Thermo-physiological Comfort Properties of Suede Leathers for Footwear and Apparel

Abstract

Thermo-physiological comfort has become an essential quality parameter for footwear and apparel materials, particularly in natural leather, where heat, air, and moisture regulation directly affect wearability. Among these, suede leathers exhibit distinctive comfort behaviour due to their napped, open-pore structure. This study aimed to compare the thermo-physiological comfort properties of suede leather for footwear and apparel, focusing on physical strength, air and water vapour permeability, and thermal performance. Physical-mechanical properties of suede leathers were evaluated according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards (tensile strength, elongation, tear load), air and water vapour permeability, and thermal parameters (conductivity, resistance, absorptivity) were measured. Apparel suede exhibited significantly higher tensile strength and elongation, reflecting flexible collagen structures suited to body movement. They also exhibited greater air and water vapour permeability, supporting moisture transfer and breathability in garments. Suede footwear demonstrated higher thermal resistance and absorptivity, providing insulation and a cooler tactile sensation, functional for foot protection and maintaining microclimate stability. These findings highlight the application-specific optimization of suede leathers: apparel suede is preferred for flexibility, softness, and breathability, whereas footwear suede emphasizes insulation, durability, and tactile cooling. The study offers valuable guidance for material selection in design and manufacturing, bridging scientific evaluation with consumer-driven comfort needs.