Suede Vs Felt: Learn the Difference

Suede and felt are two distinct textiles with unique characteristics and versatile applications. Suede, a soft leather with a velvety napped finish, exudes luxury and is commonly used in high-end fashion items.

On the other hand, felt, a non-woven fabric made by matting fibers together, offers practicality and flexibility.

In this comparison, we explore the differences between these materials, including their water-resistance, eco-consciousness, crafting potential, thickness, softness, and compressibility.

Understanding these distinctions enables consumers to make informed decisions when selecting the most suitable material for their projects or products.

Key Differences Between Suede and Felt

Suede and felt are both types of fabrics made from different materials and have distinct characteristics. Here are the key differences between suede and felt:

Material

• Suede: Suede is a type of leather that is created from the underside of animal hides, typically from lambs, goats, or calfskins. It is known for its soft and luxurious texture, making it a popular choice for high-end fashion items such as jackets, shoes, and purses.
  Suede has a velvety surface with a fuzzy, napped finish, which is achieved by brushing and raising the fibers. The natural source of suede leather gives it a unique feel and appearance.
• Felt: Felt, on the other hand, is a textile made by matting, condensing, and pressing fibers together. It can be produced from various materials, including natural fibers like wool or animal fur, as well as synthetic fibers like acrylic or acrylonitrile.
  Additionally, felt can even be made from wood pulp-based rayon. The combination of these fibers through a felting process creates a cohesive and non-woven fabric. Felt lacks the napped finish of suede and has a smooth surface.

Texture

• Suede: The defining characteristic of suede is its soft and velvety texture. The napped finish on the surface gives suede its unique fuzzy feel, which is often described as plush and luxurious.
  When touched, suede provides a tactile experience that is warm and comforting. This texture is highly sought after in fashion products due to its elegant and refined appearance.
• Felt: In contrast, felt has a smooth texture with no napped finish. The fibers in felt are condensed and interlocked during the felting process, resulting in a uniform and compact surface.
  The smooth texture of felt makes it ideal for various applications, especially in crafting and industrial uses. While it lacks the softness of suede, it offers practical benefits in terms of durability and versatility.

Source

• Suede: Suede is derived from animal hides, specifically the inner layer of skins. The hides used for suede are often sourced from lambs, goats, or calfskins. As a natural material, suede retains the unique characteristics of the animal’s skin, including any natural markings and imperfections. This natural source gives suede its individuality and organic appeal.
• Felt: Felt can be made from a variety of sources, depending on the type of fibers used. Natural fibers such as wool or animal fur are common sources of felt, offering different textures and properties.
  Synthetic fibers, like acrylic or acrylonitrile, provide additional options for creating specific types of felt fabrics. Additionally, felt can be made from wood pulp-based rayon, making it more eco-friendly and sustainable in some cases.

Production

• Suede: The production of suede involves a tanning process to convert animal hides into leather. The hides are first cleaned, treated, and dyed before undergoing a sanding process to create the napped finish on the underside. This sanding process is what gives suede its soft and fuzzy texture. The final step involves finishing and buffing to achieve the desired appearance and feel.
• Felt: The production of felt involves a felting process, which is achieved by applying heat, moisture, and pressure to the fibers. This causes the fibers to interlock and mat together, forming a cohesive fabric without the need for weaving or knitting. The felting process is versatile and allows for different thicknesses and densities of felt to be produced based on the application.

Durability

• Suede: While suede is luxurious and visually appealing, it is generally less durable than full-grain leather. The sanding process used to create the napped finish removes some of the natural protective properties of the hide.
  As a result, suede is more susceptible to staining and damage from moisture and abrasion. Proper care and maintenance are essential to prolonging the life of suede products.
• Felt: Felt is known for its durability and resilience. The interlocking fibers create a strong and sturdy fabric that can withstand wear and tear.
  Felt is less prone to staining compared to suede and can offer good abrasion resistance. Its durability makes it suitable for various applications, including industrial uses and crafting, where a reliable and long-lasting material is required.

Staining

• Suede: One of the significant differences between suede and felt is their susceptibility to staining. Suede, with its soft and absorbent surface, is more prone to staining compared to felt.
  The napped finish of suede creates a texture that can easily trap liquids and dirt, making it challenging to clean once stained. Water, in particular, can leave marks on suede, so wearing suede items in wet conditions is not recommended.
• Felt: In contrast, felt has inherent properties that make it less susceptible to staining. The dense and interlocked fibers in felt create a smooth surface that repels liquids to some extent.
  This makes felt more resistant to water and other liquids, reducing the likelihood of stains. Additionally, the non-absorbent nature of felt helps prevent dirt and dust from becoming embedded in the fabric, making it easier to clean and maintain.

