Some fabrics simply never go out of style. Suede is one of them. With its buttery-soft texture, matte finish, and unmistakable elegance, suede fabric adds instant sophistication to everything it touches. It has evolved from a fashion statement into a go-to fabric for furniture, accessories, and even creative DIY projects.

So, what exactly makes suede so appealing? It’s the texture, for one. Suede is made from the underside of animal hide or and faux suede is made from synthetic fibers; both are characterized by a velvety, brushed surface. Beyond its tactile appeal, suede carries a kind of quiet luxury. Whether you’re upholstering a chair, crafting a handbag, or sewing a tailored jacket, suede adds something special you can see and feel.

A Touch of Luxury At Home: Suede For Furniture Projects

Looking to elevate your interior design? Suede is the perfect choice for upholstery. It makes any piece of furntiure feel instantly more luxurious. We’ve helped countless clients at Fishman’s Fabrics reimagine their living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices with suede-covered sofas, chairs, ottomans, and cushions that don’t just look great, they invite you to sit back and relax.

Suede’s texture adds a level of richness that flat fabrics can’t quite replicate. It plays with light, absorbs warmth, and creates a cozy, lived-in feeling while still looking polished. Whether you’re decorating a modern loft, a rustic cabin, or a more traditional space, suede fits right in. You’ll find it in neutral tones like taupe, camel, and charcoal, as well as more vibrant options like navy, forest green, or deep burgundy.

Durability is another reason suede is a smart choice for upholstery. High-quality suede, especially when backed or treated, can stand up to everyday use while maintaining its soft, supple feel. It’s great for both show-stopping statement pieces and family-friendly furniture that gets daily love. 

We offer four different suedes for upholstery, three of which are faux suedes. Faux suede is much more stain-resistant than real suede, which makes it perfect for upholstery in high-traffic areas like hotels and restaurants. We also offer a genuine nubuck for upholstery, which has a similar velvety feel to suede but is made with outer part of the leather as opposed to the inner side of the hide. Explore these options on our website.

Timeless Style: Suede In Fashion

Suede is also a great choice for apparel projects like biker jackets, fringe-trimmed vests, structured skirts, slouchy boots, and sleek handbags. It is both rugged and elegant, which makes garments look high-end without being flashy. One of suede’s biggest strengths in fashion is its versatility. Lightweight suede works beautifully for draped styles and soft silhouettes, while heavier suede offers structure and body for jackets, bags, or boots. Suede also transitions seamlessly between casual and formal. A suede jacket thrown over jeans elevates the whole look. A suede handbag can pair with everything from office wear to evening outfits. Finally, suede adds character over time. With proper care, it ages gracefully, developing a soft patina that only enhances its charm.

For apparel projects, we offer two suede options. We have a faux suede called Angelsuede that comes in 35 colors and a real suede called Prociutto Pigsuede that comes in 7 colors. The variety of colors that range from traditional brown shades as well as vibrant bold shades of green and purple, we're confident you can find something in our collection to suit your project.

Creative Possibilities: Accessory And DIY Projects Using Suede

Suede isn’t just for furniture and fashion, it’s a crafter’s dream. If you’re someone who loves working with your hands and creating one-of-a-kind items, suede fabric gives you the freedom to do it your way. We’ve helped customers use suede for everything from belts and wallets to phone cases, placemats, and even custom hats. Adding suede to your projects gives them that extra layer of tactile interest. It’s soft, flexible, and easy to sew with the right tools. For makers who sell their creations or give them as gifts, suede instantly signals luxury and attention to detail. We especially love how suede looks in jewelry accents, patchwork art, or mixed-media pieces where texture matters.

Suede is great for small-scale décor like coasters, table runners, wall art, or custom curtain tiebacks. These little touches can transform a room and make it feel more intentional. Just remember, when working with suede, it helps to use a rotary cutter or very sharp scissors for clean edges, and a walking foot on your sewing machine can make the stitching process smoother.

Preserving The Look And Feel of Your Suede

Suede does require a little care to keep it looking its best, but the results are worth it. For furniture, a soft brush and suede protector spray can help maintain that fresh, velvety texture. For fashion items, store suede pieces in breathable garment bags and avoid folding to prevent creases. And for DIY projects, always test your tools and methods on a scrap piece before diving in, this ensures the finish and texture stay intact throughout the process.

Shop Suede At Fishman’s Fabrics

If you’re ready to start your next project, we’d love to be part of the process. Our collection includes suede in a range of weights, colors, and finishes to suit your needs. For over 100 years, we’ve been a trusted resource for designers, upholsterers, DIYers, and makers of all kinds. Our Chicago showroom is open for those who want to explore our fabrics in person, and our knowledgeable team is always ready to help you choose the right material, answer your questions, or offer expert guidance. If you can't make it into our store, our online shop makes it easy to browse and order from anywhere in the country. Samples are five dollars if you order online, but you can get them for free if you stop buy our showroom!