Suede Vs Mesh: Which Is Right for You?

Suede and mesh are two distinct materials widely used in the fashion and textile industries, each possessing unique characteristics that cater to specific applications.

Suede, with its soft, napped finish, exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a favored choice for high-end jackets, shoes, and accessories.

On the other hand, mesh fabric’s breathable and lightweight nature lends itself perfectly to sports jerseys, activewear, hosiery, and lingerie.

In this comparative analysis, we delve into the key differences between suede and mesh, exploring their origin, texture, durability, common uses, and various other attributes that set them apart in the realm of clothing and beyond.

Key Differences Between Suede and Mesh

Material

• Suede: Suede is a type of leather with a fuzzy, napped finish, known for its soft and velvety texture. It is made from the underside of animal hides, often sourced from lamb, goat, or calf. This material’s luxurious appearance and pleasant touch make it a popular choice for high-end fashion items, including jackets, shoes, purses, and furniture upholstery.
• Mesh: Mesh, on the other hand, is a fabric that features loosely woven or knitted patterns, creating many closely spaced holes. This unique structure allows for increased breathability and ventilation, making it ideal for various sports clothing, activewear, hosiery, lingerie, and even some casual apparel.

Origin of Term

• Suede: The term “suede” finds its origin in the French phrase “gants de Suède,” which translates to “gloves from Sweden.” This terminology was first recorded in The Oxford English Dictionary in 1884, indicating its early association with gloves made from suede leather.
• Mesh: While the origin of the term “mesh” is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, it likely emerged from the process of creating the fabric’s characteristic meshed or net-like pattern during its production.

Texture

• Suede: The defining feature of suede is its soft and fuzzy texture, resulting from the unique finish created by brushing the fibers of the leather. This texture gives suede a luxurious feel, making it highly sought after for upscale fashion and accessory items.
• Mesh: In contrast, mesh is lightweight and airy, owing to its loosely woven or knitted construction. The texture of mesh provides excellent breathability and comfort, making it an excellent choice for active wear and sports clothing.

Common Uses

• Suede: Suede’s elegant appearance and soft texture make it a popular material for a wide range of products, including jackets, shoes, handbags, belts, and furniture upholstery. Its versatility extends to interior design, with suede often used in sofas, chairs, and cushions.
• Mesh: Mesh’s exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties make it a go-to material for various sports clothing, such as jerseys, shorts, and tracksuits. Additionally, mesh is used in hosiery, lingerie, and other garments where ventilation is essential.

Durability

• Suede: While suede exudes luxury and sophistication, it is less durable than some other materials. Due to its soft, brushed surface, suede is more susceptible to water damage, staining, and abrasion. Proper maintenance and care are essential to preserve its appearance and prolong its lifespan.
• Mesh: Mesh, on the other hand, is generally more durable and requires less maintenance. Its open structure allows air to flow freely, reducing the risk of moisture accumulation and mildew. Moreover, mesh fabrics are often treated to enhance their durability and resist wear and tear.

Maintenance

• Suede: Maintaining suede requires special attention and care due to its delicate nature. The soft and napped surface is susceptible to water damage, staining, and abrasion. Water can leave visible marks on suede, and stains can be challenging to remove. To clean suede, one should use specialized cleaning products and gentle brushing techniques to restore the material’s original texture. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid wearing suede in wet or muddy conditions to preserve its appearance and longevity.
• Mesh: In contrast, mesh fabric is relatively low-maintenance. Its open and breathable structure allows for easy air circulation, which prevents moisture accumulation and reduces the risk of odors or mildew. Mesh is machine-washable, making cleaning a breeze. One can simply toss mesh garments into the washing machine with other sports clothing. The fabric dries quickly, further adding to its convenience and suitability for active wear.

Style

• Suede: Suede exudes an aura of elegance and sophistication, making it a favored choice for high-end fashion and accessories. Its soft, velvety appearance adds a touch of luxury to any outfit, making suede jackets, shoes, and purses highly sought after. Suede’s classic and timeless appeal ensures it remains a staple in the fashion world.
• Mesh: On the other hand, mesh is best known for its sporty and casual style. This fabric is commonly used in modern sports jerseys, athletic wear, and active clothing. Its utilitarian yet trendy appearance makes it popular among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals seeking comfort and functionality in their clothing.

Breathability

• Suede: Suede is not a highly breathable material. Its tight, brushed fibers limit air circulation, which can lead to discomfort and perspiration in warm or humid conditions. Wearing suede for prolonged periods in hot weather may cause the wearer to feel stuffy and sweaty.
• Mesh: Mesh is specifically designed to maximize breathability. The open, loosely woven or knitted structure allows air to flow freely through the fabric, providing excellent ventilation. This breathability ensures that heat and moisture escape quickly, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable during physical activities and warm weather.