Use

• Suede: Suede is commonly used for luxury fashion items, owing to its soft texture and high-end appearance. It is a preferred material for jackets, shoes, purses, and other accessories that require a touch of elegance.
  The plush feel of suede also makes it suitable for furniture upholstery, adding a sense of sophistication and comfort to living spaces. However, due to its vulnerability to staining, suede is typically used for items that are not subjected to harsh conditions or heavy wear.
• Felt: Felt is more versatile in its use compared to suede. Its smooth surface and durability make it suitable for a wide range of applications. In crafting, felt is a popular material for creating various DIY projects, such as handmade ornaments, decorative items, and educational tools.
  It is also utilized in industrial settings for gaskets, seals, and soundproofing applications due to its excellent insulating properties. Felt is frequently used in hats, slippers, and other fashion accessories where comfort and practicality are essential.

Luxurious

• Suede: Suede is synonymous with luxury and opulence in the world of fashion and design. Its soft and velvety texture exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication that is highly sought after by consumers. Suede items often come with a higher price tag, making them desirable status symbols for those seeking exclusive and upscale products.
  The luxurious appeal of suede makes it a favored choice among high-end fashion designers and consumers who appreciate fine craftsmanship and refined aesthetics.
• Felt: While felt lacks the luxurious feel of suede, it has its own charm and practicality. Felt is valued for its durability, versatility, and eco-friendliness.
  It may not have the same opulence as suede, but it is a functional and reliable material that serves a multitude of purposes. Felt’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a wide range of colors, thicknesses, and densities, making it a favored material in crafting and industrial applications.

Applications

• Suede: Suede’s luxurious texture and appearance lend themselves well to high-end fashion items. It is often used in the creation of stylish jackets, elegant shoes, chic purses, and exclusive accessories. In interior design, suede is employed for furniture upholstery, providing a touch of sophistication to living spaces. Its soft and tactile nature also makes it a popular choice for luxury car interiors.
• Felt: Felt’s versatility opens up a wide array of applications across different industries. In the crafting world, felt is a go-to material for projects like handmade ornaments, keychains, and decorative elements.
  It is widely used in educational settings for teaching aids and children’s toys due to its safety and ease of use. In industry, felt finds application in machinery as gaskets and seals, thanks to its compressibility and insulating properties.

Surface

• Suede: The surface of suede is its defining feature, with a soft, fuzzy, and napped finish. The brushing and raising of fibers create a velvety texture that is pleasant to touch. This unique surface is a key aspect of suede’s luxurious appeal and sets it apart from other types of leather.
• Felt: The surface of felt, in contrast, is smooth and uniform. The fibers in felt are condensed and interlocked during the felting process, resulting in a cohesive fabric without any napped finish. The lack of a fuzzy surface gives felt a more practical and versatile nature, suitable for a broader range of applications.

Maintenance

• Suede: Suede requires more delicate and careful maintenance compared to felt. Due to its soft and fuzzy surface, suede is susceptible to staining and damage from moisture and dirt. Special care is needed to prevent watermarks and oil stains on suede items.
  Cleaning suede should be done with gentle methods and specialized suede brushes to avoid damaging the delicate fibers.
• Felt: Felt is relatively low-maintenance compared to suede. Its smooth surface is less prone to staining and dirt buildup, making cleaning and maintenance easier.
  Felt can be spot-cleaned with mild soap and water, and in some cases, it can even be machine-washed. The dense and interlocked fibers of felt contribute to its durability, allowing it to withstand regular use and cleaning without losing its shape or structure.

Cost

• Suede: Suede is considered a premium material and often comes with a higher price tag compared to other types of leather, including full-grain leather. The labor-intensive process of sanding and finishing the underside of the animal hides to achieve the napped finish contributes to the higher cost of suede.
  Additionally, the luxurious appeal of suede and its association with high-end fashion contribute to its elevated price in the market.
• Felt: Felt is a more cost-effective material compared to suede. The production process of felt is simpler and requires fewer resources, making it more affordable.
  It can be made from various fibers, including synthetic materials, which can further reduce production costs. As a result, felt products are generally more budget-friendly, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers.

Dyeing

• Suede: Suede takes dye exceptionally well, and the napped finish enhances the richness and depth of colors. This dyeability allows for a wide range of vibrant and luxurious hues in suede fashion items. Fashion designers often use suede’s ability to hold color effectively to create eye-catching and stylish products.
• Felt: Like suede, felt can also hold dye effectively, and it is available in a variety of colors. The dyeing process for felt is relatively straightforward, and the fibers absorb color well, resulting in even and consistent hues. The versatility in dyeing felt opens up creative possibilities for crafting and design projects, where a broad spectrum of colors is desired.

