Editing Suede

{{Short description|Type of leather with a napped finish}}
{{for multi|the English rock band|Suede (band)|other uses}}
{{distinguish|text=[[Nap (fabric)|Sueding of textile fabrics]] to create a suede surface texture}}
[[File:Blue suede samba.JPG|thumb|Blue suede shoes]]
[[File:George-Boot Carson (Grenson).jpg|thumb|Suede boot]]

'''Suede''' (pronounced {{IPAc-en|s|w|eɪ|d}} {{respell|SWAYD}}) is a type of [[leather]] with a fuzzy, napped finish, commonly used for [[jacket]]s, [[shoe]]s, [[Textile|fabrics]], [[Handbag|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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://explainry.com/difference-between/leather-suede/|title=Difference Between Leather and Suede - Explainry|newspaper=Explainry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823203757/https://explainry.com/difference-between/leather-suede/ |access-date=2017-02-11|archive-date=2017-08-23 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The term comes from the French {{lang|fr|gants de Suède}}, which literally means "gloves from [[Sweden]]".<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/suede Suede],  Dictionary.com</ref>

==Production==
[[File:Modern Suede Jacket.jpg|thumb|Modern Suede Jacket]]
Suede leather is made from the underside of the skin,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Scrivano|first=Sandy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ZXZ6f2KNLwC&dq=Suede+leather+is+made+from+the+underside+of+the+skin&pg=PA120|title=Sewing with Leather and Suede: Tips, Techniques and Inspiration|date=2001|publisher=Lark Books|isbn=978-1-57990-273-5|pages=120|language=en}}</ref> primarily from [[domestic sheep|lamb]], although [[goat]], [[calfskin|calf]], and [[deer]] are commonly used. Splits from thick hides of cow and deer are also sueded, but, due to the fiber content, have a shaggy [[Nap (fabric)|nap]]. 

==Characteristics==

Because 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is Suede Fabric: Origin, Composition and Properties |url=https://italianartisan.com/what-is-suede-fabric-origin-composition-and-properties/ |website=Italian Artisan}}</ref>

==Uses==

Suede was originally used for women's [[gloves]], hence its etymology (see above).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Material Report: Suede |url=https://thenowherenation.com/blogs/nn-the-journal/material-report-suede?srsltid=AfmBOoq63piaI_qO5S-zQ--KZMWGwo3Tz2ZpKb1--SN4V6zPOaWuqO9U |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=The Nowhere Nation |language=en}}</ref>

It is a popular material for [[jackets]], [[shoe]]s, [[handbag|bags]], [[upholstery]], and other accessories<ref>{{cite web |title=What Is Suede Fabric? Learn About the Difference Between Suede, Leather, and Nubuck |url=https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-suede-fabric-learn-about-the-difference-between-suede-leather-and-nubuck |website=MasterClass}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=What Is Suede Leather? The Definitive Guide |url=https://therealleathercompany.com/blogs/leather/suede-leather?_ab=0&_fd=0&_sc=1&srsltid=AfmBOooXW5IZQYS4e9Ugrxr1_auZybc0lhvFtyPXxqRmPUHA2iCixPCC |website=The Real Leather Company|date=18 April 2024}}</ref> 

It is also used as a [[lining (sewing)|lining]] for 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|date=January 2025}}

==Preservation and conditioning==
A 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. <ref name="o218">{{cite web | last=Bennett | first=Jessica | title=How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Wrecking Their Velvety Texture | website=Better Homes & Gardens | date=2021-11-24 | url=https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/stain-removal/how-to-clean-suede-shoes/ | access-date=2024-05-23}}</ref><ref name="h172">{{cite web | title=How to Clean Suede Shoes and Boots | website=HGTV | date=2021-01-13 | url=https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-clean-suede | access-date=2024-05-23}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==

