Ultrasuede is thetrade name for a syntheticultra-microfiber fabric which mimicssuede leather.[1] In Japan, it is sold under the brand nameEcsaine.[2] The fabric is used infashion,interior decorating, automobile and other vehicleupholstery, and industrial applications, such as protective fabric for electronic equipment. It is used to makefootbags (also known as hacky sacks) andjuggling balls. Other manufacturers such as Sensuede and Majilite also produce similar product lines of synthetic microfiber suede.
Fabric content ranges from 80%polyester non-woven (100% recycled ultra-microfiber) and 20% non-fibrouspolyurethane to 65% polyester and 35% polyurethane, depending on the product line. Ultrasuede feels like naturalsuede, but it is resistant to stains and discoloration; it can be washed in a washing machine.[3] It has awoven fabric surface, but resistspilling or fraying because it is combined with a polyurethane foam in a non-woven structure. As with its Italian sister fabric,Alcantara, automotive grade Ultrasuede meets OEM specifications and FMVSS302 flammability requirements for automotive use,[4] as well as it being virtually identical on both sides, making it somewhat reversible.
Ultrasuede has applications in fashion, including shoes; interior furnishing; industrial uses; and (in a flame retardant version) watercraft, automobile and aircraft seating, dash trimming, headliners and other interior panels.