Suede vs. Suedette — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
Suede is a type of leather with a napped surface, while Suedette is a synthetic fabric designed to mimic suede's texture.
Difference Between Suede and Suedette
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Suede is made from the underside of animal skins, primarily goat, deer, or pig, giving it a soft, napped texture. This natural material is known for its luxurious feel and is used in various high-end fashion products. On the other hand, Suedette, also known as faux suede, is a synthetic fabric produced from polyester, giving it a similar look and feel to natural suede but with added benefits like being more affordable and easier to maintain.
Suede is valued for its unique texture and quality, often considered a premium material in the fashion industry. It requires special care to maintain its appearance, including regular brushing and protection from moisture. Suedette, however, is more durable and resistant to stains and water, making it a practical choice for everyday use. While it lacks the natural variations of real suede, modern manufacturing techniques have made it increasingly similar in appearance.
The production process of suede involves the splitting of leather to produce a soft, napped surface. This process requires skilled labor and results in a material that varies in texture and color, adding to its appeal. Suedette is manufactured through a textile process where fibers are raised to create a napped surface, allowing for consistent quality and color.
Suede items are generally more expensive due to the cost of raw materials and the complexity of the production process. Suedette offers a cost-effective alternative, providing the look and feel of suede without the high price tag. This makes Suedette popular for a wide range of applications, from fashion to upholstery.
Suede, being a natural material, is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, although its production has been criticized for animal welfare concerns. Suedette, while synthetic, offers an animal-friendly alternative but raises questions about plastic use and environmental impact.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Natural leather
Synthetic fabric
Texture
Soft, napped surface
Mimics suede's napped texture
Durability
Requires careful maintenance
More durable and stain-resistant
Production
Made from animal hides
Produced from polyester or other synthetic fibers
Price
Generally more expensive
More affordable
Compare with Definitions
Suede
A type of leather with a soft, brushed surface.
The suede jacket required careful cleaning to maintain its texture.
Suedette
Widely used in fashion and upholstery.
Suedette curtains added a luxurious feel to the room without the high cost.
Suede
Biodegradable and natural.
Suede, being a natural material, is environmentally friendly but requires ethical sourcing.
Suedette
Offers practicality and ease of care.
Her suedette jacket could easily be washed at home, unlike real suede.
Suede
Used in luxury fashion items.
The designer used suede for the handbags to add a touch of sophistication.
Suedette
A synthetic fabric designed to resemble suede.
The suedette sofa was surprisingly soft to the touch.
Suede
Requires special care.
He used a suede brush to keep his shoes in pristine condition.
Suedette
More affordable than suede.
Opting for suedette allowed her to enjoy the suede look without breaking the bank.
Suede
Durable but delicate material.
Her suede boots looked elegant but were not suitable for rainy weather.
Suedette
Resistant to stains and water.
The kids' suedette shoes were ideal for playtime, easy to clean and durable.
Suede
Suede (pronounced (SWAYD)) is a type of leather with a napped finish, commonly used for jackets, shoes, shirts, purses, furniture, and other items. The term comes from the French gants de Suède, which literally means "gloves from Sweden".Suede is made from the underside of the animal skin, which is softer and more pliable than the outer skin layer, though not as durable.
Suedette
A fabric, made from cotton or rayon, that has the texture of suede.
Suede
Leather with the flesh side rubbed to make a velvety nap
Suede shoes
Suede
Leather with a soft napped surface.
Suede
Fabric made to resemble suede.
Suede
A type of soft leather, made from calfskin, with a brushed texture to resemble fabric, often used to make boots, clothing and fashion accessories.
Suede
Made of suede.
Suede
(transitive) To make (leather) into suede.
Suede
(transitive) To finish (fabric) by abrasion, giving it a fibrous surface.
Suede
Swedish glove leather, - usually made from lambskins tanned with willow bark. Also used adjectively; as, suede gloves.
Suede
Leather with a napped surface
Suede
A fabric made to resemble suede leather
Common Curiosities
Why is suede considered luxurious?
Suede is considered luxurious due to its soft texture, natural origin, and the craftsmanship involved in its production.
What is suede made from?
Suede is made from the underside of animal skins, typically goat, deer, or pig.
Can suede get wet?
Suede can get wet but requires careful drying and brushing to maintain its texture.
How is Suedette different from suede?
Suedette is a synthetic fabric designed to mimic suede's texture, made from polyester or similar materials.
How do you care for suede items?
Suede items require regular brushing and protection from moisture to maintain their appearance.
Can Suedette look as good as real suede?
Modern manufacturing techniques have made Suedette increasingly similar to real suede in appearance.
Which is more durable, suede or Suedette?
Suedette is generally more durable and resistant to stains and water compared to suede.
Why is suede more expensive than Suedette?
Suede is more expensive due to the cost of raw materials and the complexity of the production process.
Is Suedette waterproof?
Suedette is more resistant to water than suede, making it easier to care for and maintain.
Can Suedette be used in all the same applications as suede?
Suedette is versatile and can be used in many of the same applications as suede, including fashion and upholstery.
Is Suedette animal friendly?
Yes, Suedette offers an animal-friendly alternative to real suede, as it is made from synthetic materials.
Is suede biodegradable?
Yes, suede is biodegradable as it is made from natural materials.
What are the environmental impacts of Suedette?
Suedette, being synthetic, raises concerns about plastic use and its environmental impact.
How does the production process of suede and Suedette differ?
The production process of suede involves splitting leather to create a napped surface, while Suedette is manufactured through a textile process.
Is Suedette easier to maintain than suede?
Yes, Suedette is easier to maintain as it is more durable and resistant to stains and water.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
