Leather Versus Suede: Which Is Right for You?
Leather is a natural material that comes from animals, and we often classify different types of leather based on the type of animal it is sourced from. However, that’s not the only factor to consider when choosing leather products, as leather can also be classified based on various other factors.
One such factor is the part of the animal skin the leather is derived from, and based on that, leather and suede are very different from each other.
In this blog, we will discuss nearly all the factors that make these two luxurious materials different. After reading this article, you will have a clear understanding and be able to make a better decision when choosing between leather and suede.
Table of Contents
What are leather and suede?
Leather and suede are both types of leather, as “leather” is a collective term for all tanned skins. However, when we say “leather,” we often mean top-grain leather, which has a smooth and shiny surface, unlike split leather, which has a fuzzy appearance.
On the other hand, suede is a type of split leather (the inner part of the skin) known for its napped and velvety surface. Suede often looks identical on both sides of the hide.
Why compare leather and suede?
Comparing suede and leather is highly significant because they differ in various factors that people often overlook when buying leather products. As a result, they may end up with something totally different from what they wanted in the first place.
We’re all aware that both suede and leather fall under the category of leathers, and while they have distinct appearances, the differences don’t end there. They vary on multiple grounds, and it’s crucial to consider these distinctions before making a purchase of costly leather goods.
Properties
We have listed some of the major deciding factors for comparison between leather and suede:
| Attribute | Leather | Suede |
Texture and appearance | Smooth, polished, shiny | Napped, velvety, soft |
Durability | Highly durable | Less durable as compared |
Breathability | Low breathability | High breathability |
Water resistance | High water resistace | High water resistance |
Comfort and feel | Stiff and less comfortable | Soft and comfortable |
Cost | Often expensive | less expensive |
| Weight | Needs high maintenance | High water resistance |
| Maintenance | Needs high maintenance | lightweight |
1.| Texture and appearance
The very first and obvious difference we are almost all aware of is the texture and appearance of leather and suede. Leather is known for its smooth, glossy, and polished surface finish, while suede resembles a velvet fabric, known for its napped and soft surface. They both look amazing, and it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference as to which one someone may prefer.
2.| Durability
The game changes when we compare the longevity and durability of leather and suede. Leather is indeed way more durable and resistant to wear and tear compared to suede, which is more susceptible to stains and less resistant to water.
3.| Production process
The production process of leather and suede shares some similarities, as they both undergo tanning when they constitute a single material. However, the difference arises when they are split to obtain usable thickness slices. The outer surface of the skin becomes leather, while the inner portion of the skin with comparatively looser fibers becomes suede.
4.| Water resistance and breathability
Leather is more resistant to water compared to suede due to differences in the pores of the surface. Suede is more porous, with loosely packed fibers, which makes it more breathable than leather. However, these loose strands also make suede more prone to water damage and less resistant overall.
5.| Comfort and feel
Leather, due to its more tightly packed strands, naturally tends to be more rigid than suede. While it can become more supple with usage, it generally stays less soft and comfortable compared to suede, which can almost feel like fabric at times.
6.| Cost
Although all kinds of leather command high prices in the market, when comparing leather and suede based on price, leather is often more expensive due to its qualities and availability compared to its suede counterparts. However, some high-quality suede leathers can still be more costly.
7.| Aging
One significant difference between leather and suede is the aging process. The appearance of leather tends to improve over time as it develops a nice patina, enhancing its character. On the other hand, suede tends to show signs of wear more visibly and may not age as elegantly as leather.
8.| Maintenance
Leather is often easier to clean and maintain compared to suede, as it typically only requires wiping down with a cloth and can easily be treated with conditioner. Suede, however, requires special care, including the use of a suede brush, erasers, and specific cleaning products to maintain its appearance and quality.
9.|Uses of leather and suede
Although leather and suede can both be used in various leather goods, leather is often chosen for applications requiring more abrasion resistance, such as car interiors, bags, shoes, jackets, and belts. Suede, on the other hand, is commonly employed in shoes, comfort clothing, bags, and other fashion accessories.
Conclusion
Though both leather and suede are amazing types of leathers, and as a leather fanatic, I’ve used both extensively. People often worry about suede, thinking it’s extremely difficult to maintain and less durable. However, from my personal experience, comparing both leather and suede reveals differences in their properties. But with individual use, suede proves to be a pretty durable material and not as difficult to maintain and clean as commonly thought.
I often use my suede brush to clean my suede shoes, and tada, they’re ready. Occasionally, I would spray some solution of water and white vinegar and then brush them off after drying. Even suede jackets are not difficult to clean. Just wipe them off with a clean microfiber cloth or a cloth brush, and you are ready to go.
Suede can be the best material when it comes to comfort. It is very comfortable to wear in warmer climates as it almost feels like a normal fabric, thanks to its good breathability.
For more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.
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