Leather Comparisons
Alcantara vs Suede: Synthetic Microfiber or Real Leather?
Alcantara is a synthetic microfiber, not suede. Compare what each is made of, how they handle water, stains and washing, and which suits cars or clothing.
Alcantara is not suede. It is a branded synthetic microfiber made mostly of polyester and polyurethane. Suede is real leather, the underside of a skin brushed into a nap.
They look and feel alike, which is why Alcantara is often mistaken for suede. The real differences show up in cleaning and water. Alcantara's maker says removable covers can be machine washed, while suede should never go in the wash.
Our verdict: choose Alcantara for car interiors, steering wheels and anything you need to clean often. Choose suede if you want real leather for a jacket, shoes or gloves and can keep it dry.
Part of our leather comparison chart.
Alcantara vs suede at a glance
| Column 1 | Alcantara | Suede | Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Synthetic microfiber material (brand name) | Real leather with a napped finish | – |
| Made from | Polyester and polyurethane (see the split figures below) | Mostly lamb; also goat, calf, deer and cow splits | – |
| How it's made | Ultra-fine fibers, needle punched, buffed, impregnated and dyed | Underside of a skin or split, sanded to a nap | – |
| Stains and spills | Maker calls it particularly stain resistant | Absorbs liquids fast; stains from salt, dirt, water and oil | – |
| Washing | Removable covers: machine wash at 86 °F (30 °C), no spin | No soap and water, no washing machine | – |
| Typical uses | Car seats, trim, headliners, steering wheels, furniture, electronics | Clothing and gloves | – |
| Where it's made | One plant, Nera Montoro, Italy | Tanned from animal skins | – |
Is Alcantara real suede?
No. Alcantara is a synthetic material with a suede-like microfiber pile. It was developed in the early 1970s by Miyoshi Okamoto at the Japanese company Toray.
It looks and feels so much like suede that people often call it suede by mistake. In the US, a material that is not leather but looks like it should be labeled as not leather.
Real suede is leather with a napped finish, made from the underside of the skin. For more on that, see leather vs suede.
What Alcantara is made of
The maker gives 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane. One widely used reference lists 69% and 31% in its summary box, so expect small differences between sources.
Alcantara is related to Ultrasuede, which came from the same Toray technology. Ultrasuede lines range from 65% to 80% polyester, with polyurethane making up the rest.
Alcantara vs generic microfiber suede
"Alcantara" is a brand name made at one site in Italy. Other makers, such as Sensuede and Majilite, produce similar microfiber suedes. If you are paying for Alcantara, check that the brand is named on the label or spec sheet.
For the wider picture, see real suede vs faux suede and microfiber vs leather.
Durability and wear
Suede lacks the tough outer grain layer, so it is softer but less durable than full-grain leather. Suede made from thick cow or deer splits has a shaggier nap than suede from young lamb.
Alcantara's maker says it resists wear and lasts. That is the maker's claim. We found no independent abrasion test that compares Alcantara with real suede on the same machine.
Water and stains
Suede's open pores soak up liquids quickly. Salt, dirt, water and oils can stain it, and too much moisture can damage it. A water-repellent spray is recommended, because suede is not waterproof unless treated.
Alcantara is described by its maker as particularly stain resistant. The maker's cleaning and maintenance guide still says to deal with stains using its stain-removal steps, not to ignore them.
Cleaning and care
For step-by-step suede care, see hosob's how to care for suede leather.
| Task | Alcantara (maker's guide) | Suede | Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | Dust with a soft brush or dry cloth | Soft brush | – |
| Weekly | Wipe with a slightly damp white cotton cloth | Keep away from rain | – |
| Deep clean | Removable covers: machine wash at 86 °F (30 °C), mild detergent, no spin | No soap and water, no machine | – |
| Avoid | Steam, bleach, solvents such as acetone, direct ironing | Excess moisture | – |
In the car: seats and steering wheels
This is where Alcantara is used most. It covers seats, dashboard trim and headliners in many high-end cars, and it often covers steering wheels on performance models. Some versions are flame retardant to meet fire standards for cars and furnishings.
Real suede's softness, thinness and pliability suit clothing.
Which should you choose?
| If you want... | Pick | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| A seat or wheel cover you can clean often | Alcantara | – |
| A non-animal material with a suede feel | Alcantara | – |
| Real leather for a jacket, shoes or gloves | Suede | – |
| The softest, finest nap | Lamb suede | – |
| Something for rain | Neither; pick smooth leather or treat suede with a repellent | – |
Choosing real suede
You can order a Leather Collection custom leather jacket in a suede finish. The store lists suede at +$100 and describes it as having a brushed feel. Brush suede and keep it out of the rain.
FAQ
What are the downsides of Alcantara?
It is not leather, and the maker's guide rules out steam, bleach, harsh solvents and direct ironing. Its durability claims come from the maker, not independent tests.
Is Alcantara fake suede?
It is a synthetic material made to look and feel like suede. It is not leather.
Is it bad to get Alcantara wet?
The maker allows a slightly damp cloth for weekly cleaning and machine washing of removable covers at 86 °F (30 °C).
Which is better, suede or leather?
For hard wear and wet weather, smooth leather. For softness and a matte look, suede.
LeatherGuide Editorial Team
LeatherGuide articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.