Velvet vs Suede- Learn The Difference
Introduction
Elegance and style are the visible attractions of fashionable products; however, durability and toughness determine whether users pick them as favorites. Everyone loves to look sophisticated and stand out, and no one likes to have their outfits easily susceptible to damage, just as nobody wants their wears to be worn out within a short while of purchase. Comparing ancient times and today’s society, the preference and adoption of soft-feel clothes and shoes have become the order of the day. Materials like chiffon, velvet, silk, cotton, polyester, denim, satin, spandex, and suede can be applauded for their soft-feel nature. Although they are all soft and comfortable for use, they have differences. This article aims to analyze velvet vs suede and explain the differences.
Velvet is an evenly distributed cut threaded material. It is soft and briefly densely piled. Velvet was first used in the eastern regions of Asia in the 13th century AD. It was considered a royal fabric because of its intensive production cost, soft nature, and attractive appearance. The Egyptians were also prominent for their velvet use, and their capital city was widely known for its large velvet production.
Velvet is knitted on a unique loom that knits two fabrics simultaneously. The two materials are further separated with a cut to induce a pile effect. After which, these materials are rolled on different take-up rolls. When velvet was discovered, it was created only from silk.
However, due to advancements in its production, it is produced from other sources like synthetic fibers, linen, and wool.
Before the advent of the industrial age, velvet’s complex production procedure was the reason for its high production cost. Although the production costs have lessened, quality velvets are still budget intensive. The fabric’s pily nature is the reason for its high maintenance cost, although there are advanced technologies to handle its cleaning difficulties.
Velvet vs Suede – The Differences
Their Origin
While suede and velvet have direct traces to nature, they have varying origins. Suede is an extract from inner animal hide, while velvet is a plant extract designed from natural and manufactured fibers.
Production Process
Considering velvet vs suede, velvet has a more intricate production process compared to suede because of its complex machining operations. Suede is produced by scraping the animal’s hair with lime. The shaved skin begins to tan and gets converted into non-degradable leather. Afterward, the hide is treated with several chemicals to make it solid and durable. At this point, the inner skin is separated, textured, and colored.
Gender Suitability
Gender suitability is an outstanding noticeable feature when examining velvet vs suede. Women have been found to look more fashionable in velvet than in suede. Velvet outfits have a charming advantage they give to ladies. Velvet dresses make them look magically beautiful and elegant. They might not get all these attractive qualities when they style suede outfits because suede clothes may instead earn them a friendly and slightly masculine aura.
However, suede outfits on men give them a graceful and dignified look. Suede clothes and shoes portray masculine confidence rather than velvet.
Laundry Compatibility
Suede is preferably hand washed or dry cleaned, rather than machine washed. If a washing machine must be used, a front loader is better because top loaders twist fabrics. Also, the machine has to be set to wash gently with a bit of detergent in cold water. When drying, it is advised first to squeeze the material in a towel until it is damp before spreading it to completely dry.
Velvet, on the other hand, can be hand washed. Although it fades when it is sun-dried, hence, it should be hung in the shade. It is noteworthy that outfits with different velvet compositions have varying cleaning processes. These processes depended on its design fibers.
Synthetic Quality
Speaking of the noticeable features in the velvet vs suede comparison, the quality of their synthetic versions is included. These synthetic versions, termed “ultra velvet” and “ultra suede,” have their places in the fabric industry. Although, generally speaking, ultra velvet in-house materials can be challenging to clean, they can offer a feeling of luxury in the home. Ultra velvet gives a cozy feel, especially when used beside the fireplace in cold weather.
Ultra suede, also known as microfiber suede, has a similar appearance and feel as the original suede. The advantage of ultra suede over ultra velvet is that it is more usable in homes that have kids. It tolerates scratches and tears. Its users can barely be worried about having their ultra suede items destroyed by pets. Unlike ultra velvet, it is not difficult to clean when stained. Although ultra suede does not offer a luxurious feel as ultra velvet does, it is durable and befitting.
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