Nubuck vs Suede — Which One Your Wardrobe Deserves?

Have you ever found yourself needing clarification on the soft appeal of Nubuck and the rich, filthy touch of Suede?

Nubuck and Suede—are the two materials that immediately come to mind when we discuss the classy leather finishes. Both are highly admired for their versatile nature and soft texture—even though they are crafted and used in a completely different manner. 

This blog might help you decide between Nubuck and Suede when making your next purchase. This article might help you identify which one of these popular leather types your wardrobe deserves.

While we’ve previously delved into the intricacies of both nubuck leather and suede leather, let’s focus on comparing them directly, along with how they stand up to other types of leather.

Nubuck Leather vs Suede: What Sets Them Apart?

Nubuck and Suede might look alike at first glance, but the main difference between them is the way they are processed. 

Nubuck is made by buffing or sanding the outer (grain) side of the skin, providing a velvety appeal—whereas suede is obtained from the inner side of the skin—resulting in a softer but less durable finish. 

Most commonly, both Nubuck and Suede are crafted from different hides, including cowhide leather, sheepskin leather, or goatskin leather. 

It is essential to identify that both Nubuck and Suede are considered to be extra delicate and need more care in comparison to full-grain leather.

Nonetheless, when comparing Nubuck-vs-Suede-vs-Leather, all of them provide a premium aesthetic and a classic appeal that is hard to resist. 

Nubuck vs Suede vs Leather: A Durability Showdown

When it comes to a comparison between Nubuck leather and other types of leather, Nubuck leather is more rugged than Suede leather, yet less intense than full-grain leather. 

Nubuck gets more robust on the surface with the sanding process, making it more challenging to wear than Suede—which is more susceptible to damage because of its soft structure.  

For this reason, the Nubuck shoes are more durable and perform better in everyday use than the Suede shoes. 

On the contrary, Suede surpasses in style but needs more care. It is mainly admired for fashion-forward products similar to suede leather jackets, suede leather shoes, and suede leather boots. 

Full-grain leather is the king—when it comes to durability—but if you are after something soft and stylish, nubuck and suede remain popular choices.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nubuck Leather

Advantages:

• Nubuck is more durable and resistant to wear and tear than Suede, but it needs to be handled with care.
• It provides a velvety luxe and classic appeal. 
• Nubuck is commonly used in different products, and its versatility ranges from shoes to upholstery and bags. 

Disadvantages:

• Similar to suede, Nubuck is more susceptible to stains and is difficult to clean at times, so it requires proper maintenance. 
• If not treated with a protector in time—Nubuck is water-sensitive and can absorb water and stain.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Suede Leather

Advantages:

• Suede is incredibly soft and supple, making it ideal for products similar to suede leather sneakers and suede jackets for women.
• Breathability is the core—Suede allows for better airflow, which makes it perfect for shoes and jackets.
• It is widely used in high-fashion products—offering a luxurious aesthetic, including suede leather boots and suede jackets for women.

Disadvantages:

• Suede is less durable and prone to scuffing and damage, requiring more careful handling.
• Like Nubuck, suede is vulnerable to stains, can easily absorb liquids, and can stain if not treated with a protective coating.

Products Crafted from Nubuck and Suede

Nubuck and Suede are both versatile materials—typically used across a variety of products, particularly in footwear and fashion accessories.

• Nubuck Shoes are known for their toughness and style and are famous for their durable yet soft appeal.
• Suede leather shoes are soft and supple; these shoes require careful maintenance and are a great fashion statement.
• Suede leather jackets are perfect for making a stylish statement.
• Leather jackets are often seen in more durable leather types like full-grain or top-grain—however, nubuck exists for a more refined allure.
• More rigid leather boots are usually made from full-grain leather, but nubuck can offer a stylish and contemporary twist.

Final Thoughts

Nubuck provides better durability and is more versatile, while suede is all about texture and luxury. When deciding between Nubuck and Suede, it totally depends on your choice of whether you prefer durability or softness.

Both materials hold a unique position in the fashion landscape—specifically in Suede and Nubuck shoes, jackets, and other accessories.

It is imperative to comprehend the properties of each leather type to make an informed decision—whether you are in search of something that lasts long, similar to leather shoes, or something softer, like a pair of suede leather sneakers.

In the overall range of types of leather finish, nubuck and suede provide high-quality textures that may enhance your wardrobe. However, if you prioritize durability, you might want to consider classic leather options like cowhide leather, sheepskin leather, or goatskin leather.

FAQs

How can you tell nubuck from suede?

Nubuck feels velvety and comes from the outer hide, while suede is softer and made from the inner hide.

What happens when Nubuck gets wet?

If nubuck gets wet, it can absorb moisture and stain unless treated with a water-repellent.

Is Nubuck genuine leather?

Yes, nubuck is 100% genuine leather, just like suede, but it’s sanded on the grain side for that smooth finish.