Translation guide
Suede is a type of leather with a soft, napped finish. In Japanese, it is usually referred to by the loanword スエード, but native terms exist for specific contexts.
スエード
suede
Referring to suede as a material for clothing, shoes, bags, etc.
The most common and widely understood term for suede. Used in fashion, retail, and everyday conversation.
このジャケットはスエードでできています。
This jacket is made of suede.
スエードの靴は雨の日に履かないほうがいいです。
It's better not to wear suede shoes on rainy days.
Literally 'raised-hair leather'. A more technical term used in manufacturing or leathercraft. Not common in daily conversation.
起毛革はデリケートなので、特別な手入れが必要です。
Suede is delicate, so it requires special care.
Referring to synthetic or faux suede materials.
Synthetic suede. Commonly used for affordable fashion items.
このバッグは合成スエードです。
This bag is synthetic suede.
Artificial suede. Similar to 合成スエード but slightly more formal/technical.
人工スエードは本物より手入れが簡単です。
Artificial suede is easier to care for than real suede.
スエード is a loanword and is perfectly natural in Japanese. You can use it just like any other noun: スエードの〜 (suede something). There's no need to use the native term 起毛革 unless you're in a specialized context.