Nubuck vs. Suede—Which One Belongs in Your Wardrobe?

When we talk about stylish leather options for a luxurious feel with perfect finishing, then Nubuck and Suede are the only two options that pop up in our mind to enhance our wardrobe.

Both of them are soft and comfortable, and are used in making shoes, jackets, bags and even accessories. But have you ever wondered which one is better than the other?

Well, it’s hard to say as both of them almost look alike and feel alike.

But don’t worry, in this blog, I will tell you the key difference to help you distinguish one from the other. Plus, you will get to know the pros and cons of both of these materials to make your purchasing choice easier.

Thus, next time, when you are looking for a classic finish. You will know which material you will be needing, Nubuck or Suede.

So, buckle up, we are diving deep into the world of leathers today.

What is the Difference Between Suede and Nubuck?

So, are you ready to start our Suede Vs. Nubuck War? Well, I am really excited to share this amazing information with you. So, let’s go and see what really makes them differ from one another.

What is Suede?

Well, Suede is made from the inner side of the animal hide, like goat, calf or lamb.

The inner layer of the Suede is sanded or buffed hard to give it that soft and fuzzy texture that we all love about it. It really feels velvety to touch and has a delicate appearance to the spectators.

What is Nubuck?

Now, Nubuck, on the other hand, is made from the outer side of the hide (Yeah, totally opposite). Thus, making it more durable and tough.

Just like Suede, it is also goes through the process of sanding to create a soft texture for you. But we create it from the outer layer of the hide, this one is much stronger and resistant to wear and tear. Hence, perfect for everyday wear.

Nubuck vs Suede: Key Differences

Nubuck vs Leather – Are they Similar?

I know you must be thinking that if leather and Nubuck are the same, considering that they are made from the outer layer of animal hide.

But the answer is NO. Nubuck is a type of leather, but it is much different from other common types of leather, like full grain or top grain leather.

All of them are made from the outer layer of animal hide. But Nubuck is sanded or buffered to give it a soft matter finish. Whereas, the other leather types retain the smoothness of the outer layer. So, we can differentiate it based on the texture and smoothness.

Suede leather vs Nubuck leather – What to Choose?

Now here comes the million-dollar question: Which leather is best for our wardrobe?

So, here we will be comparing different factors to find out which leather option is best for you. Is it Suede or Nubuck?

We have already discussed the difference between suede and nubuck. Now we only need to compare them to find out the best for us. So, let’s get started.

Which One Looks Better?

Let us start with which one looks better.

Well, both of these leathers have their own charm and give you a finished look.

Suede offers a smooth and elegant look. It is really soft and comfortable. Perfect for a casual and cosy vibe.

Whereas, Nubuck is slightly richer and more refined than suede. This one is smoother and offers a luxurious finish to your look.

Thus, if you need something sleek and polished to give you that elegant charm, then Nubuck is better. If you are looking for something cosy yet stylish, you might wanna try Suede.

Durability

Now, let us talk about durability. When you are spending on something expensive, durability really matters.

Well, as compared to suede, nubuck is definitely more durable and tougher. We make it from the outer side of the hide and offers more resistance to wear and tear. Thus, it will definitely last longer than suede.

But obviously, it does not mean that suede is worthless. It is durable too, but it is more prone to stains and scuffs. Hence, it is best suited for light use or special occasions.

Comfortability

Both of these leathers are extremely comfortable and feel really soft. But if we have to announce the winner, then Suede definitely takes a lead on this one.

It is usually softer and more flexible. Hence, making it perfect for shoes, gloves and jackets that you need to move with.

Nubuck is soft too, but it is slightly firmer than suede and holds its shape carefully. This could be great for making shoes and bags that require proper structure.

Care & Maintenance

Ah, now we have to check which of these leathers is easier to care for and maintain.

But here is the twist: suede or nubuck leather is easy to clean.

Yeah, you heard me right.

Suede can absorb moisture really quickly, which eventually leads to stains. Even dust and oil can create stains on it. So, you will be needing a special Suede Brush to clean it away.

While a Nubuck is stronger and handles stains better, it still needs special care products and protection sprays to keep it neat and clean.

Water Resistance

I am sure that half of the population thinks that leather is a waterproof material. But the truth is that it’s just a myth. Leather and water do not go well together.

Hence, Suede and Nubuck are two of the most delicate forms of leather that are definitely not a good option in rain or snow.

Water can leave marks on these materials and can even damage the texture of your jackets.

Thus, make sure that you are not wearing them in rainy weather. But if you must do, then try water protection spray before stepping out of your homes.

Which One is More Expensive?

Now here comes an important question. Of course, budget matters for people. Thus, it is better to know which one is more expensive than the other and why.

Well, the answer is, Nubuck leather is more expensive than suede. That is because we create it from the tougher outer hide of the animal. Thus, it needs more treatment and processing than the other one.

Whereas, the Suede leather is far easier and cheaper to produce than the Nubuck, of course.

Hence, if you are tight on your budget, then you’d better choose suede as it’s definitely cheaper.

Which One Should You Choose?

Now here comes our main question. That which one really suits us and which one we should be choosing.

But you know, there is never a right answer to this. It really depends on your lifestyle, budget and how you will be using your jacket.

So, the answer will vary from person to person based on their budget and preferences. For instance, if you are low on budget, you will need to go with suede. Whereas, if durability is your preference, then nubuck should be the right choice for you.

Hence, it totally depends on you.

So, now you know everything from What is Nubuck Vs Suede to which one is better.

Final Words

In a nutshell, both nubuck and Suede bring their own style and charm to your outfits.

Suede is soft, stylish and perfect for a relaxed fashion. On the other hand, Nubuck is tough, elegant and is a perfect choice for durable wear.

So, both of them have their pros and cons. Thus, if you are looking for a casual look, go for suede. But if you need something more sophisticated and polished, then Nubuck is your material.

Thus, next time when you go shopping, make your choice wisely. And I am sure differentiating between them won’t be a problem for you anymore.

Happy Styling!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which one is more durable, Suede or Nubuck?

As compared to Suede, Nubuck is stronger and more durable. As it is made from the outer layer of animal hide, it offers durability and resistance.

What is the main difference between Suede and Nubuck?

The Suede Leather is made from the inner side of the animal hide. Whereas Nubuck leather is made from the outer layer of animal hide.

Can I wear Suede Leather Jackets in the rain?

No, you must not wear Suede Leather Jackets in the rain. It is a porous material that absorbs water quickly. Thus, leading to potential stains or damage.

Is Nubuck a kind of original leather?

Yes, Nubuck is 100% original leather that is made from animal hide after buffering.

Why is Nubuck more expensive than Suede?

Nubuck is more expensive than Suede leather because we create it from the outer layer of animal hide and requires more processing to achieve its features.