does this happen:

  • 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:
  1. 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. Wash with liquid soap, do not use bleaches or solvents.
  2. 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

  • Various clothes, accessories, shoes, and furniture coverings are made from natural and synthetic suede. 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 of light colors; on dark ones all the hairs and villi are visible. An exception would be having a black cat or dog at home.
  • Skirts are made in various styles, tight and loose, with and without pleats, wraparound, with fringes, of 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.
  • Suede gloves come in a variety of 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 a too formal style. They are soft and do not hold a certain shape. They are often decorated with fringes made of the same material. Backpacks made from this material are actively sold.
  • They make 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.
  • Men's jackets, coats, jackets, shoes and even trousers are made from leather suede.

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 with a soft cloth, leaving to 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 of water and washing powder without 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. With the right choice and careful handling, such things will please the owner for a long time.

Many people know approximately what it is - suede, but approximately. Therefore, in this article we will analyze in detail the properties and other features of this material. There are three types of suede. We will look at them.

What was humanity's first use of?

People learned a long time ago what suede is, since natural animal skins have been in their everyday life since ancient times. They learned different ways to ennoble them. Suede was produced by removing the smooth top layer, or one might say filing it, from the surface of the skin of blackbucks and also chamois. In French, its name sounds like chamois, and it came into the Russian language through Poland, where it was written as zamsz, which is already very close to the Russian name. But one cut is not enough to turn the skin into a noble material.

Further processing

The preparation of prepared raw materials (currently the skins of deer, elk or sheep are used for this) begins with impregnation with cod oil and blubber - the fats of whales or seals. In addition, vegetable oils are added, most often flaxseed. Inside the skin they oxidize and during oxidation they bind to collagen fibers. The so-called suedeing occurs. It may begin with pre-soaking in a formaldehyde solution. The process is traditionally enhanced and accelerated in special machines - impact grinders. Now it becomes more clear what it is - suede. This is sawn leather, the pores of which are fixed with fatty substances. This is how they get an expensive material, fleecy on both sides - natural suede. If you do not paint it, then by nature it has a light brown, heterogeneous color.

In the photo above, suede was used to make the skirt. It is often painted in different colors.

Types of natural suede

There are only two of them. They differ in quality and appearance:

  • Suede is made from the skins of sheep and calves for everyday wear.
  • The exclusive one, which is widely used by stylists, is obtained from the skins of chamois, deer, and goats. It is particularly soft and delicate.

Usage

Designers love this exquisite material. Soft, flexible, breathable, lightweight, it is pleasant to wear and fits perfectly to the figure. If coats, jackets, dresses, skirts are made from natural suede, then they fit perfectly on the body. Gloves made from it fit the hand perfectly. Suede shoes (shoes, moccasins, boots) look very expensive and elegant.

Bags and bracelets are also great. All these items of women's and men's wardrobe require careful care and are expensive. Therefore, they are not suitable for everyone at a price.

Worthy replacement

To make the beautiful material cheaper, artificial suede was created. It has pile only on the front side. Already based on these two points, we can determine what kind of fabric we have in front of us. We will find even more differences by looking closely at artificial suede, comparing it with natural one:

  • First of all, on a cut of natural material the skin will be visible, while on an artificial material there will be a thin layer of fabric to which polymer fibers are attached.
  • A subtle leather smell will come from natural suede. The artificial one does not have it.
  • Natural fabric heats up in the hand and becomes warm, the substitute does not change its temperature.
  • Heterogeneity of color and special softness, especially if you run your hand over the fibers, characterize natural leather. Artificial ones are always uniform in color and rougher.

But this should not confuse the buyer, since artificial suede looks impressive and is pleasant to the touch, and hardly anyone will dare to consider the differences that we have indicated. So feel free to flaunt yourself in a beautiful jacket with a microfiber coating.

Production of synthetic suede

It is made in two ways:

  • A fabric is made from microfiber, on which one side is fluffed, and a soft, fluffy, smooth surface is obtained.
  • A polymer coating is applied to the fabric base. After this, it is polished with a laser, obtaining a pile.

