Suede is a split leather with a velvety soft feel. Unlike smooth leather, suede is characterized by its rough surface. Suede is therefore one of the types of rough leather, which are roughly divided into nubuck leather and suede.
What is the difference between suede and suede?
In everyday language, suede is often mistakenly equated with suede. Strictly speaking, rough leather, i.e. both nubuck and suede, describes a type of leather processing in which the surface of the leather is sanded or split. Nubuck leather is full-grain leather with sanded grain. Suede is split leather and has no grain side. Suede, on the other hand, refers to types of full-grain leather that come from game, for example deer, roe deer or elk.
HOW DO SUEDE AND NUBUCK DIFFER?
The two types of leather do not differ in their origin, i.e. in which animal the leather comes from. Rather, the type of leather processing used for nubuck and suede differs. Both types of leather are rough leather. However, different manufacturing processes are used to achieve the roughened, velvety leather surface:
THE PRODUCTION OF NUBUCK LEATHER
The velvety feel of nubuck leather is created by sanding the grain side of the leather. Nubuck leather is often perceived as more elegant. It is usually a little thicker and more durable than suede and usually has a finer, velvety feel.
THE PRODUCTION OF SUEDE
The term suede covers two types of leather production : the uncoated back of the leather, which is processed upwards, and the flesh split, which is split downwards. If suede is produced by splitting the leather, a suede surface is created on both sides. Suede processed in this way is somewhat thinner and falls comparatively softly and flowing.
CARE OF SUEDE
Suede is often decried as being sensitive and difficult to care for. Nubuck leather and suede only need special care , which should be avoided if possible, and you should avoid using moisture and classic shoe polish. With special care products for suede and a suede impregnation, which should be refreshed regularly, you can enjoy your suede favorites forever. Suede is gently cleaned using special dry cleaning products. Then brush the leather with a suede brush. A suede lotion ensures that the leather retains its suppleness and velvety feel. Once the care lotion has been well absorbed, gently brush the suede again and then impregnate it.
Advantages of suede
As already mentioned, suede has a soft, velvety surface, a pleasantly warm feel and a beautiful structure. Suede is a little more sensitive to dirt and moisture than smooth leather. Nevertheless, suede scores highly for its durability. Scratches or small damages can be easily removed using a suede brush.
The open-pored leather is very breathable. At the same time, good care and regular impregnation can achieve a high level of waterproofness. This means that suede is very popular for making shoes and gloves.
Disadvantages of suede
Like all leather, suede has a few disadvantages, as well as many advantages, which you should be aware of in order to use and care for the leather properly. The surface of suede is open-pored and not as well sealed as that of smooth leather. As a result, suede is more prone to discoloration due to UV radiation. If the leather is exposed to sunlight for a long time, the color can change or fade. Therefore, you should make sure to store your suede favorites in a dark place and not regularly place them on the windowsill, for example.
Due to the low level of surface sealing, the color can transfer to clothing. Dark leather items made of suede in particular should therefore be regularly waterproofed and only combined with light-colored clothing with caution.