Suede(pronounced/sweɪd/SWAYD) is a type ofleatherwith a fuzzy, napped finish, commonly used forjackets,shoes,fabrics,purses,furniture,and other items.
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.[1]
Etymology
editThe term comes from the Frenchgants de Suède,which literally means "gloves fromSweden".[2]The term was first used byThe Oxford English Dictionaryin 1884.
Production
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Suede leather is made from the underside of the skin,[3]primarily fromlamb,althoughgoat,calf,anddeerare commonly used. Splits from thick hides of cow and deer are also sueded, but, due to the fiber content, have a shaggynap.
Characteristics
editBecause suede does not include the tough exterior skin layer, it is both less durable and softer than standard "full-grain" leather. Its softness, thinness, and pliability make it suitable for clothing and delicate uses.[4]
Uses
editSuede was originally used for women'sgloves,hence its etymology (see above).[5]
It is a popular material forjackets,shoes,bags,upholstery,and other accessories[6][7]
It is also used as aliningfor other leather products. Due to its textured nature and open pores, suede may become dirty and quickly absorb liquids. Suede is often used in place of leather when more breathability (air permeation) is needed such as with hot weather footgear.[citation needed]
Preservation and conditioning
editA variety of environmental factors including salt, dirt, water, oils and moisture can stain or wear out suede. Since excess moisture can damage suede, it should not be cleaned with soap and water or machine washed. Suede brushes and suede rubbers, as well as a nail files, are tools that may be used to clean suede, often in conjunction with white vinegar or cornstarch. Suede protector spray can be applied after cleaning to preserve the integrity of the fabric longer.[8][9]
In popular culture
edit- Suede's absorbent nature was highlighted in theSeinfeldepisode "The Jacket",in whichJerryventures outside into the snow and ruins his exorbitantly priced suede jacket.
- "Blue Suede Shoes"is a well-known early rock-n-roll song written byCarl Perkinsand also covered byElvis Presley.
- The songWalking in MemphisbyMarc Cohnmentions wearing "blue suede shoes" and seeing the "ghost of Elvis".
- "Weird Al" Yankovicwrote and performed the song "King of Suede".
- "Suedehead",a skinhead subculture and song by English singer/songwriterMorrissey.
- "Johnny Suede",a film starringBrad Pittwhere he plays a down-and-out musician with a huge pompadour haircut.
- "Suede" is a song byTori Amosfrom the albumTo Venus and Back
- "Suede" is a song byLos Angeles-based duoNxWorries,released as thelead singleof their debutEP,Link Up & Suede
See also
edit- Nap (fabric)
- Shearing (textiles)
- Nubuck
- Voris,1930s–1940s American fashion designer who worked exclusively in suede
References
edit- ^"Difference Between Leather and Suede - Explainry".Explainry.Archived fromthe originalon 2017-08-23.Retrieved2017-02-11.
- ^Suede,Dictionary
- ^Scrivano, Sandy (2001).Sewing with Leather and Suede: Tips, Techniques and Inspiration.Lark Books. p. 120.ISBN978-1-57990-273-5.
- ^"What is Suede Fabric: Origin, Composition and Properties".Italian Artisan.
- ^"Material Report: Suede".The Nowhere Nation.Retrieved2024-08-26.
- ^"What Is Suede Fabric? Learn About the Difference Between Suede, Leather, and Nubuck".MasterClass.
- ^"What Is Suede Leather? The Definitive Guide".The Real Leather Company.
- ^Bennett, Jessica (2021-11-24)."How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Wrecking Their Velvety Texture".Better Homes & Gardens.Retrieved2024-05-23.
- ^"How to Clean Suede Shoes and Boots".HGTV.2021-01-13.Retrieved2024-05-23.
Further reading
edit- American Leather Chemists Association ALC (1906).The Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association.American Leather.
- Bredenberg, Jeff (1999).Clean It Fast, Clean It Right: The Ultimate Guide to Making Absolutely Everything You Own Sparkle & Shine(New ed.). Rodale Books. p. 544.ISBN1-57954-019-8.
- Burch, Monte (2002).The Ultimate Guide to Skinning and Tanning: A Complete Guide to Working with Pelts, Fur, and Leather(First ed.). The Lyons Press. p. 240.ISBN1-58574-670-3.
- Churchill, James E. (1983).The Complete Book of Tanning Skins and Furs.Stackpole Books. p. 197.ISBN0-8117-1719-4.
- Goldstein-Lynch, Ellen; Sarah Mullins; Nicole Malone (2004).Making Leather Handbags and Other Stylish Accessories.Quarry Books. p. 128.ISBN1-59253-076-1.
- Kite, Marion; Roy Thomson (2005).Conservation of Leather and Related Materials.Butterworth-Heinemann. p. 240.ISBN0-7506-4881-3.
- Michigan Historical Reprint Series (2005).The Art of Tanning Leather.Scholarly Publishing Office, University of Michigan Library. p. 266.ISBN1-4255-2365-X.
- O'Flaherty, Fred; Roddy Lollar (1956).The Chemistry and Technology of Leather.ACS Monograph 134 (1978 ed.). American Chemical Society, Krieger Publishing Co.ASINB007EUI5M4.
- Parker, Sybil P (1992).McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology: An International Reference Work.New York: McGraw-Hill. p. 508.ISBN0-07-909206-3.
External links
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Media related toSuedeat Wikimedia Commons