What should you pay attention to when purchasing a product?

It is better to purchase shoes made from natural materials for summer and mid-season. In it, the foot “breathes” and does not get wet, like in winter. Thanks to their softness, summer sandals will never rub your feet and will look great.

If your budget does not allow, it is convenient to purchase outerwear made from artificial material, which is easier to care for. Moreover, stretch suede is now being produced, which will favorably emphasize the advantages of the figure.

A real suede bag will only have lining in the pockets.

The photo above shows bags made of suede. Their colors are different. A variety of belts also come in many colors, and it’s easy to match them to your wardrobe. Gloves are easily lost, so it is more practical to have artificial ones. We usually take more care of our wallets, so when purchasing it, the material is not as important as good fittings.

Armchairs and sofas are very good when covered with artificial suede furniture. This is usually microfiber.

The fabric is made from the finest fibers called Sea island. Their diameter is only a few millimeters. This upholstery is practical: durable, does not pill, does not fade, is easy to clean, and has a wide range of colors.

Third variety

It would seem that we have already fully understood what suede is. But no. Manufacturers do not stand still. After new technological developments, which were made relatively recently, products made from eco-suede appeared on sale. This is an artificial material, let’s say right away, but it has a number of advantages and qualitatively replaces natural material, and in some characteristics even surpasses it. The raw material contains polyurethane, which does not emit harmful substances into the environment.

Advantages of the new material

  • Hypoallergenic (does not cause skin irritation, has no odor).
  • Air permeability (does not create a greenhouse effect, the skin “breathes” freely).
  • It does not overheat in hot weather and does not harden in cold weather.
  • Externally, eco-suede is very similar to natural material.
  • Resistant to tearing and abrasion.
  • Elastic and soft to the touch.
  • Uniform thickness over the entire surface, uniform color.
  • The paint on it does not fade in the sun.

Care

  • Dirt, dust, stains from tea, coffee, juice are removed with a damp cloth and then wiped dry.
  • It is advisable to treat all products with water-repellent impregnations. This will extend the service life.
  • The shine from the surface is removed with an eraser, as well as with special brushes that are sold in shoe stores.
  • Washing is recommended in warm water, only with delicate washing powder. After this, the product is dried on a hanger. Excess water is removed with a towel.

Items made from all three types of suede can last a long time if you take care of them. If you remove stains and dirt correctly, all items will remain as good as new. So keep an eye on them and enjoy them.

Suede – this article will focus specifically on this type of cotton fabric. We will tell you in detail about natural suede and artificial suede and its use in clothing. Natural suede is a noble, beautiful, but very expensive material, the products of which not everyone can afford. As an alternative, manufacturers offer to wear clothes made of artificial suede, which is also characterized by grace, velvety and luxury.

What is the name of artificial suede and its composition?

Suede fabric is a cotton or silk material, the front side of which has a characteristic pile. It is called the same as natural suede - soft leather, which is made by fat or combined tanning of the skin of deer, elk, goats, and sheep. In appearance, these two materials are very similar, but have a number of distinctive features.

Artificial suede material is produced in two ways:

  1. The woven method is used to produce the highest quality and most expensive fabric. The fabric, woven from a special microfiber thread, is split into small fibers of different lengths on a special machine. After processing the pile, the resulting suede fabric is glued to a base, which makes the material more durable and prevents it from stretching. Woven fabric without an additional backing is less durable and quickly deforms. Faux suede fabric is used for sewing clothes (photo).
  2. The non-woven method involves gluing fibers made from polyester onto a cotton, silk or synthetic base. This is a faster and less expensive production method, but the quality of the material is much lower.

Thus, the pile in artificial suede is synthetic fibers of microfiber or polyester, and the base is, or synthetics.

It is used for furniture upholstery: description, characteristics, rules of use, pros and cons - read about it all.

