Ultrasuede fabric gives you a unique mix of softness, strength, and style. This makes it a great choice for custom handbag manufacturer. This top-notch microfiber feels like suede. It’s easier to care for and lasts longer.
Ultrasuede fabric is important. It enhances your handbag designs with its rich texture and many color choices. Its popularity comes from balancing style and practicality. This helps you make products that impress customers and last long.
In this article, you’ll discover why Ultrasuede is a game-changer for your business, learn about its key benefits. Keep reading, you won’t want to miss these insights!
Table of Contents
What Is Ultrasuede Fabric?
Ultrasuede is a premium synthetic fabric made to replace natural suede leather. Created in 1970 by Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto for Toray Industries, it has a soft, luxurious, suede-like feel, all without animal skin. This makes it an ethical and sustainable choice for your products.
Key Physical Properties:
- Thickness: about 0.7 mm
- Weight: approximately 230 g/m² (6.8 oz/sq. yd.)
- Width: standard rolls measure 58 inches (1,480 mm)
- Strong and durable, with tear strength ≥ 7N and tensile strength ≥ 150N
- High pilling resistance (Grade 4 after 10 hours testing)
- Meets automotive flammability and durability standards
- Reversible and virtually identical on both sides, enhancing versatility
| Feature | Natural Suede | Ultrasuede |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Animal hide | Synthetic (polyester & polyurethane) |
| Care | Specialist cleaning | Machine washable, easy care |
| Durability | Moderate | High, abrasion resistant |
| Ethical Aspect | Animal-derived | Cruelty-free, vegan |
| Stain Resistance | Prone to stains | Stain and soil resistant |
| Cost | Usually higher | More affordable |
| Sustainability | Limited | Options with recycled/plant content |
Variants and Sustainability
You can select from different Ultrasuede types designed to meet various needs:
- Basic Ultrasuede: smooth texture, classic look
- Textured Ultrasuede: embossed patterns often used in upholstery
- Ultrasuede ST/HP: incorporates recycled or plant-based fibers, supporting eco-friendly initiatives
- Automotive/Upholstery grades: thicker, tougher fabric suited for car interiors and furniture
Some grades contain up to 30% plant-based material, aligning with sustainability goals.
Choosing Ultrasuede fabric allows you to blend luxury, durability, and environmental responsibility into your product line.
Expert Opinion:
“Based on my experience, Ultrasuede is special because it gives you the luxurious feel of natural suede. It manages this without the ethical issues or difficult maintenance.
I’ve worked with many manufacturers who were hesitant to use synthetic options at first. But once they feel the material’s quality and see its durability test results, they get it. They understand why top luxury brands use this material.”
—————— Peter (peter) Suen,leather and non-leather handbag/SLG and so on
History and Development of Ultrasuede Fabric
Ultrasuede was created in 1970 by Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto at Toray Industries. This was a big step forward in synthetic materials. This innovative fabric blends ultra-microfiber polyester with polyurethane. This creates a non-woven material that not only looks like suede but also outperforms it.
▶ Technical Innovation and Manufacturing Process
- The microfibers are incredibly fine, with one gram stretching over 900 kilometers.
- Ultrasuede consists of around 75% ultra-fine polyester fiber, which includes 30% plant-based polyester. It also has 25% polyurethane binder. The exact mix can vary by product line.
- Its non-woven process is like needle punching. This makes it durable, dense, and high-quality.
- In Japan, Ultrasuede is also known as Ecsaine.
▶ Industry Impact and Applications
Ultrasuede became popular in fashion fast. Its bright colors and perfect look caught attention. It went beyond clothing. It included car and plane upholstery, sports gear, handbags, and tech accessories. The fabric is machine washable and stain-resistant. It’s strong and provides an animal-free option instead of natural leather.
Soon, other companies rolled out their own synthetic suede products. This showed Ultrasuede’s strong impact on the market.
Today, Ultrasuede fabric is a reliable, high-performance material used around the world. It offers a luxurious feel along with practical benefits.
Composition and Materials of Ultrasuede Fabric
Ultrasuede fabric is mainly made from polyester ultra-microfibers and polyurethane. The exact mix varies but typically includes around 65% to 80% polyester and 20% to 35% polyurethane. Some products have up to 30% plant-based polyester (PET) and 30% plant-based polyurethane (PU). This helps you pick more sustainable choices.
☑ Key Components and Their Roles
- Polyester ultra-microfibers These extremely fine fibers (about 0.19 denier) create Ultrasuede’s soft, smooth, and suede-like feel. They also add flexibility and a luxurious texture to the fabric.
- Polyurethane binder This material provides strength and durability. It binds the fibers without weaving them, ensuring the fabric resists fraying, tearing, and pilling.
☑ Environmental Considerations
Many Ultrasuede products include up to 30% plant-based fibers. This change helps reduce their environmental impact. This makes it an ideal choice if sustainability is important for your brand.
The unique blend of polyester microfibers and polyurethane creates a strong, soft fabric. It’s perfect for clothing, upholstery, automotive, and industrial uses.
Key Properties of Ultrasuede Fabric
Ultrasuede fabric is very durable. It has a Wyzenbeek abrasion rating of over 200,000 double rubs.
