You're flipping through fabric swatches for your new sofa or reading a product tag that says 'soft touch'—and it feels good. But is it actually good? If you're trying to make ethical, plant-based choices in your home decor, this question matters more than ever. Many fabrics that look stylish and cruelty-free can still contain hidden animal-derived materials.
In home design, terms like suede, nubuck, and soft touch are often used loosely. While they sound luxurious, they’re not always vegan—and understanding what they truly mean is key to making kind, conscious decisions for your space.
This guide will help you decode these labels, explain why some 'non-leather' materials aren’t as innocent as they seem, and offer genuine vegan alternatives you can feel good about. Whether you're diving into cruelty-free home decor for the first time or simply curious about how to tell if a fabric is vegan, we’re here to help you make informed, compassionate choices for your home.
What Is Suede — And Why It Might Not Be VeganSuede is often associated with softness, luxury, and a matte-finish texture that gives furnishings a cozy yet elevated feel. But despite its popularity in both fashion and interior design, traditional suede is not vegan.
So, what is suede made of?
Suede is a type of leather. It comes from the underside of animal skin—typically from cows, lambs, pigs, or goats—where the fiber structure is softer and more textured than on the outer grain. After being removed from the animal, the hide is split and buffed to achieve that velvety finish people associate with suede.
Are suede materials cruelty free?
Unfortunately, no. Because it’s derived directly from animal skin, genuine suede involves the use of animals and is therefore not a cruelty-free or vegan material. Additionally, the tanning processes used to preserve suede often involve harsh chemicals, making it not just unethical, but also environmentally harmful.
But what about faux suede— is faux suede really vegan?
Faux suede is a synthetic version designed to look and feel like the real thing, made without animal products. It's commonly crafted from polyester, nylon, or microfiber. While technically vegan, not all synthetics are created equally, and some may be treated with animal-based finishes or glues during manufacturing. That’s why checking details from the manufacturer—and looking for specifically labeled vegan fabrics or certifications—matters.
If you're exploring non leather materials for your home, be wary of vague labels. Look for clearly labeled vegan suede or known plant-based textiles when choosing upholstery or decor accents. And when in doubt, always ask, “Is this truly free of animal-derived ingredients?”
Is Nubuck the Same as Suede?Nubuck and suede might look similar at first glance, but they’re not the same—especially when it comes to how they’re made, and what they’re made from. Like suede, nubuck is not vegan, though it's often mistaken for a slightly more rugged version of it.
What is nubuck made of?
Nubuck is also a type of leather, but instead of being crafted from the inner layer of animal hide like suede, it’s made from the outer layer—the tougher, top grain of the skin. This outer layer is sanded or buffed to create that soft, velvety texture. It often has a little more durability than suede and is used in things like shoes, handbags, and—yes—home furnishings.
Because it comes from animal hide, nubuck is not a vegan fabric. Like suede, it's the product of animal use, and often undergoes chemical treatments to preserve and color it.
Vegan alternatives to suede and nubuck
Luckily, design lovers don’t have to sacrifice style for ethics. Several beautiful, cruelty-free alternatives to these materials exist. When shopping for sofa coverings, cushions, or chairs, look for:
- Microfiber — a popular non-leather fabric with a suede-like texture; generally vegan, though it's smart to verify production methods
- Recycled polyester — a sustainable and animal-free option that can mimic suede and nubuck textures
- Cork fabric — a natural and biodegradable material that offers durability and a unique look
These types of vegan upholstery fabric give you the warmth and softness of materials like nubuck and suede—without compromising on ethics. So, if you're committed to cruelty-free home decor, steer clear of anything labeled simply as 'nubuck' unless it explicitly states it's vegan (and even then, read the fine print).
What Does 'Soft Touch' Fabric Really Mean?“Soft touch” definitely sounds appealing on a product label. Who wouldn’t want soft and cozy upholstery? But here’s the catch—the term 'soft touch fabric' is more about marketing than material. It describes how a fabric feels, not what it's made from.
Is soft touch fabric vegan friendly?
Not necessarily. Soft touch fabrics can include a wide range of materials, from synthetic microfibers and polyesters to animal-derived suede, nubuck, or even wool blends. Unless the composition is stated outright, there's no guarantee that a soft touch fabric is vegan or free of animal byproducts.
How to know if fabric is vegan
When you see 'soft touch' on a label, it’s essential to dig deeper. Ask the seller or manufacturer what the material is specifically made of. Here's how to double-check:
- Request the full material breakdown—look for terms like polyester, microfiber, or other synthetic (non-animal) fibers
- Watch for vague or misleading terms like “eco-suede” or “leather alternative”—these aren’t always vegan
- Confirm glues or finishes haven’t involved animal-based ingredients
For ethical home fabric choices, aim for transparency. Brands like Ambianto are proud to list and label plant based options for home decor, so you can choose soft-yet-cruelty-free alternatives with confidence.
At the end of the day, interior design vegan options don't require you to compromise on comfort. Plenty of vegan fabrics deliver those plush, 'soft touch' vibes—without hiding anything behind vague product names.
