When researching the different types of leather, you may stumble upon nubuck. It consists of animal hide that’s been tanned and processed — just like all other types of leather. Nubuck leather, however, features a napped surface that looks and feels like suede. It’s commonly used to make leather shoes and other leather accessories. Below are nine facts about nubuck leather, some of which may surprise you.
#1) Classified as Top-Grain Leather
Nubuck leather falls under the category of top-grain leather. Leather, of course, is often categorized according to its quality or grade. There’s top-grain leather, followed by split leather and then bonded leather. Top-grain leather contains the outer layer of the hide, which is known as the grain. It’s stronger, more durable and typically thicker than other types of leather.
Split leather, in comparison, features a split grain layer. The grain layer is separated from the hide. Nubuck leather contains the outer layer of the hide, and since it’s not separated, nubuck leather is classified as top-grain leather.
#2) The Grain Layer Is Sanded
To produce nubuck leather, manufacturers sand or buff the grain layer. They leave the grain layer intact without separating it, but manufacturers will either sand or buff the grain layer to achieve a napped surface.
One of the defining characteristics of nubuck leather is its napped surface. Other types of leather typically feature smooth texture. Nubuck leather is different in the sense that it features a slightly fuzzy, napped texture. When running your hands over napped leather, you’ll feel this napped surface. It’s similar to suede, with both materials featuring a fuzzy texture that distinguishes them from materials with a smooth texture. Manufacturers create this napped surface on nubuck leather by sanding or buffing the grain layer.
#3) Not the Same as Suede
Many people assume that nubuck leather is the same as suede, but this isn’t necessarily true. Nubuck and suede are, in fact, types of real leather. They are both made of animal hide, and they both require tanning and processing. But nubuck and suede are different types of leather.
Nubuck, as previously mentioned, is classified as top-grain leather. It contains the whole grain layer. Suede, on the other hand, is classified as split leather. Suede is specifically made of the underside of the hide. Both nubuck and suede feature a napped surface, but suede is thinner and more delicate than its nubuck counterpart.
#4) Traditionally Made of Deer Hide
In the past, nubuck leather was made of deer hide. The term “nubuck” is a reference to “new buck.”
You can still find nubuck leather made of deer hide, but it’s now available in other types of hides as well. Some manufacturers use cow hide to make it. Other manufacturers use sheep hide to make nubuck leather. Regardless, nubuck leather is no longer limited to deer hide. It may receive its namesake from its traditional use of deer hide, but nubuck leather is now made of other types of animal hides, including cow and sheep hides.
#5) Features a Soft, Light Color
You may notice that most if not all nubuck leather products feature a soft, light color. Nubuck leather is commonly used to make accessories such as shoes, belts, backpacks and handbags. Regardless, most nubuck leather has a similar color. It features a soft and light color.
The soft and light color associated with nubuck leather is the result of its napped surface. By buffing or sanding the grain layer, manufacturers will create a lighter tone.
#6) Long-Lasting
Nubuck leather lasts a long time when properly maintained. Like all types of top-grain leather, it contains the grain layer intact. Manufacturers will sand or buff the grain layer when producing nubuck leather, but they won’t separate the grain layer from the rest of the hide. The end result is a relatively thick type of leather that’s strong, durable and resistant to premature wear and tear.
You can maintain nubuck leather by regularly cleaning and conditioning it. With its napped surface, it will accumulate dirt and dust. As dirt and dust settle on the surface, nubuck leather will develop a dingy appearance. Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening by regularly cleaning it. Using a damp washcloth and some dish soap, gently blot the surface of the nubuck leather until it comes clean. Along with cleaning it, you should condition nubuck leather once every few months to keep it soft and supple.
#7) Not Damaged By Water
Nubuck leather won’t sustain damage when exposed to water. Water can still damage some types of leather. Suede, for instance, is susceptible to water-related damage. If you wear a suede accessory outdoors on a rainy day, it may sustain permanent damage.
When exposed to water, nubuck leather will change its color. It will develop a slightly darker color. But don’t let this fool you into thinking that nubuck leather is susceptible to water damage. After drying, it will return to its original soft and light color. Water exposure will only change the color of nubuck leather for a short period. Nubuck leather will eventually return to its original color after drying.
#8) Soft and Comfortable
There’s no denying the fact that nubuck leather is soft and comfortable. It doesn’t have a rough or scratchy texture. On the contrary, nubuck leather has a super-soft texture thanks in part to its napped, fuzzy surface.
With its soft and comfortable characteristics, nubuck leather is commonly used in the construction of fashion accessories. But it’s not limited to fashion accessories. You can also find car seats, sofas and other types of furniture made of nubuck leather.
#9) Features Protein Fibers
Ever wonder what the fuzzy strands on the surface of nubuck leather are? They are actually protein fibers.
Nubuck leather is defined as a type of top-grain leather with a fuzzy, napped surface. The fuzzy strands are protein fibers. They are the result of sanding or buffing the grain layer. As manufacturers sand or buff the grain layer, they’ll create protein fibers that manifest in the form of a fuzzy, napped surface.