Natural suede: features, tips for choosing and care

Natural suede is actively used in the production of clothing, shoes, bags and various accessories. The popularity of this material led to the appearance of an artificial analogue, however, the relevance of the natural product remained high.

According to historical data, the manufacture of suede began in the 4th century AD, and to this day it is in demand among modern consumers.

There are two versions of the origin of the name.

1. Some believe that the word chamois was taken as a basis - so in the era of the Middle Ages, French furriers designated leather of a special make-up.
2. There is an opinion that modern "suede" came from the word zeem - that is how in ancient times goats were called on the territory of Holland, whose skin was used to produce beautiful and pleasant to the touch material.

Even the highest quality artificial counterparts can not be compared with natural suede in terms of beauty and performance.

As a rule, clothes and shoes from the above raw materials are in special demand in the colder season (late autumn, winter and early spring). Both classic and modern designer looks complement various accessories, such as gloves, jewelry, belts, wallets.

Buyers are offered two types of natural material, which differs not only in appearance, but also in operational characteristics. Product quality depends on the leather used in the production.

• Sophisticated. For this type of material, chamois, deer or goat skin is needed. If you correctly observe the technology of dressing, you will get durable, but at the same time thin and soft suede. The highest quality product is used in the fashion industry for tailoring stylish clothes, accessories and shoes.
• Not sophisticated. In this case, the skin of calves or sheep is used. Due to the density on one side, the material is more resistant to mechanical damage. On the other hand, the material is soft and pleasant to the touch.

In addition to the main raw materials, manufacturers use various fats of plant and animal origin. The skin that is cleared of the hair is called a jaw. It is treated with fat and sent to a special unit, where the material absorbs liquid for several hours. As soon as this stage comes to an end, the product begins to be painted.

Knowing a few simple rules, correctly determining the nature of the origin of the product is not difficult. If a finished product is purchased, the manufacturer is obliged to warn about what material the goods were made of. Unfortunately, both on the market and in shopping centers you can find a fake and spend a lot of money on low-quality products.

• To distinguish a good product from a low-quality product, just hold it by hand - in some places the natural material will change color.
• Products made from animal skin cannot have a uniform texture - pores and other marks will certainly be visible on it.
• You can understand the quality and nature of the material with the help of tactile sensations. Natural suede is soft, it is pleasant and soft to the touch, unlike a substitute, which is characterized by roughness.
• It is necessary to carefully examine the finish from the inside - a solid cut of the skin indicates the natural origin of the material. If a tissue layer has been noticed - this is an artificial product.
• The smell will also help to know the quality of a suede product. A pronounced smell indicates naturalness, while its absence or the presence of synthetic impurities indicates the opposite.

Using ordinary water, you can easily check suede at home - just drop a few drops of liquid on the surface of the material. These products immediately absorb it, leaving a characteristic mark.

Having learned this and other of the above methods of checking products, a person will protect himself from scammers without spending a large amount on a fake.

The positive qualities of the material include a number of features.

• This material is considered “breathable”, due to which the skin will receive the necessary amount of oxygen.
• Suede is pleasant to the touch. It is soft with a delicate velvet texture.
• Attractive presentation that is not inferior even to genuine leather. Some stylists and designers consider this material the most attractive and expressive.
• Suede clothes and shoes keep warm for a long time, giving comfort.
• A light weight.
• The material does not cause an allergic reaction.
• Suede products have a dense and durable texture.
• It is possible to clean the house using soap.
• Quality products are famous for their durability and elasticity.
• Products made from natural material will look great at a gala event.

The material has some disadvantages.

• Products have a high price, which is not affordable for most consumers.
• Excess moisture spoils the appeal of suede.
• Material quickly gets dirty. Dirt and dust immediately become noticeable.
• Products need constant and accurate care.
• For cleaning, use special tools and tools.
• Natural suede products are not recommended for daily use, especially if you often use public transport.
• Stains should be removed from the surface as quickly as possible.
• Without additional treatment, suede gets wet in heavy rain.

In order for products made from natural material to maintain their presentation for a long time, it is necessary not only to properly care for them, but also to regularly carry out preventive measures.

Immediately after the acquisition, it is advisable to process the product using a cloth or brush with a soft thief that will not damage the texture. Outerwear, such as coats, jackets or raincoats, can be cleaned using an ordinary vacuum cleaner - this will help to quickly and effortlessly refresh the product.

To protect the purchase from liquids, dust and other contaminants, you need to use special repellents - they will protect the product, forming a strong protective film, without spoiling its attractiveness. It is important to process the goods correctly the first time.

The work should be carried out in several stages. Spray the product on the surface and leave the product until it is completely dry. It is forbidden to place things in direct sunlight or near a heater. This procedure is repeated two times.

Then you need to wait about a day, and only after that go out into the street in shoes or clothes. When there is an increased level of humidity outside the window, it is recommended to use moisture protective agents every day.

In dry and frosty seasons, snow is removed from shoes, clothes and other things by shaking. Then the products are gently wiped with a soft cloth and left to dry at a compact temperature. Once you get rid of the damp, you can start cleaning.

It is important to get rid of stains and dirt as soon as possible, before they are eaten into the texture of suede. However, some make mistakes during the drying process using hair dryers, heaters, and other heat sources. It is absolutely impossible to do this, since the elasticity and appearance of the product are lost.

To clean a thing from dried dirt, you must perform a series of actions described below.

• Using a special brush for suede, you need to get rid of large pieces of dirt and everything that separates from the surface.
• Then you need to wipe the place with a soft textile material.
• After that, you need to prepare a mixture of washing powder and water. You can also use any non-aggressive household chemicals. The main thing is that it does not contain bleach.
• Wetting the sponge in the solution, you need to carefully wipe the traces of dirt. If necessary, repeat the procedure several times.
• After that, you need to process the product with a damp cloth and a piece of dry silk material.
• If you notice a change in texture (the surface has become smooth), you need to hold the brush slightly over the boiling water, and then go over it on the surface, combing the suede.

To remove the stain from grease or oil, it is necessary to prepare a tooth powder or talcum powder. First of all, you need to treat the place with one of the above tools with a brush. This method is good if the trace is fresh. Some use gasoline, as it gives a good result. But this method is rarely used because of the strong smell.

During cleaning, it is recommended to use gloves to protect the skin of the hands. It is advisable to give dry cleaning at least once a year.

If you properly care for natural material, then products made of suede will delight their beauty for a long time.

How to distinguish natural from artificial suede is described in the next video.