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The Making and Using of Suede

Suede is the interior split of the hide of an animal, usually a cow, and is "fuzzy" on both sides. Other animals from which suede can be obtained include the sheep and the goat. Suede is less durable than top-grain leather, but is cheaper than full-grain leather. This is because many pieces of suede can be obtained from a single thickness of hide, whereas only one piece of top-grain can be made. However, as the look of full-grain is in demand, a number of techniques are used to make suede look like full-grain leather. For example, glue is mixed with one side of the suede, which is then pressed through rollers. These flatten and even out one side of the material, giving it the smooth appearance of full-grain. Latigo is one of the trade names for this product.

Suede Split Leather is used in the manufacture of suede shoes, bags, clothing etc., and is where a split leather suede is produced from the split hide of the cow. It looks like 'Crust Leather' but whereas 'Crust Leather' is unfinished, 'Suede Split Leather' is finished to the same velvet-like nap. Crust Leather is a semi-finished cow split leather for manufacturers/agents who wish to go on to produce their own P.U. (polyurethane film) coated cow split leather or use the crust leather in their own products.

Suede can be sold with various finishes, including:

• Antique
• Rub Off
• Brush Off
• Washable
• Tight Nappa
• Waterproof

Uses of suede are wide and varied. The most common use is for footwear, clothing and accessories, such as belts and handbags. Other uses include a microfibre suede cloth which is excellent for cleaning fingerprints, smudges and smears off glasses lenses, CD's, records and computer screens, etc.