Nubuck vs Suede: What's the Difference?
Nubuck vs Suede: What's the Difference?
Nubuck and suede are often confused — both are soft, both have that velvety, matte surface, and both are real leather. But they're made differently, and that difference affects how they look, feel and wear. Here's how to tell nubuck and suede apart, and which is right for you.
The key difference: which side of the hide
Both are leather buffed to raise a soft nap, but from different parts of the hide:
- Suede is made from the underside (the flesh side) of the hide, buffed to a soft, fuzzy nap. It comes from the softer inner layer.
- Nubuck is made from the outer (grain) side of the hide — the same strong surface used for smooth leather — then lightly sanded to create a fine nap.
That single difference explains everything else about how they compare. (For how suede compares to smooth leather, see What Is Suede? Suede vs Leather.)
How they compare
Because nubuck comes from the tougher outer layer:
- Durability — nubuck is generally more durable than suede, as it's made from the stronger grain side. Suede, from the softer inner layer, is more delicate.
- Texture — nubuck has a finer, shorter nap; suede has a slightly longer, softer, fuzzier nap.
- Feel — suede is typically a touch softer and more flexible; nubuck feels fine and velvety but slightly firmer.
- Look — both are matte and napped, but nubuck tends to look a little smoother and more refined up close.
What they have in common
- Both are genuine leather with a napped, matte surface.
- Both are less water-resistant than smooth leather and benefit from a protector spray.
- Both need the same gentle care — brushing, a suede/nubuck eraser for marks, and protecting against water and stains. See How to Clean Suede, which applies to both.
Which should you choose?
- Choose suede for the softest, most flexible feel and a relaxed, casual look.
- Choose nubuck if you want that soft, napped appearance with a bit more durability and a finer, more refined finish.
For most jackets, suede is the more common and most relaxed choice; nubuck is a slightly more hard-wearing, refined alternative. Either way, both reward a little care with a beautiful, tactile finish. For the full family of leathers, see Types of Leather Explained.
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FAQs
What's the difference between nubuck and suede? Suede is made from the soft underside of the hide; nubuck from the tougher outer grain side, lightly sanded. As a result nubuck is generally more durable with a finer nap, while suede is softer with a fuzzier nap.
Is nubuck more durable than suede? Generally yes — nubuck comes from the stronger outer grain layer of the hide, making it more hard-wearing than suede, which is made from the softer inner layer.
Is nubuck the same as suede? No — they look similar and are both napped leather, but they're made from different sides of the hide, which affects durability, texture and feel.
Does nubuck need the same care as suede? Yes — both need gentle care: brushing, an eraser for marks, and a protector spray against water and stains. See How to Clean Suede.