* Suede's absorbent nature was highlighted in the ''[[Seinfeld]]'' episode "[[The Jacket (Seinfeld)|The Jacket]]", in which [[Jerry Seinfeld (character)|Jerry]] ventures outside into the snow and ruins his exorbitantly priced suede jacket.
* "[[Blue Suede Shoes]]" is a well-known early rock-n-roll song written by [[Carl Perkins]] and also covered by [[Elvis Presley]]. 
* The song [[Walking in Memphis]] by [[Marc Cohn]] mentions wearing "blue suede shoes" and seeing the "ghost of Elvis". 
* [["Weird Al" Yankovic]] wrote and performed the song "[["Weird Al" Yankovic in 3-D|King of Suede]]".
* "[[Suedehead]]", a skinhead subculture and song by English singer/songwriter [[Morrissey]].
* "[[Johnny Suede]]", a film starring [[Brad Pitt]] where he plays a down-and-out musician with a huge pompadour haircut.
* "Suede" is a song by [[Tori Amos]] from the album [[To Venus and Back]]
* "Suede" is a song by [[Los Angeles]]-based duo [[NxWorries]], released as the [[lead single]] of their debut [[Extended play|EP]], ''[[Link Up & Suede]]''
* The song Los Pollos Hermanos, by the British rapper [[Knucks (musician)|Knucks]], contains this bar : "My trench coat leather, my shoes are suede"

== See also ==
*[[Nap (fabric)]]
*[[Shearing (textiles)]]
*[[Nubuck]]
*[[Voris (designer)|Voris]], 1930s–1940s American fashion designer who worked exclusively in suede

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite book
| publisher = American Leather
| last = American Leather Chemists Association ALC
| title = The Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association
| year = 1906
}}
* {{Cite book
| edition = New
| publisher = Rodale Books
| isbn = 1-57954-019-8
| pages = 544
| last = Bredenberg
| first = Jeff
| title = Clean It Fast, Clean It Right: The Ultimate Guide to Making Absolutely Everything You Own Sparkle & Shine
| year = 1999
}}
* {{Cite book
| edition = First
| publisher = The Lyons Press
| isbn = 1-58574-670-3
| pages = 240
| last = Burch
| first = Monte
| title = The Ultimate Guide to Skinning and Tanning: A Complete Guide to Working with Pelts, Fur, and Leather
| year = 2002
}}
* {{Cite book
| publisher = Stackpole Books
| isbn = 0-8117-1719-4
| pages = 197
| last = Churchill
| first = James E.
| title = The Complete Book of Tanning Skins and Furs
| year = 1983
}}
* {{Cite book
| publisher = Quarry Books
| isbn = 1-59253-076-1
| pages = 128
| last = Goldstein-Lynch
| first = Ellen
|author2=Sarah Mullins |author3=Nicole Malone
 | title = Making Leather Handbags and Other Stylish Accessories
| year = 2004
}}
* {{Cite book
| publisher = Butterworth-Heinemann
| isbn = 0-7506-4881-3
| pages = 240
| last = Kite
| first = Marion
|author2=Roy Thomson
 | title = Conservation of Leather and Related Materials
| year = 2005
}}
* {{Cite book
| publisher = Scholarly Publishing Office, University of Michigan Library
| isbn = 1-4255-2365-X
| pages = 266
| last = Michigan Historical Reprint Series
| title = The Art of Tanning Leather
| year = 2005
}}
* {{Cite book
| publisher = American Chemical Society, Krieger Publishing Co
| last = O'Flaherty
| first = Fred
|author2=Roddy Lollar
 | title = The Chemistry and Technology of Leather
| year = 1956
| edition = 1978
| series = ACS Monograph 134
| asin= B007EUI5M4
}}
* {{Cite book
| publisher = McGraw-Hill
| isbn = 0-07-909206-3
| last = Parker
| first = Sybil P
| title = McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology: An International Reference Work
| page = 508
| location = New York
| year = 1992
}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Suede}}

{{leather}}

[[Category:Leather]]
[[Category:Textile techniques]]