Suede is a delicate fabric that often requires a bit of extra care. Can you iron suede? The answer, as it turns out, is both yes and no – it depends on the type of suede and the method you’re using to iron it. In this epic guide, we’ll answer all your questions about how to iron suede safely and effectively. So whether your suede jacket needs a quick touch-up or your pants are looking a little too wrinkled, read on for our top tips!
What is Suede Leather?
Suede leather is a type of leather with a napped finish, commonly used for clothing and footwear. Suede leather is usually made from lamb, deer, or calfskin. It can also be made from a split cowhide. The manufacturing process involves buffing the surface of the hide to raise the fibers and create a nap.
Suede leather is more susceptible to staining than other types of leather because the fibers can absorb liquids. It can also be difficult to clean because the nap can trap dirt and debris. And sadly, it’s not immune to the effects of time and wear – suede can develop wrinkles, creases, and cracks over time. [1]
Can You Iron Suede?
All this brings us to the question at hand: can you iron suede? Well, that’s definitely possible, but we can’t recommend it as the best idea. Ironing suede can cause permanent damage to the leather. The heat from the iron can cause the fibers to contract and change shape. This can lead to wrinkling, creasing, and loss of color. In addition, steam can cause water spots that are difficult to remove. And if you aren’t careful, you can burn the suede with the iron. [1] [2] [3]
How to Iron Suede?
If you are willing to take a risk and iron your suede anyway, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage. In this section, we will discuss the procedure in detail.
Cover the ironing board with a slightly dampened towel
First, you will need to prepare your ironing board. Ironing suede can be tricky- the heat can easily damage the delicate fabric, we’ve just talked about that. That’s why it’s important to use a dampened towel when ironing your suede items. This will help protect them from the heat of the iron and prevent them from getting burned or ruined.
Turn your suede clothing inside out
It’s best to turn your suede clothing inside out before ironing, as this will protect the outer surface of the fabric from heat damage. This way, even if something goes wrong, the damage will be hidden on the inside of the garment.
Set your iron to the lower setting
When ironing suede, it’s important to use a low to medium setting. If the iron is too hot, it can easily damage the fabric. On the other hand, if the iron is not hot enough, it won’t make much of a difference and you’ll just be wasting your time.
However, if you want to be extra careful, you can set the iron to the lowest setting and repeat the ironing process more than once. This will help prevent any accidental damage.
Place the iron on the area you want to iron and lift
Now it’s time to actually start ironing. Place the iron on the area you want to iron and lift it up slightly so that the fabric is stretched taut. Yes, you should iron suede by lifting the iron, not by moving it back and forth. This will help prevent any creases or damage to the fabric.
If you are ironing a large garment, you may need to iron it in sections. This is perfectly fine, just make sure to stretch the fabric taut before starting each section.
Repeat a few times if needed
Ironing leather in such a way won’t work miracles- it won’t remove all wrinkles or make your garment look new. However, it will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and make your suede clothing look presentable.
If you need to, you can repeat the process a few times until you are satisfied with the results. Just remember to be careful and take your time- rushing things can easily lead to disaster.
Don’t glide the iron back and forth on suede
Usually, when ironing clothes, you would glide the iron back and forth on the fabric. However, this is not the case with suede. If you do this, you risk damaging the fabric or creating unwanted creases.
Instead, lift the iron slightly after each pass and move it to a new area as we mentioned already. This may take longer, but it’s worth it to avoid any damage.
Avoid staying in one spot for too long, as this can cause the fabric to burn. If you see any smoke or smell anything burning, stop immediately and check the garment for damage.
Shaken out your suede clothing afterward
Once you’re done ironing, it’s important to shake out your suede clothing. This will help remove any residual wrinkles and make the fabric look more natural. Do this carefully so as not to damage the garment. Once you’re done, your suede clothing should look much better and be ready to wear.
Consider using a protective cloth as a barrier
Another way to protect your suede clothing from heat damage is to use a protective cloth as a barrier. This can be any kind of thin fabric, such as a cotton handkerchief or an old shirt. Place the protective cloth over the area you want to iron and then proceed as usual.
This will help absorb some of the heat from the iron and prevent it from damaging the suede fabric. Just make sure to use a thin fabric so that it doesn’t end up creating creases itself. [1] [2] [3]
How to Remove Wrinkles Out of Suede by Steaming
Another method of removing wrinkles from suede is by steaming. This is a bit more difficult than ironing, but it can be very effective. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much steam can damage the fabric.
Use a steamer
A steamer is a great way to remove wrinkles from suede, and it’s also very gentle. Fill a steamer with water and let it heat up. Once it’s ready, hold the steamer about six inches away from the wrinkled area of the suede and move it back and forth. The steam will help to relax the fibers and remove the wrinkles.
This is a fast method to remove wrinkles from suede. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much steam can damage the fabric. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use any source of steam, really. One of them is your bathroom. Let’s take a look at how.
Hang your suede clothing on a padded clothing hanger
First, you’ll need to find a padded clothing hanger. These can be found at most stores that sell hangers, or you can make your own by wrapping a regular hanger in a soft cloth. Hang your garment on the hanger, and make sure that it’s not too tight. You don’t want the fabric to be stretched out.
Run the hot water in your shower or tub
This method is similar to steaming, but it’s a bit more gentle. Turn on the hot water in the shower or tub and let the steam build up for a few minutes. Turn off the water once the steam is going strong.