Insulation

• Suede: Suede provides some degree of insulation, but it is not as effective as other thicker materials. The napped finish can create small air pockets, which help to trap some heat and provide a minimal amount of warmth. However, suede is not typically chosen for its insulating properties, but rather for its luxurious appearance and soft texture.
• Felt: Felt is known for its excellent insulating properties. The dense and compact nature of the interlocked fibers creates effective insulation against both heat and cold. Felt is often used in various applications where insulation is required, such as in hats, slippers, and soundproofing materials.

Allergies

• Suede: As a type of leather, suede can potentially trigger allergies in individuals who are sensitive to animal proteins or have specific leather allergies. People with allergies to animal hides or dyes used in the tanning process should exercise caution when using suede products.
• Felt: Felt made from natural fibers like wool can also trigger allergies in some individuals who are sensitive to wool or lanolin. However, felt made from synthetic fibers may be a suitable alternative for those with wool allergies. Generally, compared to suede, felt has fewer reported cases of allergies, making it a more allergy-friendly material in some cases.

Water-resistance

• Suede: Suede is not inherently water-resistant. The napped finish and soft texture of suede make it highly absorbent, causing water to leave visible marks on the surface. When exposed to water or moisture, suede items can become damaged, stained, or lose their shape. To improve water-resistance, specialized waterproofing sprays can be applied to create a protective barrier. However, these treatments are not permanent and may need to be reapplied periodically.
• Felt: Felt, especially when made from synthetic fibers, can exhibit some level of water resistance. The compact and interlocked fibers create a dense structure that resists water absorption to some extent. While felt may not be completely waterproof, it can provide better protection against minor spills or dampness compared to suede. However, felt made from natural fibers like wool may still become damp when exposed to prolonged moisture.

Environment-friendly

• Suede: The production of suede involves tanning animal hides, which can have environmental impacts due to the chemicals used in the process. Additionally, the demand for animal leather can contribute to the meat industry, which has its own environmental concerns. As a result, suede may not be considered the most environmentally friendly choice.
• Felt: Felt, especially when made from eco-friendly materials like recycled fibers or sustainable wood pulp-based rayon, can be more environmentally friendly than suede. The felting process itself requires less water and energy compared to leather tanning. Additionally, felt made from natural fibers like wool is biodegradable, making it a more sustainable choice for certain applications.

Production Methods

• Suede: The production of suede involves a complex and labor-intensive process. Animal hides go through tanning to convert them into leather, and then the underside is sanded to create the soft and napped surface characteristic of suede. The intricate steps and specialized equipment involved in suede production contribute to its higher cost and exclusivity.
• Felt: Felt is produced through a simpler and more energy-efficient process called felting. The fibers are matted, condensed, and pressed together using heat, moisture, and pressure, resulting in a cohesive non-woven fabric. This process allows for flexibility in the thickness and density of the felt, making it suitable for various applications. The simplicity of the felting process makes felt a cost-effective and versatile material.

Weight

• Suede: Suede, being made from leather, is generally heavier compared to felt. The density and thickness of suede contribute to its weight, which can make it less suitable for certain lightweight applications or crafting projects where a lighter material is desired.
• Felt: Felt is lightweight and flexible due to its non-woven fabric structure. The interlocked fibers provide strength without adding significant weight, making felt an ideal choice for projects that require a lightweight material. Its lightness is particularly advantageous for crafting, wearable items, and applications where weight matters.

Abrasion Resistance

• Suede: Suede has only moderate abrasion resistance. The soft and delicate nature of the napped surface makes it susceptible to wear and tear, especially when exposed to rough surfaces or frequent friction. As a result, suede items may show signs of wear over time, with areas of the surface becoming smoother and losing their plush texture.
• Felt: Felt generally exhibits good abrasion resistance due to the dense and interlocked nature of its fibers. The compact structure allows felt to withstand friction and wear, making it suitable for applications where durability is important. Felt products, such as industrial components and sturdy crafts, can maintain their integrity even after prolonged use.

Versatility

• Suede: Suede’s versatility lies primarily in the realm of high-end fashion and luxury items. Its soft and luxurious texture makes it a sought-after material for jackets, shoes, purses, and upscale accessories. Suede’s association with sophistication and elegance makes it a favored choice in the fashion industry. However, beyond the realm of fashion and select upholstery applications, suede’s versatility is limited.
• Felt: Felt is a highly versatile material, catering to a wide range of applications across various industries. Its smooth and uniform surface, along with its flexibility in thickness and density, allows for diverse uses.
  Felt finds its place in crafting, industrial settings, soundproofing materials, hats, slippers, and even musical instruments. Its versatility extends to educational tools, interior design, and more. Felt’s practicality and adaptability make it a preferred choice for numerous projects and applications.

