Ultrasuede - An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Natural Suede

We know that the fabric that is used for upholstery or interior design determines the look and feel of a room /space. There are many fabrics that can be used for upholstery, and they include silk, linen, cotton, leather, wool, hemp, acetate, polyester, acrylic and polypropylene.

When it comes to contemporary fabrics, Ultrasuede is one of a kind. It is an organic alternative to suede leather. Although made of synthetic microfiber, ultrasuede fabric offers the same luxury, versatility and durability of suede leather. In this day and age, when people are looking for cruelty –free materials, this fabric is a strong contender and has redefined the world of fashion, upholstery and interior decoration.

In this article, we will look at the origins of this material, the features, and applications.

The Evolution of Ultrasuede

This fabric was developed in 1970 by a scientist named Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto, a staff of Troy Industries in Japan. It is a product of research for a cruelty-free alternative to suede leather that will have the same look and feel. It is often described as the artificial alternative for natural suede and has many applications in different industries.

Features of Ultrasuede

Ultrasuede contains 80% non-woven polyester which is 100% recycled ultra microfiber and 20% non –fibrous polyurethane or 65% polyester and 35% polyurethane, depending on the manufacturer.

Below are the features of this fabric:

Texture and Feel

Ultrasuede has the same velvety touch as suede leather and provides the same luxurious feel to the touch. The fine fiber of the material creates a surface that is smooth and can compete with genuine leather.

Durability

This material is exceptionally durable and can withstand wear and tear which makes it a viable choice for spaces that experience high traffic. Whether used in fashion or interior design, it maintains its quality over time and stands up to consistent and rigorous use without losing its integrity.

Stain Resistance

One of the most admirable features of this fabric is that it is stain resistant. Additionally, it does not absorb liquid which makes it easy to clean and maintain. This feature makes it appealing for use in upholstery finishing and fashion.

Breathability

The composition of the material makes it breathable which ensures comfort in every application. Breathability is one feature that is highly sought after in fashion because comfort is top priority in the industry. Click here for more details on breathability of fabrics.

Color Retention

This fabric has the ability to retain its color for a very long time. This keeps the vibrancy and richness of the material intact for years. This is one of the reasons why the fabric is extremely popular for use in different industries and also the popularity of the wide range of colors they come in.
The fabric boasts excellent color retention, preserving its vibrancy and richness over time. This quality contributes to its popularity in a range of hues for diverse design purposes.

Different Applications of Ultrasuede

As we have already mentioned, this material is highly popular in many industries and for many purposes. We will examine some of them below: -

Applications in Fashion

Clothing Items – This fabric is used in the fashion industries because of its tactile appeal and luxurious appearance. Designers use it to make jackets, skirts, and accessories such shoes and bags.

Haute Couture- This is the creation of high fashion for elites and many fashion houses and designers use this material to create bespoke designs for their clients. These designs incorporate elegance into their best ethical practices. The versatility of the fabric allows for a wide range of artistic expressions in the detailing of the fashion items.

Sustainability – Since the fashion industry has been tilting more towards sustainable fashion, ultrasuede has been a favourite. This is because of the cruelty-free method of production and the fact that its manufacturing process exerts minimal impact on the environment making it an eco- friendly alternative to natural suede. Visit this site: https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/ for more on sustainable fashion.

Application in Upholstery and Interior Design

Furniture – The stain resistance and resilience of this material makes it a practical choice for upholstery. It is used in finishing furniture pieces such as sofa and chairs; other furnishings also benefit from its aesthetic appeal and the practical features of this material.

Automotive Interiors – The interiors of many luxury cars are made with ultrasuede because of its durability and premium feel. Its stain resistant feature makes it appropriate for high traffic experienced in car interiors.

Home Décor – Ultrasuede can be used for beddings, draperies, wall coverings and throw pillows. The wide range of colors available also makes it easy to use it for different purposes in created a well-appointed living space.

A basic understanding of this fabric known as ultrasuede will help you appreciate its essence and the benefits that you can gain from using it. Bear in mind that apart from you benefiting from its use, you are also contributing to sustainable fashion. Try out this fabric for your next project and enjoy the benefits offered by the features we have discussed.