In the world of fashion and leather goods, nubuck seduces with its raw yet elegant appearance. Often confused with suede, incorrectly called "daim" or "suede," it stands out as a noble material in its own right, sought after for its soft texture, velvety feel, and natural patina.
Appreciated by designers for its versatility, nubuck finds its place in both jackets and coats, as well as shoes, bags, and accessories.
What is nubuck?
Nubuck is full-grain leather, meaning it's the uppermost and most valuable part of the hide.
It is made from bovine hides, typically carefully selected calfskin for its suppleness and fineness.
Its outer surface is lightly sanded and brushed to achieve that characteristic velvety finish, similar to the feel of a peach skin.
Unlike smooth leather, nubuck is distinguished by its matte and textured appearance, pleasant to the touch and very breathable.
The dye, applied deeply, offers rich and long-lasting colors, which develop a beautiful patina over time.
Nubuck, leather, or suede: how to tell the difference?
The confusion between these three materials is common. However, their differences are very real:
|
Material |
Side of the skin used |
Appearance/feel |
Specificity |
|
Nubuck |
Grain side (exterior) |
Velvety, soft, matte |
Fine grain, resistant and elegant |
|
Smooth leather |
Un-sanded grain side |
Shiny, firm |
Resistant, taut appearance |
|
Suede / Suede / Suede |
Flesh side (interior) |
Fuzzy, dense |
Lighter and more breathable than rustic |
Suede is no longer made from the animal of the same name: it is a trade name for velvet-effect leathers.
Suede leather itself remains refined and breathable, while nubuck is more robust.
How is nubuck made?
The manufacturing of nubuck relies on demanding craftsmanship:
-
Selection of hides – the most robust and resistant, supple and flawless.
-
Preparation – cleaning, removal of hair and impurities.
-
Tanning – to stabilize and soften the leather.
-
Dyeing – uniform penetration for deep shades.
-
Sanding and brushing – creation of the velvety feel.
-
Protective finish – application of stain-resistant and water-repellent agents.
Each step highlights the texture and nobility of the leather, preserving its natural grain.
Uses of nubuck in fashion
Thanks to its soft, velvety texture and great durability, nubuck holds a privileged place in the world of fashion. This noble material allows for the creation of pieces that are both chic, durable, and timeless, appealing to both casual style enthusiasts and urban elegance lovers.
In footwear
Nubuck is particularly appreciated for the manufacture of shoes. It offers a pleasant feel, beautiful suppleness, and natural breathability, ideal for foot comfort. It is found on models of boots, derbies, moccasins, or sneakers.
Its slightly matte finish gives it a sober charm, perfect for autumnal hues or minimalist looks. At La Canadienne, some nubuck pairs are also waterproofed to resist rain while maintaining their refined appearance.
In leather goods
In bags, wallets, and belts, nubuck stands out for its velvety appearance and depth of color. It gives accessories a premium look without ostentation, while ensuring good durability over time.
The slightly visible grain and soft touch create a perfect balance between elegance and authenticity. These pieces age with style, developing a natural patina that makes them unique over time.
In ready-to-wear
Nubuck is also a key material for creating jackets and blousons. It brings a textured aspect and visual warmth not found in smooth leather.
Nubuck jackets embody a modern yet timeless style: they easily adapt to jeans or a flowing dress, and can be worn both daily and for more dressed-up occasions.
Thanks to its suppleness, it fits the silhouette without stiffness and retains its shape over time.
A very seasonal and high-end material
Versatile, nubuck can be worn all throughout autumn and winter, bringing warmth and a cozy feel. Its ability to transcend seasons, adapt to trends, and develop a beautiful patina makes it a durable, high-end material, at the crossroads of comfort and style.
Our nubuck products at La Canadienne
Discover our selection of nubuck clothing and accessories, combining comfort, style, and velvety texture:
-
Shoes : supple and comfortable models, perfect for a chic or casual style like our CHRISTIAN PELLET Macho beige nubuck derbies
-
Bags and handbags : the material brings lightness and a refined finish to leather goods.
-
Wallets and belts : practical accessories that retain their pleasant feel and matte appearance over time, like our FABRIZIO MANCINI brown nubuck leather belt
-
Jackets and blousons for men and women : ideal for a modern look, thanks to nubuck's softness and resistance.
-
Cooper brown nubuck leather jacket – Cowhide leather jacket, stand-up collar and removable lining, ideal for mid-season.
-
Brown sheepskin nubuck overshirt – Supple and resistant model for a modern and comfortable look.
-
Max brown nubuck leather overshirt – A practical and refined piece, perfect for your everyday outfits.
-
ROSE GARDEN Cognac nubuck Trucky jacket – 100% cowhide leather for a trendy and modern look.
Is nubuck afraid of rain?
This is a common question. In reality, nubuck handles moisture well, provided it is properly maintained.
Light rain does not damage the material, especially if it has been waterproofed beforehand.
However, prolonged exposure to rain can slightly darken the leather. In this case:
-
let it air dry,
-
brush once dry to revive the fibers,
-
avoid any direct heat source.
Tip: using a special nubuck protective spray greatly limits water absorption and prevents stains.
How to care for nubuck?
-
Waterproof regularly with a specific spray.
-
Brush after each wear to remove dust and dirt.
-
Clean grease stains with Sommières earth.
-
Revive colors with a tinted spray.
-
Avoid heat sources for drying.
Regular maintenance will allow your pieces to retain their original softness and color for years.
How to revive nubuck color?
Over time, nubuck can lighten or dull. To restore its color and uniformity:
-
Gently clean with a nubuck brush or special eraser.
-
Brush again to reactivate the fiber and even out the finish.
The La Canadienne workshops offer a professional restoration service to restore worn nubuck pieces and a cleaning service for discolored pieces.
Nubuck is not fragile, but it remains sensitive to stains and moisture. A few simple steps are enough to preserve it:
-
Regular brushing to straighten the fibers.
-
Gentle cleaning with a specialized spray or product.
-
Waterproofing To protect against water and dirt.
In summary
Nubuck is a charming material: soft, lively, and elegant.
While it requires a little more care than smooth leather, it seduces with its natural appearance and its ability to develop a patina over time.
At La Canadienne, we select noble leathers and specialized workshops to guarantee nubuck pieces that are both durable, authentic, and refined.