① Stain Resistance and Easy Care
You’ll appreciate Ultrasuede’s stain-resistant treatment. Spills often wipe off easily, leaving no marks. This keeps your products looking fresh and requires little maintenance.
② Soft Touch and Texture
Ultrasuede feels luxuriously soft and velvety, closely mimicking natural suede’s texture. It stays soft in various temperatures. Plus, it uses non-animal fibers, making it great for vegan customers.
③ Colorfastness and Breathability
The fabric holds color well. It meets top AATCC standards for light and wet crocking. This ensures vibrant hues, even in sunny places. Although less breathable than natural fabrics, Ultrasuede still offers comfortable use in various climates.
④ Composition and Sustainability
Ultrasuede is eco-friendly and vegan. It’s usually made from 80% polyester, which includes about 30% plant-based PET, and 20% polyurethane, also partly plant-based. It resists odors and allergens, adding to its appeal for indoor environments.
It resists pilling and shrinking, ensuring it keeps its shape and look. This is backed by ISO9001, ISO14001, and IATF16949 certifications for quality and environmental care.
Manufacturing Process of Ultrasuede Fabric
Ultrasuede fabric is created through a special process. It mimics the look and feel of natural suede. Plus, it’s more durable. Here’s how it’s created:
▷ Fiber Creation and Web Formation
Start with ultra-fine polyester fibers, less than 1 denier, produced through polymerization. These microfibers form a soft, smooth base. Then, these fibers are made into a non-woven web using needle-punching or heat bonding, ensuring strength and softness.
▷ Layering, Lamination, and Adhesion
At least two fiber web layers combine with thin polyurethane films (about 0.004 inch thick). These films are heated between 350–410°F, then pressed together at 65–100 psi. This creates a strong composite fabric with a suede-like surface.
▷ Acid Treatment and Surface Finishing
In special cases, acid dissolves embedded nylon fibers to enhance softness. The fabric surface is brushed with tampico fiber brushes to raise the nap and perfect the suede feel.
▷ Cutting, Shaping, and Quality Control
Finished rolls (54–60 inches wide) are cut for fashion, upholstery, or automotive use. Each batch undergoes strict testing to ensure softness, stain resistance, and long-lasting quality.
This precise process makes Ultrasuede a high-performance suede alternative for diverse industries.
Types and Variants of Ultrasuede Fabric
Ultrasuede fabric comes in various types and thicknesses tailored for different business needs. You can choose from ultra-thin 0.5 mm sheets, ideal for consumer electronics, to thicker options up to 2.7 mm, suited for footwear and bags.
Thickness and Type Codes
- XL (0.5 mm): Best for delicate electronics due to its lightness.
- RL (0.6 mm): Versatile for bags, displays, and accessories.
- LX/ST (0.6–0.7 mm): Popular in apparel, footwear, and bags offering flexibility.
- HP (1.0 mm) & ER/TS/DP (1.2–1.7 mm): Provide durability for accessories and footwear.
- Automotive variants: Customized for car interiors, focusing on fade resistance and cleanliness.
Color and Finish Options
You gain access to hundreds of colors, from bright pastels like Orchid and True Blue to neutral khaki and mocha. Finishes include matte, lustrous, and decorative patterns, achieved through advanced processing.
These types and finishes give you flexibility. You can meet the needs of the fashion, electronics, furniture, and automotive industries. Plus, you can do this efficiently and sustainably.
Expert Insight:
” Integrating Ultrasuede fabric into your handbag lines can significantly enhance product longevity, as its advanced non-woven microfibers provide superior resistance to abrasion and maintain structural integrity far better than traditional suede alternatives. “
——————— robin bauer, Head of Department Beauty, Luxury Brands & Leather Goods
Conclusion
Ultrasuede is a high-quality microfiber fabric. It’s soft, durable, and versatile. It resists stains well and breathes easily. This makes it great for fashion, upholstery, and accessories. Its eco-friendly manufacturing process adds value for conscious consumers.
Designers love Ultrasuede fabric. It feels luxurious and is easy to care for. Consumers appreciate its comfort, long-lasting quality, and stylish appearance at a reasonable price. This fabric bridges fashion and function perfectly.
If you are looking to incorporate Ultrasuede fabric into your products, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or visit leelinebags.com. As a top bag manufacturer China, we’re ready to help you find tailored solutions for your business needs.
Suggested Reading:
What Are Plant-Based Fabrics and Their Types?
Best 9 Travel Bag Manufacturers In ChinaFAQs
Q1. What customization options are available when ordering Ultrasuede fabric for handbags?
You can select from various thicknesses, colors, and textures including smooth, textured, and eco-friendly versions to fit your product specifications.
Q2. How does Ultrasuede fabric contribute to the durability and longevity of custom handbags?
Its ultra-microfiber composition provides excellent resistance to abrasion, tearing, and pilling, ensuring handbags maintain quality and appearance over time.
Q3. Can Ultrasuede fabric be sourced with sustainable materials?
Yes, certain Ultrasuede variants incorporate up to 30% plant-based fibers, making them an environmentally responsible choice without sacrificing luxury.
Q4. How does the manufacturing process of Ultrasuede ensure consistent quality?
Ultrasuede uses advanced microfiber technology with layered needle-punching and heat bonding, followed by strict quality controls for softness, colorfastness, and durability.