Scuba Stretch Suede Fabric — A Soft Suede Face With Scuba Body & Comfortable Stretch

Scuba Stretch Suede is a soft, medium-weight stretch suede fabric sold by the yard — a brushed faux-suede face bonded to a smooth, scuba-like body, with comfortable spandex give. With a warm matte suede hand, 6% stretch, and enough structure to hold a shape, it sews into moto jackets, skirts, leggings, and structured dresses that want the look of suede with the comfort and easy care of a stretch synthetic — all from a single bolt.

It's the suede-faced member of our scuba family: the one to choose when you want a soft, brushed surface instead of a smooth knit face.

What This Stretch Suede Fabric Is Used For

Apparel & accessories:

• Moto & biker jackets — suede look with stretch comfort
• Pencil skirts & A-line skirts — structured suede face holds a clean line
• Leggings & suede-look pants — stretch with a warm matte surface
• Structured dresses & bodices — body plus a soft hand
• Vests, blazers & statement tops — suede texture, easy care
• Bags, pouches & soft accessories — brushed face, no leather break-in
• Headbands, bows & hair accessories — soft texture, clean cuts
• Cosplay & costume pieces — suede-look panels with give

Décor & craft (sold by the yard for makers):

• Decorative pillow fronts & soft accents — brushed suede surface
• Craft & cutter projects — a soft, matte alternative to smooth scuba

At a Glance

• Fiber content: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex
• Construction: Woven stretch with a brushed faux-suede face — soft matte surface, smooth back
• Weight: 260 g/m² (~7.7 oz/yd²) — medium-weight, with structure
• Width: 58/59 inches
• Stretch: Moderate — 6% spandex, comfortable with recovery
• Country of origin: China
• Format: Sold by the continuous yard

Why Choose Scuba Stretch Suede

• A real suede face. A soft, warm, brushed matte surface that reads as suede — without the cost, break-in, or care demands of leather suede.
• Scuba body with stretch. A smooth, bonded scuba-like back and 6% spandex give the fabric structure plus comfortable movement.
• Structured medium weight. Enough body to hold a moto jacket, skirt, or structured dress cleanly.
• Easy care. Unlike natural suede, it's a washable, color-stable synthetic that won't water-spot the way leather suede does.
• Distinctive texture. A matte, tactile surface that stands apart from the smooth faces of the rest of the scuba family.

Is Scuba Stretch Suede the Same as Real Suede or Neoprene?

No to both. Scuba Stretch Suede is a polyester/spandex faux-suede woven — not animal leather suede, and not neoprene. The "scuba" name refers to its smooth, bonded, neoprene-like body, not to diving or wetsuit foam, and the "suede" refers to its brushed face, not to real leather. It gives you the look and hand of suede with the stretch, washability, and price of a synthetic. If you want a suede look with comfortable give, this is it.

What to Know Before You Buy

Honest guidance so this is the right fabric for your project:

• It's a suede face, not leather. A brushed faux-suede surface — beautiful and practical, but not animal suede.
• It runs warm. Polyester has low breathability and the brushed face holds heat — better for cool seasons than summer.
• It's heat-sensitive. The synthetic base and brushed nap will glaze or flatten under a hot iron — use low heat, a press cloth, and press from the back.
• The nap has direction. Cut all pattern pieces in the same direction so the suede face reads consistently.
• It is not neoprene — don't use it for wetsuits or water sports.
• Looking for plain faux suede or a smooth scuba? For non-stretch faux suede see our suede fabric; for a smooth scuba face see our Scuba Stretch Knit.
• Order a swatch first to confirm color and nap.

Suitability at a Glance

How Scuba Stretch Suede Compares to Other Scuba Fabrics

How to Sew Stretch Suede: Tips for Working With This Fabric

• Mind the nap. Cut all pieces in the same direction so the suede face reads evenly; a "with nap" layout is essential.
• Needle & stitch. Use a stretch or ballpoint needle (75/11) and a stretch stitch or narrow zig-zag.
• Finish seams. As a woven, edges can fray — serge or zig-zag for a clean finish.
• Press from the back. Use low heat and a press cloth, and press on the smooth back to protect the nap.
• Use a walking foot or tissue under the foot to keep the brushed face feeding smoothly.

How to Care for Stretch Suede Fabric

• Washing: Machine wash cold on gentle with mild detergent; avoid bleach. Turn inside out to protect the nap.
• Drying: Hang or lay flat to dry, or tumble dry low.
• Ironing: Low heat from the back with a press cloth, or steam lightly. Never apply high heat directly to the suede face.
• Refresh the nap: A soft brush revives the suede surface after washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is scuba stretch suede fabric? A soft, medium-weight (260 gsm) polyester/spandex faux-suede woven with a brushed matte face and a smooth, scuba-like body. It has moderate 6% stretch and is used for moto jackets, skirts, leggings, and structured dresses. Sold by the yard.

Is this real suede? No — it's a faux-suede face on a stretch synthetic. You get the look and hand of suede with stretch, washability, and a far lower price than leather suede.

Is this for scuba diving, or is it neoprene? Neither. "Scuba" refers to the smooth, neoprene-like body of the fabric, not diving or wetsuit foam. It's an apparel fabric, not diving equipment.

What is it made of? 94% polyester, 6% spandex. Woven with a brushed suede face, 260 gsm, 58/59" wide. Origin: China.

Is it stretchy? Yes — moderate 6% stretch with comfortable recovery, enough give for fitted jackets, skirts, and leggings.

Is it good for jackets? Yes — it's a top pick for moto and biker jackets and structured vests, giving a suede look with stretch comfort and easy care.

Does the suede face wear or wash well? It's washable and color-stable, unlike leather suede that water-spots. Wash cold inside out and brush the nap to refresh it.

How is it different from the rest of the scuba family? This is the only one with a brushed suede face. The others have smooth faces — Scuba Stretch Knit (firm, bodycon and covers), Scuba Crepe (pebbled, softer), and Drapey Woven Stretch Scuba (fluid, high stretch).

Is it breathable? Only moderately — the brushed face holds heat, so it suits cool weather better than summer.

How do I care for it? Machine wash cold gentle inside out, mild detergent. Hang or lay flat, or tumble low. Low iron from the back with a press cloth; brush the nap to refresh.

Who should buy it? Designers, home sewers, and cosplayers wanting a suede look with stretch — for moto jackets, skirts, leggings, structured dresses, bags, and costume pieces.

Order Scuba Stretch Suede by the Yard

Whether you're sewing a moto jacket, a structured skirt, or suede-look leggings, Scuba Stretch Suede delivers a soft suede face with comfortable stretch in the shade and yardage your project needs. Choose your color, enter your yardage, and add a swatch to confirm color and nap.