Welcome to the first in the series of ‘Different Leather Types’. Day to day, we’re fully engrossed by the different types of leather and have been for over 50 years.
At A & A Crack & Sons, we’re lucky enough to have the generational knowledge in-house, but we do appreciate that not everyone has an understanding of leather like we do. Perhaps we take it for granted. That being said, we’re hoping to give more of an insight to some of the leathers we supply. First up, it’s nubuck leather.
What is Nubuck Leather?
Nubuck leather is a specific type of leather mostly recognised for its velvety feel and soft texture. Typically taken from the hide of an animal, like any leather, it undergoes specific processes to give it its finished look and feel.
In the past, nubuck leather was associated with glamour and aristocracy, worn only by the wealthy. Nowadays, however, it is more accessible and commonly associated with boots, bags, wallets and some furniture.
What is Nubuck Leather Made Of?
Historically, nubuck (new-buck) leather came from young deer (hence the ‘new’) and other wild animals, mostly the male, horned varieties (hence the ‘buck’).
Today, cowhide is the preferred choice, as it's seen as a more conscious resource than baby deer. Depending on the manufacturer, nubuck leather will be made from full-grain or top-grain leather sourced from the outer layers of calfskin or cowhide due to its sturdiness and longevity.
Full-Grain Vs Top-Grain Leather
More often than not, nubuck leathers are made from full-grain leather. However, it's common to find top-grain nubuck leather at most leather manufacturers.
The main difference between the two is that full-grain leather is taken from the strongest part of an animal, just below the hair, and includes all of the natural grain. Whereas, top-grain leather has the outermost layer of the hide sanded so that blemishes are non-existent.
What Does Nubuck Leather Look Like?
Nubuck’s appearance is similar to that of suede and quite the contrast to traditional-looking leather.
One of the key indicators of nubuck leather, compared to typical leather, is the non-reflective surface and the apparent lack of shimmer or glimmer. Instead, it looks fuzzy.
What Does Nubuck Leather Feel Like?
If you brush your fingertips across the surface of a nubuck leather, you will immediately sense its soft and velvety texture. It’s sometimes surprising that something so soft can be so sturdy.
Nubuck gets its unique texture due to the sanding and brushing process to give it a consistent appearance. Some defects are buffed away, at this stage, leaving a slight nap of short protein fibres which give it its velvet-like finish.
By brushing these fibres in a different direction you will see how the colour of nubuck can change at the slightest touch.
Is Nubuck Leather Waterproof?
No leather is 100% waterproof (unless treated). However, most leathers are water-resistant. Yet, due to the buffing and sanding, nubuck doesn’t carry the same water-resistant qualities as a typical leather would.
Nubuck leather will cope with small splashes of water. Any contact with water will make the nubuck darken but it will dry back to its original colour, unless saturated. Exposure to water for long periods can cause permanent damage.
Nubuck Vs Leather
Pitting these two against one another does draw some obvious comparisons but choosing one often comes down to personal preference or the purpose of the leather itself. Having said that, here are some of the differentiators between the two.
- Durability
Nubuck leather can sometimes outlast normal leather because of its durability. So, it's often worth paying for a more premium leather so you benefit from the longevity of it.
- Breathability
Nubuck is a more breathable leather as it doesn’t have a synthetic coat, making it a smarter choice for items of clothing or footwear.
- Maintenance
Nubuck also requires little maintenance. Unlike traditional leather, there’s no need to frequently polish or shine the leather to restore it. If protected properly, nubuck leather only requires occasional cleaning when impacted.
- Discolouring
One of the drawbacks of nubuck is that it’s susceptible to stains and soiling. Once exposed to oils, dirt and grime they will impact the colour and appearance of nubuck, unlike other products made from high-quality leather.
Nubuck Vs Suede
This is another debate that could be settled by personal preferences, especially in the form of leather garments such as jackets. Despite this, there are some clear differences between the two.
- Appearance
Although similar in appearance and feel, suede is less expensive and therefore seen as less luxurious. Suede also scuffs easier, so may appear more tired sooner than nubuck.
- Strength
Suede is made from an inner layer which is somewhat less durable than the top-grain layer nubuck employs. Nubuck also has a superior strength, as it is slightly thicker than suede.
- Quality
Traditionally, nubuck was made with the buckskin of a deer or elk, but more modern methods use calfskin, which is super soft. Suede is often made from animals such as goats and pigs and the overall preference tends to come down to personal choice.
Nubuck in Colour
Nubuck undergoes a leather dying process to add a pop of colour to the leather. This makes Nubuck more versatile, opening up possibilities, particularly when you consider the fashion industry.
We’ve seen our nubuck leather used for shoes and other leather goods, that’s why we like to have a broad spectrum of colours to choose from to satisfy individual tastes.