How to distinguish natural suede from artificial one

Suede is a fairly common material. But in the modern world, where the quality and appearance of artificial materials are not very different from the original, substitutes prevail. Therefore, for connoisseurs of natural materials, we offer instructions on how to distinguish between real and artificial suede.

Qualities of natural suede

Natural suede is leather tanned in a special way. It is made mainly from the skins of large wild horned animals. After obtaining the raw materials, an expensive manufacturing process follows. Therefore, genuine suede has a high price. However, you can also put a high price on a fake; do not be guided only by this indicator.

On a note! An artificial substitute can also have a high price; this indicator is not reliable.

Natural suede has the following qualities:

• thin, but very durable;
• “breathes” well;
• the material is soft and porous;
• does not have a reverse side - the same appearance on both sides.

It feels very durable and somewhat similar to rubber, as it is very elastic, but does not have much stretch.

Characteristics of artificial suede

Artificial material varies in quality. The price and performance characteristics depend on this. Suede substitute is made in two ways:

• woven;
• non-woven.

The first method involves splitting the base into small fibers. Thus, they are tightly located and firmly “sit” on the base.

The second method involves gluing small fibers onto the base. The quality of products made in this way may also vary. Budget options may have bald patches or glued fibers. Higher quality options will not have such shortcomings, however, this method is still worse than the first. Material made in this way is less durable and strong.

In general, artificial material is characterized by the following characteristics:

• There is a reverse side. Since faux suede is based on textiles, the fibers are only on one side. The reverse side has a different structure.
• Non-natural material is less elastic, it bends poorly and does not stretch at all.
• Poor breathability. As a result of the fact that the fabric base is impregnated with special waterproof agents, it does not allow air to pass through well.

Also one of the characteristics is ease of maintenance. The substitute is not afraid of too high or low temperatures and moisture. While natural suede needs to be dried under the right conditions.

On a note! For a substitute, it is not necessary to meet special humidity and temperature conditions during drying, but it is better to provide them to increase the service life of the product.

What is the difference between natural suede and artificial suede?

Among the main differences we highlight:

• Price: the second one costs much less.
• Pile length: the first option has it shorter.
• Presence of the wrong side: the second option has it, the first does not.
• Smell: the first one smells like leather, the second one does not have any distinct odors, or may smell like glue.

These differences form the basis of verification tests.

Basic rules on how to distinguish natural material from artificial

To check the naturalness of the material, you can conduct several tests. They are quite simple and can be made right at the point of purchase.

1. Take the product in your hands. Whether it's shoes or other products, touch the surface with your palm. The natural base is cold, but it will quickly warm up from the warmth of your hand, the artificial one will be warm initially and will not change the temperature.
2. Press your fingers into the surface. On a substitute, fingerprints are more visible and will remain for a longer time.
3. Apply a small drop of water. A natural base will quickly absorb moisture; with an artificial one, it will simply slide off.

On a note! The best way to determine naturalness is by touch.

To the touch, natural suede is elastic, cold, soft, somewhat reminiscent of rubberized leather, the pile is very short, so the surface is almost smooth.