Eco-consciousness

• Suede: From an eco-conscious perspective, suede has some drawbacks. The production of suede involves the use of chemicals in the tanning process to convert animal hides into leather. Additionally, the demand for animal leather can contribute to the meat industry’s environmental impact. As a result, suede may not be the most environmentally friendly option, especially for those seeking sustainable materials.
• Felt: Felt can be more eco-conscious compared to suede, depending on its source and production method. Felt made from eco-friendly materials like recycled fibers or sustainable wood pulp-based rayon can be a greener choice.
  The felting process itself requires less water and energy compared to leather tanning, making it a more sustainable option. Felt made from natural fibers like wool is biodegradable, contributing to its eco-friendliness.

Crafting

• Suede: Suede is not a common material used in crafting due to its high cost and delicacy. While it could be used for some specialized craft projects, its limited availability and need for careful maintenance make it less practical for general crafting purposes.
• Felt: Felt is a beloved material in the crafting community due to its affordability, ease of use, and versatility. Its smooth surface and array of colors allow for various creative projects. From handmade ornaments to DIY decorations, felt is a popular choice for crafters. Its flexibility in thickness also makes it suitable for creating three-dimensional objects, making it a preferred material for stuffed toys and figurines.

Thickness

• Suede: Suede is generally not available in varying thicknesses. Its thickness is determined by the tanning process and the type of animal hide used. Suede’s thinness is ideal for certain fashion items where a lightweight and elegant material is desired.
• Felt: Felt comes in various thicknesses, ranging from thin sheets to thicker, more substantial pieces. This variety in thickness allows for customization based on the intended use. Thicker felts are used for industrial applications and padding, while thinner felts are suitable for crafting and other lightweight purposes.

Softness

• Suede: Suede’s softness is its defining feature. The napped finish creates a plush and velvety texture that is both tactile and visually appealing. Suede’s softness is a key aspect of its luxurious appeal, contributing to its use in high-end fashion items and furniture upholstery.
• Felt: While felt is not as soft as suede, it still possesses a pleasant tactile quality. Felt’s smooth surface provides a comfortable touch, making it suitable for various applications, especially in crafting and wearable items like hats and slippers. The softness of felt varies depending on the type of fibers used, with natural fibers like wool providing a softer feel.

Compressibility

• Suede: Suede is not highly compressible due to its compact and tightly woven structure. The napped finish and the leather’s density limit its ability to compress significantly. While suede may have some flexibility, it is not the best choice for applications where high compressibility is required.
• Felt: Felt is highly compressible due to its non-woven fabric structure. The fibers can be compressed and reshaped, making felt suitable for applications where flexibility and resilience are needed. This compressibility allows felt to be used as padding and insulation in various industries.

Suede Vs Felt: Comparison Table

Feature	Suede	Felt
Material	Type of leather	Textile
Texture	Soft, fuzzy, napped finish	Smooth, non-napped
Source	Animal hides	Natural or synthetic fibers
Production	Tanning and finishing	Felting process
Durability	Less durable than full-grain leather	Generally durable
Staining	More susceptible to staining	Less prone to staining
Use	Jackets, shoes, purses, furniture upholstery	Crafts, industrial uses, some fashion items
Luxurious	Luxurious appearance and feel	Functional and practical
Applications	Fashion items, luxury products	Hats, slippers, crafts, industrial uses
Surface	Velvety, soft touch	Smooth and uniform
Maintenance	Requires careful cleaning	Easier to clean and maintain
Cost	Often more expensive	Generally less expensive
Dyeing	Takes dye well	Absorbs color well
Insulation	Provides some warmth	Offers insulation
Allergies	Potential for allergies to leather	Fewer allergies reported
Water-resistance	Not inherently water-resistant	Some types are water-resistant
Environment-friendly	Derived from animal hides	Can be made from recycled materials
Production methods	Tanning process involved	Felting involves pressure and moisture
Weight	Generally heavier than felt	Lighter and flexible
Abrasion resistance	Moderate abrasion resistance	Good abrasion resistance
Versatility	Versatile in fashion industry	Versatile in various industries
Eco-consciousness	Depends on leather sourcing	Can be eco-friendly with recycled materials
Crafting	Not commonly used in crafting	Widely used for crafts
Thickness	Available in various thicknesses	Can be adjusted for different uses
Softness	Soft and comfortable	Soft and cushiony
Compressibility	Less compressible	Highly compressible

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

The comparison between suede and felt highlights their unique qualities and diverse applications. Suede’s luxurious texture and elegant appearance make it a favored choice for high-end fashion and upholstery, albeit with higher maintenance needs and potential environmental concerns.

On the other hand, felt’s versatility, eco-consciousness, and ease of use make it suitable for various crafting projects, industrial applications, and even functional items like hats and slippers.

Both materials have their strengths and weaknesses, catering to different needs and preferences. Understanding these distinctions empowers individuals to make well-informed decisions, ensuring optimal outcomes for their specific projects or products.