Suede vs. Velour: Know the Difference
By Dua Fatima & Shumaila Saeed || Published on November 11, 2024
Suede is a type of leather with a napped surface, known for its soft texture, while velour is a plush, knitted fabric resembling velvet.
Key Differences
Suede is made from the underside of animal skin, primarily sheep, giving it a soft, fuzzy texture. It's durable yet flexible, popular in fashion for jackets, shoes, and accessories. Velour, on the other hand, is a synthetic or cotton blend fabric, designed to mimic velvet's luxurious feel but with more stretch and less maintenance required. This material is commonly used in clothing and upholstery, valued for its comfort and ease of care.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
Suede requires careful maintenance to preserve its texture and appearance, including specific cleaning methods and products to avoid water damage. Velour, being less sensitive to moisture and easier to clean, often serves as a low-maintenance alternative to velvet or suede in everyday wear and home furnishings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2024
The manufacturing processes of these materials also differ significantly. Suede is produced by splitting the hides of animals, then buffing and sanding the flesh side to achieve its characteristic softness. Velour’s production involves knitting or weaving, followed by cutting the loops and brushing them to create a soft, dense pile.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
In terms of breathability and comfort, suede, being a natural leather product, offers a higher degree of breathability compared to velour. This makes suede items particularly suitable for footwear and clothing intended for varying temperatures. Velour, while warm and soft, might not offer the same level of air circulation due to its synthetic nature or dense cotton fibers.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2024
Price points for suede and velour items can vary widely, with suede often positioned as a premium material due to its natural origin and the intricate processing it undergoes. Velour, being easier to produce and often synthetic, typically comes at a lower cost, making it accessible for a wide range of products from casual wear to luxury items imitating the look and feel of velvet.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Manufacturing Process
Splitting and buffing animal hides
Knitting or weaving, then brushing
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
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Suede and Velour Definitions
Suede
A type of leather with a soft, brushed surface.
The suede jacket felt luxurious against her skin.
Dua Fatima
Mar 06, 2024
Velour
A plush, knitted fabric resembling velvet.
The velour tracksuit was her go-to for comfortable lounging.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
Suede
Durable yet delicate leather product.
Caring for suede shoes requires special attention to detail.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
Velour
Soft, stretchy material used in clothing.
His velour shirt felt soft and warm against the skin.
Dua Fatima
Mar 06, 2024
Suede
Leather finished to produce a soft, velvety texture.
She preferred suede gloves for their soft touch.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 06, 2024
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Velour
A synthetic or cotton blend fabric with a velvety surface.
The velour curtains added a luxurious feel to the room.
Dua Fatima
Mar 06, 2024
Suede
Material known for its softness and flexibility.
Suede upholstery adds a touch of elegance to furniture.
Dua Fatima
Mar 06, 2024
Velour
Low-maintenance alternative to velvet.
Velour upholstery offers the look of velvet without the fuss.
Dua Fatima
Mar 06, 2024
Suede
Soft, napped leather used for clothing.
His suede boots complemented his outfit perfectly.
Dua Fatima
Mar 06, 2024
Velour
Fabric valued for comfort and ease of care.
Her velour robe was both cozy and easy to wash.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 06, 2024
Velour
A closely napped fabric resembling velvet, used chiefly for clothing and upholstery.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is velour a synthetic material?
Velour can be made from synthetic fibers or a cotton blend, depending on the product.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
How do you clean suede?
Suede should be cleaned with specific products designed for leather care and by avoiding excessive moisture.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
What is velour commonly used for?
Velour is commonly used in clothing and upholstery for its plush texture and ease of care.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
What is suede made from?
Suede is made from the underside of animal skin, primarily sheep, to create a soft, napped surface.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
Which is more expensive, suede or velour?
Suede is typically more expensive due to its natural origins and processing, while velour is generally more affordable.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
Can suede get wet?
Suede can get wet but requires careful drying and treatment to prevent damage to its texture.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2024
Can I machine wash velour?
Most velour items can be machine washed, but it's important to follow the specific care instructions.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
How is velour made?
Velour is made by knitting or weaving, followed by cutting the loops and brushing them to create a dense pile.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2024
Can velour look like velvet?
Yes, velour is designed to mimic the look and feel of velvet but with more stretch and less maintenance.
Hifza Nasir
Nov 11, 2024
Why choose velour over velvet?
Velour offers the luxurious look of velvet but is more stretchable and easier to maintain.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
Is suede breathable?
Yes, suede is more breathable compared to many synthetic materials, making it suitable for various temperatures.
Hifza Nasir
Nov 11, 2024
Do suede and velour have different textures?
Yes, suede has a soft, napped texture, while velour has a plush, velvety surface.
Hifza Nasir
Nov 11, 2024
What makes suede unique?
Suede's unique softness and texture come from the buffing and sanding of animal hides.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
Is suede suitable for all weather conditions?
Suede is versatile but requires care in wet conditions to maintain its appearance.
Dua Fatima
Nov 11, 2024
Are there vegan alternatives to suede?
Yes, there are synthetic suede alternatives available that mimic the texture without using animal products.
Hifza Nasir
Nov 11, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Dua Fatima
Co-written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