How to determine natural suede from artificial one and its properties

Artificial suede is an imitation of natural leather. But thanks to unique production technologies, it is possible to achieve maximum similarity between these materials. If you want to find out how to distinguish artificial suede from natural one, you need to pay attention to the following details:

  • natural material is obtained after tanning animal skin, and, therefore, it looks more natural: pores and microscopic scratches are visible in its structure, the color after dyeing may be less uniform;
  • - it can also be compared, so look at its description at the link.
  • artificial suede fabric has a persistent smell of synthetic fibers, while natural material smells like leather;
  • if you run your palm over the natural pile, it will change its color to a lighter one;
  • natural suede is much more expensive than artificial woven or non-woven fabric, so it is often replaced with similar analogues. For example, this could be - read about its composition in another article.
  • Another option, it is very similar to suede, but inferior to it in a number of characteristics, you can read more about it at the link and see its photo.

Properties of suede:


Where is it used?

The scope of application is wide: from sewing clothes to making upholstery for furniture and covers for cars. It all depends on the base on which the pile is glued.

Cotton-based fabric is denser and is used for sewing winter and autumn outerwear, as well as bags and shoes. Suede fabric on a knitted basis drapes well, so it is suitable for making skirts, dresses, and jackets.

Depending on the base, several varieties of this material are distinguished. If spandex or other elastic material is used as a backing for gluing the fibers, then stretch suede is obtained. This is a material that stretches in all directions and whose properties resemble natural leather.

When sewing upholstery for car seats, self-adhesive Alcantra suede is used, which is obtained using a non-woven method. Today it is the most inexpensive and high-quality upholstery material in the world, which is many times superior to leather.

Advice. To give the finished product a slight shine, when cutting the fabric, place the pile down, and to obtain a brighter color, the piles should “look” up.

This video features a suede skirt, dress and jacket! Attention! Video in English!

Purchasing products made from natural materials is considered the most acceptable option. To avoid getting hooked by scammers, be sure to learn the main subtleties and differences between high-quality material and an equally well-thought-out fake. In our article we will talk about how to distinguish artificial suede from real one. Important points in choosing suede items, as well as recommendations for caring for them, can be found right there.

Characteristics of a natural product

The production of suede involves tanning and impregnating the skins of deer or sheep with special fats. The process produces thin leather with short fibers on the front part. Suede has a high heat capacity, breathes well and is very thin. The main advantages of using this material are described below.

Natural suede

Advantages of natural material:

  • Exceptional strength, which is more surprising considering the fairly thin layer.
  • They allow air to pass through perfectly without interfering with cellular respiration.
  • They retain their original appearance for a long time.
  • Exceptional softness and porosity of the material.

In the video this is what natural suede looks like

The disadvantages are the high cost. Despite the development of modern industry, tanning hides requires no less expensive methods than centuries ago. In addition, the quality of raw materials is also much inferior, so the problem of obtaining good suede is relevant every year. The second serious obstacle before purchasing (especially shoes and outerwear) is considered to be low moisture resistance.

The porous surface gets wet quickly, so use may be a little limited. At the same time, the use of special impregnations will help to at least partially solve this problem.

Characteristics of artificial material

Making faux suede also requires utmost care. There are two varieties of this fabric. The first is obtained by gluing small fibers onto a solid base. This is the least strong and durable option. Such a surface is easy to damage, so this suede is considered not so popular, but very cheap.

Natural suede

The second type of artificial suede involves the process of creating fibers using looped threads. Subsequently, quite high-quality pile is made from them. Of course, this option is more preferable, especially since it has a lot of positive aspects of use.

Benefits of faux suede:

Disadvantages include the inability to transfer heat. Faux suede products can make you feel cold, but in summer they are extremely hot. Faux suede is harder and has a shorter service life. Manufacturing technologies are constantly being improved, so it is worth paying attention to the durability of the coating, as well as the quality of the accessories used.

Main distinctive features

One of the main criteria for choosing a suitable item is its authenticity. Now the technology for producing artificial suede is so advanced that not everyone can distinguish between these options. The main criteria that you should focus on when buying suede items are described below.

How to distinguish suede from artificial material:

In order for a purchased pair of shoes or a favorite suede jacket to please its owners longer, special care conditions must be observed.

