What is the difference between nubuck and suede, the advantages and disadvantages of these materials? Almost identical in appearance, but so different in manufacturing methods and applications. The article discusses interesting facts about the types of leather, presents the characteristics and areas of their application.
What is nubuck: a separate subspecies of leather
Now you can find on the market clothes and shoes made from ecological inexpensive materials: eco-leather, a substitute for natural fabric, cheap analogues from synthetic raw materials. Nubuck, like suede, is equated to a type of natural fabrics. Hard to tell at first glance: soft surface, matte finish and budget price range.
The difference between nubuck and suede is as follows:
- Nubuk is made from the skins of cattle.
- The dressing process is accompanied by the use of the chrome tanning method.
- Grinding is carried out using abrasive materials.
This sequence in the methods allows you to get a smooth surface with a minimum pile length. Elasticity is lost, and it is almost impossible to stretch the canvas, indifferent from suede. If not cared for, nubuck becomes greasy, moisture and natural fat are lost.
The porous surface is breathable, so the feet "breathe" in such shoes. The material is extremely susceptible to water. It is not recommended to wear nubuck shoes in slush and rain. The surface hardens and loses its elasticity. In order for the purchase to serve for a long time, you need to take care of it by treating it with impregnations.
Incompetent sellers often pass off nubuck as suede, increasing the cost of goods. The secrets of an experienced buyer, which can be found below, will help not to become a victim.
What is suede: material features
Suede, unlike nubuck, is an expensive material from a subspecies of polished leather. Such a dressing keeps its shape well, it is made from the skins of large animals. Raw materials are processed with a fatty agent at the production stage - tanning allows you to get a fabric with a thin velvety pile at the exit. It is tall, soft, not subject to deformation:
- The skin of this dressing has hygienic properties.
- Good heat transfer, breathable.
- Firmness and elasticity remain with proper care.
- Does not cause allergies; has an attractive appearance.
From the shortcomings can be identified:
- Suede is not worn in rainy weather. Like nubuck, it loses its properties and appearance.
- Low resistance to moisture - extremely difficult to wash. Dry clean only.
To make traces of use less noticeable,suede is treated with water-repellent agents, rubber sponges are used for cleaning. Visually, you can notice the differences between suede and nubuck. The photo shows:
This is a suede fabric. It is worth paying attention that villi are visible on it. The touch feels soft, smooth.
The nubuck canvas is somewhat different: the villi are visible, but they are practically not felt. With a long touch, there is a feeling of rubbing, smoothness, unusual for suede.
Velor - textiles or leather?
This fabric is made like nubuck from cattle. Only in raw materials the skin of a domestic artiodactyl is also used. In terms of price characteristics: the cheapest both in production and in sales.
Velor is polished from the inside, like velvet, nubuck - from the outside, like suede. Velor has its advantages over nubuck and suede:
- Less demanding material in terms of care and processing.
- The pile is low, hard. Less clogged, easier to clean.
- Inexpensive, affordable material when buying shoes.
- Velor is used for everyday wear. Suits are rarely made from suede. Nubuck is not suitable for this at all.
A good pair of shoes can be purchased for a "gift". It is not necessary to choose a high, shiny pile of suede to walk down the street. Velor is not as afraid of water as nubuck. Of course, it is attractive, affordable, but in terms of unpretentious care, suede is an indispensable material.
Feature comparison: velor, suede and nubuck
If it's hardmake a choice between suede, nubuck and velor, the differences are shown in the table. Compare them before buying shoes and care products:
| Indicator | Suede | Nubuk | Velor |
| Moisture resistant | It is not recommended to wet and wash suede with water or a wet brush. The fabric does not deteriorate, but eventually loses its fatty impregnation. | Susceptible to moisture, loses its properties. | Completely loses properties, very susceptible to water. Recommended only in dry weather. |
| Cleaning | Simple. Special materials, brushes are used. | Careful. Additional moisture repellents are used. | Long, thorough. It is easy to remove debris, dust, but it is difficult to maintain the original appearance after 3-5 cleanings. |
| Care | Sometimes clean, surface treatment | Shoes made of nubuck require constant cleaning. It will help to keep the original look of the product. | Preferably after every wear. |
| Raw material quality | Moose, deer skin | Cattle skins | Skins of any cattle |
| Stretching | Good elasticity | Thick canvas | Does not stretch at all |
| Wear resistance | High | Average | Low |
| Tactile sensation | Since the leather is treated on both sides, there is a feeling of tenderness, smoothness of the material. | Medium tenderness, softnessby sanding one side of the leather layer. | The pile is hard, less pleasant to the touch than suede or nubuck. |
Where is suede used more often?
The differences between suede and nubuck are almost imperceptible. Features can be seen over time when buying shoes from these materials. Made from suede:
- clothes, even outerwear;
- shoes;
- bags;
- haberdashery;
- accessories;
- hats.
Nubuk is less attractive in these areas.
Nubuk applications
Despite the slight differences between nubuck and suede, the first material has more flaws. The fabric is not so strong and elastic, therefore it is used in production:
- shoes;
- bags;
- furniture upholstery.
Federal materials and decorative pillows are also sewn from velor. In everyday life, the material is rarely used for its intended purpose. Due to its brightness, it is more often used for pictorial and visual decoration of interior items.
Practical Fabric Care Tips
There are also many differences in the care of nubuck and suede. To maintain the original appearance of shoes, it is easy to clean them from dirt and dust, it is recommended to carry out the following procedures:
| Suede | Nubuk | |
| Dust cleaning | This should be done usingrubber brushes. Dry cleaning allows you to remove an invisible layer of dirt, restore brightness and color depth. Spray foam with a cleaner function is used. After 5-7 minutes, it is removed along with mud deposits. | Dry dirt is removed with an eraser, brush or clothes roller with a sticky layer. |
| Water protection | Suede, although waterproof, does not tolerate rain and slush. Additionally, water-repellent products are used. You need to treat the surface 10-20 minutes before leaving. | Waterproof impregnation is sprayed until the product is no longer absorbed. This protects the nubuck from moisture. |
| Grease stains | In the first minutes after it starts to rain, a sticky surface (engine oil, dust and dirt) forms on the road. Grease stains from suede are removed with a paper towel (fresh), then talc or potato starch. After drying, brush off (plain). | Removed with potato starch, ammonia. Crumpled pile is lifted with a brush. |
| Pile restoration | A simple sponge on the side where there is no abrasive layer. | Hot steam, sparse and high bristle brushes. |
If you follow simple rules of care, your shoes and clothes will last a long time. Do not neglect these simple, but such important recommendations. Remember - each material requires special attention and careful approach to wear.