How to Tell If a Fabric Is Vegan or Animal-DerivedWhen you're designing a home that reflects your values, knowing how to know if a fabric is vegan becomes essential. Unfortunately, many materials that appear cruelty-free, like faux suede or soft touch fabrics, can still contain animal-derived components—or be mistaken for synthetic versions when they're not. Navigating these labels can be confusing, especially since manufacturers aren’t always transparent.
Check the Source, Not Just the Look
Sueded or textured fabrics often mimic animal skin in feel or appearance, but that alone doesn't make them non-leather materials. For example, nubuck fabric is frequently made from real animal hide, slightly sanded for a velvety texture. Even materials labeled as "faux suede" or "synthetic nubuck" can contain gelatin-based finishes or animal-derived adhesives.
How to Spot Animal-Free Upholstery
To determine whether a textile is truly vegan, consider these steps:
- Ask for full material composition: Look for 100% plant-based, recycled, or synthetic content. If leather, wool, silk, or other animal products are listed, it’s not vegan.
- Look beyond the label: Terms like “vegan-friendly” aren’t regulated. Instead, ask if the product is guaranteed 100% free of animal-derived materials and byproducts.
- Ask about finishes and dyes: Even synthetic fabrics may be treated with casein (a milk protein), beeswax, or tallow (animal fat derivatives).
Natural Isn’t Always Vegan
Be cautious with materials labeled as "natural" or "organic". Organic wool or leather is still sourced from animals. Likewise, suede materials—even soft or reclaimed versions—are not cruelty-free by definition unless explicitly made from vegan sources.
Transparency is your best friend when searching for ethical home fabric choices. Brands that prioritize cruelty-free home decor will openly list every component of a product. If a retailer can’t confirm a product is entirely animal-free, it’s safest to assume it isn’t. Full vegan certification or cruelty-free guarantees are the most reliable indicators.
At the end of the day, if you’re not sure whether a fabric is vegan, don’t hesitate to ask questions. A mindful home starts with informed choices—and understanding what’s behind each label is the first step.
Vegan Alternatives to Suede, Nubuck, and Soft Touch TextilesOnce you understand that many soft, textured fabrics are animal-derived, the natural next question is: what can I use instead? Thankfully, there are growing options for plant-based options for home decor that feel luxurious, look beautiful, and are entirely cruelty-free. Ethical design doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or style—it simply means being more mindful about the details.
Types of Vegan Upholstery Fabric to Consider
Whether you're looking for that signature velvety touch or a cozy, brushed feel, these vegan fabrics provide excellent non-leather alternatives.
- Microfiber: One of the most popular animal-free upholstery choices. This tightly woven fabric is soft, durable, and stain-resistant—ideal for sofas, chairs, and cushions. If you’re wondering is microfiber a vegan option, the answer is yes—as long as it’s not treated with animal-based scotch guards or bonding agents.
- Faux suede: Made from polyester or polyurethane, high-quality faux suede offers a texture nearly identical to the real thing without any animal content. Just check that it’s labeled 100% synthetic and not “bonded suede,” which may use leather scraps.
- Recycled polyester or PET: These materials give plastic bottles a second life as fabric. They can have a smooth or plush finish, depending on the weave, and are often used in modern upholstery lines.
- Organic cotton or hemp blends: While not always “plush,” these can be brushed or woven into soft touch fabrics. They’re especially good for minimal, breathable interiors and can be dyed with plant-based colorants.
Innovative Non-Leather Materials
The rise of conscious consumerism has inspired a wave of new material innovations:
Pineapple leather (Piñatex), cactus leather, and apple-based fabrics are being used more in fashion and slowly entering soft furnishings. While not widely available yet in upholstery, these materials are promising signs of where interior design vegan trends are headed.
These vegan alternatives to suede and nubuck provide the texture and warmth people love—without the ethical compromise. Whether you're renovating your whole living room or selecting a single new accent piece, opting for animal-free upholstery is a meaningful step toward a more compassionate home.
Choosing vegan doesn’t limit your style choices—it simply opens the door to more thoughtful, sustainable living. And that's where beauty and ethics meet.
Not all fabrics are what they seem. As we’ve explored, terms like suede, nubuck fabric, or soft touch fabric can be misleading—often pointing to materials that are derived from animals or treated with animal-based compounds. But the good news? Today’s evolving market offers more stunning, innovative vegan fabrics than ever before.
If you’re starting to think more consciously about your home, switching to cruelty-free home decor is a powerful and simple change. With a bit of knowledge, you can spot animal-free alternatives that look just as soft, feel just as luxurious, and align beautifully with your values.
At Ambianto, we believe that great design should never come at the cost of another life. That’s why every piece in our collection uses thoughtfully sourced, plant-based options for home decor—from faux suede cushions to microsuede vegan sofas, all 100% free of animal byproducts.
Curious to learn more? Explore our other blog posts for helpful design guides, tips, and deep dives into sustainable living. Or browse our collection of modern, intentionally made furnishings that bring style and ethics together—beautifully.