Hang it on the bathroom towel rack
Once you’ve got your garment on the hanger, take it into the bathroom and hang it on the towel rack. Make sure that the garment is not touching the ground, as this can cause water spots. Close the door to trap in the steam, and let it sit for a few minutes. Do not hang the suede garment too close to the shower or tub, as this can cause water spots.
Check on your jacket frequently
Since moisture is involved in this method, it’s important to check on your garment frequently to make sure that it’s not getting too wet. After a few minutes, open the door and feel the fabric. If you see wrinkles starting to disappear, then your garment is probably ready. If not, close the door and let it steam for a few minutes longer.
Remove excessive moisture with a towel
Once you’ve removed the garment from the steam, it’s important to remove any excess moisture. Use a soft towel to gently blot the fabric. Do not rub the fabric, as this can damage it.
You can place it on a soft, dry towel to help absorb any remaining moisture. [1] [3]
How to Prevent Wrinkles on Suede Leather?
As you can see getting rid of wrinkles on suede can be quite a process. The best way to deal with wrinkles is to avoid them in the first place.
Suede leather is delicate, and you should take extra care when handling it to prevent wrinkles. The best way to store suede is folded in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If you need to travel with your suede garment, hang It in a garment bag or lay it flat in your suitcase. Avoid folding it or storing it in a pile with other clothes.
When you’re ready to wear your suede garment, let it hang for a few minutes before putting it on. This will help the fabric relax and release any wrinkles that may have formed during storage.
FAQ
How do you get wrinkles out of suede?
If you’re wondering how to get wrinkles out of suede using iron, the answer is both yes and no. You can use an iron on a low heat setting to remove most wrinkles, but there is a chance that you could also damage the fabric.
Suede is a delicate material, so it’s important to be careful when using iron. Make sure to test the iron on a small area of the fabric first to see how it reacts. If it looks like the iron is causing any damage, stop immediately and try another method.
You can also hang the suede item in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam will help to remove wrinkles. Just be sure to avoid getting the fabric too wet.
Can you iron creases out of suede?
We don’t recommend ironing your suede, as this can damage the fibers and ruin the nap. If you must, use a protective pressing cloth between the iron and the suede, and set the iron to a low, steam-less temperature. Be sure to test in an inconspicuous area first!
How do you steam a suede jacket?
Steaming is an option for getting rid of wrinkles in a suede jacket, but it’s not always successful. You’ll need to run hot water in your bathroom sink and hang the jacket away from the shower. drape the jacket over a hanger, so that the fabric is hanging down. Do not expose the garment to direct steam, as this can cause water spots. Let it hang until the wrinkles have relaxed, which could take up to several hours.
How to protect your suede jacket from damage?
It’s easy to damage suede if you’re not careful. Suede is a delicate fabric, and it’s important to take care of it properly. However, there are some easy ways to protect your suede jacket from damage.
For one, store your suede jacket in a cool, dry place. Suede is susceptible to mold and mildew, so it’s important to keep it away from humid environments. Additionally, avoid hanging your suede jacket on a wire hanger, consider padded hangers instead. This will both help you avoid wrinkles and prevent damage hard hangers can cause.
Secondly, be mindful of what you wear your suede jacket around. Avoid wearing it in wet or muddy conditions, as this can damage the fabric. If you must wear your suede jacket in inclement weather, be sure to protect it with a waterproof spray before heading out.
Lastly, avoid contact with sharp objects. Suede is easily pierced by things like nails and buttons. If you do accidentally puncture your suede jacket, take it to a professional for repair as soon as possible.
Can you throw suede in the dryer?
Suede is a delicate fabric, and as such, you should take care when cleaning and drying it. The best way to clean suede is to use a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris. As for drying, it’s best to air-dry suede. You should never put it in the dryer, as this can cause shrinkage and damage to the fabric. Do not use hair dryers, either. If you must speed up the drying process, use a fan to circulate the air around the garment.
Useful Video: How to Remove Wrinkles From a Suede Jacket: Leather Care
Conclusion
Suede garments are beloved for their unique texture and appearance. While many people avoid wearing suede often in fear of ruining the fabric, with proper care it can be a durable choice for clothing. The key to keeping your suede garments looking new is to avoid excessive exposure to water or sun, as well as take care when cleaning and storing the fabric.
But what should you do if you notice an unsightly wrinkle or crease in your suede item? Can you iron it? Our conclusion is, while it’s possible, we don’t suggest it. The heat from an iron can cause suede to lose its color, shape, and texture. If you must smooth out a wrinkle, use a handheld steamer instead. Or you can steam it in your bathroom after you run hot water – just be sure to keep the garment away from the water.
If you must iron suede, use a press cloth to protect the leather from direct contact with the iron. Place the press cloth over the area you want to iron and press with a cool iron. Instead of moving the iron back and forth, simply press down and lift. Be sure to test the iron on a scrap piece of suede first to make sure the heat won’t damage or discolor the fabric.
We hope this guide has been helpful. For more tips on how to care for your suede garments, check out our other articles. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://mahileather.com/blogs/news/suede-jacket-care-maintenance
- https://oureverydaylife.com/how-to-iron-suede-12130595.html
- https://www.magicofclothes.com/can-you-iron-suede-jacket/