What exactly is nubuck leather ? Isn't it the same as suede ? Or what is this other type of leather called? Exactly, suede leather , it's all the same, isn't it? No, it's not all the same leather. But all three types of leather have one thing in common : they are all types of rough leather .
In this article we would like to tell you more about nubuck leather and its properties . You will also learn how to properly care for and clean nubuck leather. Let's get started!
What exactly is nubuck leather?
Let's start from the beginning: nubuck leather is a rough leather . This is a general term for types of leather whose surface has been roughened . These include nubuck leather, suede and velour leather.
It is a so-called split leather , for the production of which cow or calf skin is usually used. To produce nubuck leather, the grain side is roughened, i.e. the side that was on the outside.
The term nubuck leather is probably derived from English usage. Suede is also called "buckskin" in English. Nubuck leather is not suede, but it has a very similar appearance.
Expert knowledge: This is why the term "New Buck" was coined, which was later shortened to "nubuck". Although there is no clear evidence for this theory, there are some indications that support it.
Since cowhide is a very thick and strong leather , it is split into different layers. The resulting layers are called different things and each have a slightly different leather quality.
The scar gap (outer gap):
This is the outermost layer, the one on which the hair sits. This layer is considered the most robust and valuable layer of split leather. This layer is used, among other things, to make nubuck leather.
The core gap (central gap):
This gap has two rough sides and is less robust than the scar gap.
The meat gap (lower gap):
Is the side that sat above the flesh, this layer is less robust and stable than the scar gap.
Nubuck leather is soft, breathable and more durable than other types of suede. If nubuck leather is also well impregnated , it is very water-repellent.
In which areas is nubuck leather preferably used?
There are many different uses for nubuck leather, but the material is typically used in upholstery, handbags, clothing or shoes .
But nubuck leather can also be found in the sports segment , and is particularly valued in hiking and climbing areas due to its advantageous properties .
In rare cases, the material is also used for the interior of cars .
One of the few models that has a nubuck leather interior is the BMW Z1. In the 80s and 90s, the leather was very popular in the furniture industry. At that time, a pattern was usually printed on the leather.
So you can see that this high-quality leather has an extensive history in which it has been used in many different applications.
The most important properties and questions about nubuck leather
The most important properties of nubuck leather include breathability and comfort , which is one reason why it is often used for clothing and shoes. But that's not all, resistance and durability are also important properties of nubuck leather.
Expert advice : You should know that nubuck leather and leather in general are not sun lovers . UV rays can bleach the leather and make it brittle.
Water and snow are not the best friends of nubuck leather either. That's why a good waterproofing is essential , as it protects the leather and makes it very water-repellent.
How robust is nubuck?
In contrast to suede , nubuck leather is more durable and robust . However, compared to smooth leather, nubuck leather cannot keep up in terms of robustness.
Is nubuck waterproof?
No, because its roughened surface makes it more susceptible to water and absorbs it. But don't panic, if the nubuck is waterproofed, it is optimally protected and also very water-repellent .
Is nubuck leather breathable?
Yes, the roughened surface gives the leather its breathability, so it transports sweat to the outside very well, for example.
How sensitive is nubuck leather?
Nubuck leather is more susceptible to dust and dirt due to its roughened surface and it also doesn't like moisture . For this reason, waterproofing is really important.
It doesn't like the sun's rays too much either, but it's not meant to lie on a sun lounger while you're on holiday. It's meant to be a loyal companion to you, and that's what it is in any case.
Can you treat nubuck leather with shoe polish?
Please do not use shoe polish under any circumstances , this is not a good idea for nubuck leather , suede or suede leather , as it would literally soak up the shoe polish and stick to the surface.
Which is better, suede or nubuck leather?
Both types of leather have their advantages and disadvantages, which do not really differ in terms of moisture, sun and dust. In terms of robustness, nubuck is slightly superior to suede.
The two also differ in their surface structure ; suede is coarser or rougher than nubuck leather with its velvety surface .
The areas of application for nubuck and suede are not too different from one another. In terms of robustness, nubuck leather wins, and the split leather used, the grain split, is also of higher quality than the flesh split from which suede is made.
Does nubuck leather need to be waterproofed?
Yes, please waterproof the nubuck leather . It cares for the leather and protects it from moisture. But please do not waterproof it every week, every 3 months is absolutely sufficient.
Conclusion
Nubuck leather is a type of suede leather made by roughening the grain side and has a similar appearance to suede . It is soft, breathable and more durable than other types of suede.
Due to its positive properties , nubuck leather is often used for
- Clothing,
- Shoes,
- Upholstered furniture
- and handbags.
It can also be used in sports , especially hiking and climbing .
Good waterproofing is important to protect the leather from water and dirt. Nubuck leather is more robust than suede and has a velvety surface.
It should not be treated with shoe polish. Regular waterproofing every 3 months is sufficient to take good care of the nubuck leather. You can find out more about this in our separate guide : Cleaning & caring for nubuck leather .
Overall, however, nubuck leather is a high-quality type of leather with versatile uses and a loyal companion if it is properly cared for.
FAQ
Can you treat nubuck leather with shoe polish?
No, it is not a good idea to treat nubuck leather with shoe polish. This also applies to suede and suede. Nubuck leather absorbs the shoe polish and the surface can become sticky.
What is the difference between nubuck leather and suede?
Both nubuck and suede are types of rough leather, but with differences in robustness and surface structure. Nubuck leather is more durable than suede and has a more velvety surface. There are only minor differences in terms of where it is used and care requirements. Nubuck leather is made from the higher quality grain split, while suede is made from the flesh split.
Find out more by reading our other articles.