First of all, this applies to cleaning suede products. In especially difficult cases, it is better to use dry cleaning services, and to remove everyday dirt, be sure to purchase a line of specialized products. Brushes and erasers for removing dirt, as well as special impregnations and shampoos will extend the life of your favorite item.

Buying natural suede will not always be justified. Besides the cost, this may not be practical when it comes to some uses. Faux suede may be the best option, so the information below will be helpful.

Which material is better in which case?

Of course, it is best to purchase exactly the shoes and clothes that suit you. Many people prefer natural materials, but cannot always afford to purchase them. In what cases it would be more advantageous to give preference to artificial suede, we will discuss below.

Shoes

The season of use is the main purchasing criterion. As a rule, it is better to purchase summer and demi-season items made from natural suede. For winter use, this material is less resistant, and daily care can bring many not very pleasant minutes.

Suede shoes

Summer sandals with intertwined suede stripes are an excellent option for long-term wear. They won't get hot, they won't tear for a long time, and they always look chic. The material breathes well and will not rub your feet when walking. In this regard, an artificial substitute is appropriate only for infrequently used shoes.

Helpful tip: if you can’t buy two pairs of good leather shoes at once, you can use a tricky trick. To go out into the world, buy inexpensive shoes made from a substitute, since you won’t have to wear them very often (not to mention the changing fashion). It is better to purchase high-quality and natural suede for everyday use, because in this case the contact of the skin with the material will be longer. This simple rule will allow you to save money without harming your well-being.

Outerwear

In general, it is necessary to approach the issue more seriously, because when purchasing this or that item, you hope to receive only positive emotions from it. If your budget can't support the purchase of a genuine suede sheepskin coat, you may want to look into a quality substitute.

Suede outerwear

On the other hand, some improved characteristics of faux suede will make it much more comfortable. For example, the opportunity to choose the so-called stretch suede will allow you to better emphasize the advantages of your figure. Caring for products made from substitutes is simpler, and the range of suitable products is varied.

Furniture upholstery

Faux suede is often used for furniture. A soft suede sofa is a real dream. However, its operation may not be so long. In places of constant friction, suede easily wrinkles and forms completely unaesthetic bald spots. This negatively affects the appearance of upholstered furniture, and replacement requires enormous investment. In this case, artificial materials fully justify their existence, especially since furniture fabrics are usually produced with a certain “margin of safety”. They are designed for increased loads, are resistant to abrasion and are easier to clean. In this case, using high-quality faux suede makes more sense.

An important point: pieces of natural suede cannot be too large by default. If you are offered a huge sofa without the slightest trace of seams and a completely uniform color, you have a 100% guarantee that you will be deceived.

Bags

For a real woman, a bag is not just a container for necessary things. This is a kind of intimate detail by which one can judge the character of the owner. If you are planning to buy a bag made of this particular material, in addition to the recommendations given earlier, you need to pay attention to the quality of the fittings. The serviceability and reliability of locks and latches mean much more for long-term operation.

Another important point: the lining material. As a rule, a real suede bag may lack it partially or completely, but in place of the internal pockets its use is simply necessary. Fabrics that are too thin and loose quickly fail, and replacing them is very problematic. If you plan to use the bag in active mode, special supports at the bottom will also be useful, which will prevent rapid wear.

Accessories

All kinds of belts, bracelets and gloves can also be made of suede. When purchasing this or that element, it is necessary to judge, first of all, its feasibility. Of course, natural materials are always in trend, but for such details this may not be the decisive factor. For example, faux suede has more options for colors and decorative elements, such as drawing.

In some cases, you can buy a good wallet from a substitute, because here the accessories used are of greater importance. On the other hand, buying expensive suede gloves may be completely unjustified if the owner often “suffers” from forgetfulness and may lose several pairs at once during the season.

When making purchases, we all hope for long and trouble-free use of the item we like. Unfortunately, these expectations are not always met, so it would be useful to learn the basic rules for successfully choosing suede. This material is widely used in fashion and design, so things made from it can be found almost everywhere. Our article will tell you how to distinguish natural suede from artificial one, and in what cases you should choose an acceptable option. Also, what is the difference between nubuck and suede.