When it comes to suede fabrics, there are two popular options to choose from: microfiber suede and real suede fabric. While both offer a soft and luxurious texture, they have distinct characteristics and properties. In this blog post, we will compare microfiber suede and real suede fabric, highlighting their differences in terms of material, affordability, durability, care and maintenance, water resistance, and more.
1. Material: Microfiber Suede: Microfiber suede is crafted from synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon, offering a synthetic alternative to real suede.
Real Suede Fabric: Real suede fabric is derived from the inner layer of animal hides, usually sourced from cows, sheep, or goats. This natural material is highly regarded for its premium quality and luxurious appeal.
2. Affordability: Microfiber Suede: One notable advantage of microfiber suede is its affordability. It is generally more budget-friendly compared to real suede fabric, making it accessible to a wider range of customers.
Real Suede Fabric: Real suede fabric, with its high-end nature and natural sourcing, tends to be more expensive than microfiber suede. It is often associated with luxury fashion and premium products.
3. Durability: Microfiber Suede: Microfiber suede is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It can withstand regular use and maintain its appearance over time, making it suitable for upholstery, accessories, and garments that require long-lasting performance.
Real Suede Fabric: Real suede fabric is also durable, but it may require more care to maintain its pristine condition. Although it can develop a desirable aging patina, it is more susceptible to damage and staining compared to microfiber suede.
4. Care and Maintenance: Microfiber Suede: Microfiber suede is relatively easy to clean and maintain. It can often be machine washed and does not typically require specialized treatments or cleaning methods. However, it is advisable to check the specific care instructions for each microfiber suede product.
Real Suede Fabric: Real suede fabric demands more careful maintenance. It is highly sensitive to water and stains, and it may require professional cleaning or specialized suede brushes to remove dirt and restore its appearance. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for care is essential to preserve its quality.
5. Water Resistance: Microfiber Suede: Microfiber suede offers better water resistance compared to real suede fabric. It is naturally more resistant to moisture, making it suitable for applications where exposure to water or humidity is a concern, such as outdoor cushions or upholstery in moisture-prone areas.
Real Suede Fabric: Real suede fabric is highly sensitive to water and can be easily damaged or stained when exposed to moisture. It requires protection from water and should be kept dry to avoid potential issues.
| Microfiber Suede | Real Suede Fabric |
|---|---|
| Synthetic material: Microfiber suede is made from synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon. | Natural material: Real suede fabric is made from the inner layer of animal hides, typically from cows, sheep, or goats. |
| Affordability: Microfiber suede is generally more affordable compared to real suede. | Luxurious appearance: Real suede has a luxurious look and feel, often associated with high-end fashion. |
| Durability: It is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. | Aging and patina: Over time, real suede develops a patina and improves in appearance, giving it a desirable vintage look. |
| Care and maintenance: Microfiber suede is easy to clean and maintain. It is often machine washable and doesn’t require special treatments. | Care and maintenance: Real suede requires more careful maintenance. It is more susceptible to stains, and specialized cleaning methods may be needed. |
| Water resistance: Microfiber suede is typically more water-resistant than real suede, making it suitable for areas prone to moisture. | Water sensitivity: Real suede is highly sensitive to water and can be easily damaged or stained when exposed to moisture. |
| Hypoallergenic: It is less likely to cause allergies or skin irritations compared to real suede. | Softness: Real suede is renowned for its softness and suppleness, providing a unique tactile experience. |
| Breathability: It offers better breathability compared to microfiber suede, making it more comfortable to wear. |
Microfiber suede and real suede fabric have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different purposes. Microfiber suede is an affordable and durable synthetic alternative with water-resistant properties and ease of maintenance. On the other hand, real suede fabric exudes luxury, softness, and a unique aging patina, albeit requiring more careful care and being sensitive to water.
If you’re interested in exploring further or purchasing suede fabrics, you can visit Big Z Fabric’s suede fabric collection here. We offer a range of options in microfiber suede and other types of upholstery fabric allowing you to choose the material that best suits your specific needs and preferences.
Remember to consider your intended use, budget, and maintenance requirements when making a decision between microfiber suede and real suede fabric. Each fabric has its own distinct charm and benefits, so choose wisely based on what aligns with your priorities. We think you’ll discover that our microfiber suede is an excellent option for the vast majority of your projects.