Weather Resistance

• Suede: Due to its porous nature, suede is less weather-resistant than many other materials. It is not ideal for wet or rainy conditions as water can easily penetrate the fabric, causing discoloration and damage to the nap. Suede also takes longer to dry, making it susceptible to mold and mildew.
• Mesh: Mesh fabric, with its quick-drying properties, is well-suited for various weather conditions. It does not retain moisture, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities, especially during humid or rainy weather. Mesh resists water absorption, ensuring that the fabric remains lightweight and comfortable even when exposed to rain or sweat.

Comfort

• Suede: Suede is known for its soft and luxurious feel against the skin, providing a comfortable wearing experience. It is particularly cozy in colder weather, offering warmth and insulation. However, its limited breathability may compromise comfort during warm seasons or strenuous physical activities.
• Mesh: Mesh excels in terms of comfort, primarily due to its excellent breathability. The fabric’s ability to allow air circulation prevents the buildup of heat and sweat, ensuring a cool and pleasant wearing experience, even during intense workouts or hot weather. The lightweight nature of mesh further enhances its comfort, as it feels almost weightless on the body.

Occasion Suitability

• Suede: Suede is well-suited for both casual and dressy occasions. Its luxurious texture and elegant appearance make it an excellent choice for formal events, such as parties, dinners, or weddings. Suede jackets, shoes, and accessories can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. However, it’s essential to consider weather conditions, as suede may not be suitable for rainy or wet environments.
• Mesh: Mesh, with its sporty and casual style, is best suited for more relaxed and active occasions. It is an ideal material for sports events, gym workouts, and outdoor activities. Mesh’s breathability and lightweight nature provide comfort during physical exertion, making it the go-to fabric for athletes and individuals leading an active lifestyle. However, due to its informal appearance, mesh is less appropriate for formal events or professional settings.

Usage

• Suede: Suede finds its application in a wide range of products, including jackets, shoes, handbags, belts, and furniture upholstery. Its versatility extends to interior design, with suede often used in sofas, chairs, and cushions. This material’s popularity in fashion and home decor stems from its soft, velvety texture and luxurious appeal.
• Mesh: Mesh is primarily used in sports clothing and activewear. It is commonly found in modern sports jerseys, shorts, tracksuits, and leggings. The fabric’s breathability and moisture-wicking properties make it ideal for hosiery, lingerie, and other garments where ventilation is essential. Mesh’s durability and comfort have made it a staple in the athletic apparel industry.

Cleaning Difficulty

• Suede: Cleaning suede can be challenging and requires special care. The delicate nature of suede makes it susceptible to water damage and staining. In case of stains or spills, it is crucial to act quickly and use appropriate cleaning products to avoid permanent marks. Dry cleaning is often recommended for more extensive cleaning needs, making suede maintenance more labor-intensive.
• Mesh: Mesh fabric is relatively easy to clean and maintain. It can be machine-washed without much concern, making it convenient for individuals with an active lifestyle. Mesh’s quick-drying properties further simplify the cleaning process. Regular washing ensures that the fabric remains fresh and ready for the next sports activity.

Staining Susceptibility

• Suede: Suede is highly susceptible to staining due to its porous and absorbent nature. It readily absorbs liquids and can retain stains from spills, oils, or even water. Darker suede items may show water spots, which can be difficult to remove without professional cleaning. It is essential to take precautions and avoid exposure to substances that may cause staining.
• Mesh: Mesh is less prone to staining compared to suede. Its open structure and synthetic composition make it less absorbent, reducing the likelihood of permanent stains. In case of minor spills or dirt, simple washing usually removes most stains. However, darker-colored mesh may still show some stains, although they are generally less noticeable.

Care and Attention

• Suede: Suede requires more care and attention to maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan. It is essential to avoid wet conditions, protect the material from dirt, and use specialized cleaning products and brushes to restore the nap. Regular maintenance and proper storage are necessary to keep suede items in top condition.
• Mesh: Mesh is relatively low-maintenance and does not demand as much care and attention as suede. It can be used in various weather conditions without significant concerns about damage or staining. Regular machine-washing and air drying are generally sufficient to keep mesh garments clean and in good shape.

Snag and Tear Risk

• Suede: Suede is relatively more susceptible to snags and tears due to its soft and delicate texture. The napped finish of suede can catch on rough surfaces or sharp objects, leading to visible pulls or even tears in the fabric. Care should be taken to avoid brushing suede against abrasive materials or sharp edges to prevent damage to the material.
• Mesh: Mesh fabric has a lower risk of snags and tears due to its open and loosely woven or knitted structure. The spaces between the threads reduce the chances of catching on objects, making mesh more resistant to damage. This property is particularly beneficial for sports clothing, where athletes often face dynamic and intense movements.

