Suede is traditionally manufactured from leather skins. The upper grain of the leather is eliminated, leaving just the fuzzy, napped underside. This production method results in a softer and more malleable leather. Real suede leather is used for furniture upholstery, but it is significantly more costly than synthetic suede and is prone to water and stain damage.
Faux suede, on the other hand, is a synthetic fabric resembling suede, typically made from polyester.