Suede / Microfiber

Suede / Microfiber

A short-nap soft surface, either real suede or synthetic microfiber. It changes tone with brushing, shows hand marks, and has a dry velvety feel without glossy leather grain.

Common names

  • microsuede
  • alcantara
  • ultrasuede
  • nubuck look fabric

Search phrases

  • soft matte car seat fabric
  • suede sofa material
  • alcantara interior
  • fabric with hand marks

Common uses

  • Sofas
  • Car interiors
  • Chairs
  • Headboards
  • Cushions
  • Wall panels

Choosing points

  • Best for seats and wall panels where a matte soft hand and muted color changes are desired.
  • The nap changes shade when brushed by hand.
  • It looks more matte and velvety than smooth leather.
  • Oil and water marks can show as darker patches depending on finish.

How it ages

  • Synthetic microfiber can be very durable, but nap flattening, staining, and shiny rubbed areas still appear in high-contact zones.

What to avoid

  • Do not use suede-like microfiber where oil, food, or wet cleaning will be frequent unless the cleaning method is decided first.