Weight

• Suede: Suede is generally heavier than mesh due to its leather composition. The density and thickness of suede contribute to its weight, which can make certain suede products, such as jackets or bags, feel substantial when worn or carried. While this weight can provide a sense of luxury, it may not be ideal for individuals seeking lightweight clothing and accessories.
• Mesh: Mesh is significantly lighter than suede, making it an excellent choice for activewear and sports clothing. The lightweight nature of mesh allows for easy movement and enhances comfort during physical activities. Additionally, the reduced weight is beneficial for travel and daily use, as it does not add unnecessary burden to the wearer.

Production Process

• Suede: The production process of suede involves treating the underside of animal hides, typically from lamb, goat, or calf, to achieve the soft, fuzzy surface. This process includes sanding and buffing the leather to create the characteristic napped texture. The intricate production method contributes to the higher cost of suede products.
• Mesh: The production of mesh involves weaving or knitting synthetic fibers to create the open, net-like pattern with closely spaced holes. This process is generally more straightforward and cost-effective compared to the production of suede. The versatility of mesh allows for different designs and patterns, making it suitable for a variety of sportswear and casual clothing.

Versatility

• Suede: Suede is versatile in its own right, as it finds applications in various fashion items and interior design elements. However, its use is more limited by its higher maintenance requirements and sensitivity to certain conditions. Suede is best suited for cool and dry environments and may not be the most practical choice for intense physical activities or adverse weather conditions.
• Mesh: Mesh is highly versatile and widely used in different types of clothing, accessories, and sports equipment. Its lightweight and breathable properties make it ideal for activewear, hosiery, lingerie, and various sports clothing. Mesh’s ability to offer comfort and ventilation also extends its use to home furnishings, such as chair covers and curtains.

Trendiness

• Suede: Suede has a classic and timeless appeal that remains popular across fashion seasons. It is often associated with luxury and sophistication, making it a staple in high-end fashion. While suede may experience fluctuations in popularity, it is generally considered a timeless material that withstands changing fashion trends.
• Mesh: Mesh is known for its contemporary and sporty style, aligning with the athleisure trend that has gained popularity in recent years. The combination of comfort, functionality, and trendy aesthetics has made mesh a sought-after material for both athletic and casual wear. Its popularity is likely to continue as more individuals embrace activewear as everyday attire.

Suede Vs Mesh: Comparison Table

Criteria	Suede	Mesh
Material	Type of leather with a fuzzy, napped finish	Loosely woven or knitted fabric with closely spaced holes
Origin of Term	French “gants de Suède” (gloves from Sweden)	–
Texture	Soft, velvety surface	Lightweight and breathable
Common Uses	Jackets, shoes, purses, furniture, accessories	Sports jerseys, athletic wear, hosiery, lingerie
Durability	Less durable, susceptible to water damage and staining	More durable and easy to care for
Maintenance	Requires specialized care and cleaning products	Can be machine-washed easily
Style	Elegant and sophisticated appearance	Sporty and casual look
Breathability	Less breathable	Highly breathable
Weather Resistance	Less resistant to water and moisture	Dries quickly
Comfort	Soft and comfortable to touch	Offers good ventilation and comfort
Occasion Suitability	Suitable for both casual and dressy occasions	Ideal for sports and outdoor activities
Usage	Fashion items, purses, furniture upholstery	Sports clothing, activewear
Cleaning Difficulty	More challenging to clean	Easy to clean
Staining Susceptibility	More prone to staining	Less prone to staining
Care and Attention	Requires regular maintenance and attention	Low-maintenance and easy to care for
Snag and Tear Risk	Lower risk of snags and tears	More prone to snags and tears
Weight	Heavier compared to mesh	Light and airy
Production Process	Made from the underside of animal hides	Woven or knitted manufacturing process
Versatility	Suitable for a wide range of products	Primarily used in sports and activewear
Trendiness	Classic and timeless appeal	Trendy and modern style

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

The comparison between suede and mesh reveals their unique strengths and applications. Suede’s luxurious feel and timeless appeal make it ideal for elegant fashion items and interior design elements.

However, it requires more maintenance and is less versatile in various weather conditions. On the other hand, mesh’s breathability, low maintenance, and lightweight nature suit it perfectly for sports clothing and activewear.

Its contemporary and sporty style aligns with current trends, making it a popular choice for modern consumers. Understanding these differences allows individuals and designers to make informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences.