Nubuck and suede: difference, advantages, disadvantages

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 skin, presents the characteristics and areas of their application.

What is nubuck: a separate subspecies of skin

Now you can find on the market clothes and shoes made from environmentally friendly inexpensive materials: eco-leather, a substitute for natural fabrics, cheap analogues from synthetic raw materials. Nubuck, like suede, is equated to the type of natural fabrics. At first glance it is difficult to distinguish them: soft surface, matte finish and budget price range.

The difference between nubuck and suede is as follows:

1. Nubuck is made from cattle hides.
2. The dressing process is accompanied by the use of chrome tanning.
3. Grinding is carried out using abrasive materials.

Such a sequence in the methods allows to obtain a smooth surface with a minimum pile length. Elasticity is lost, and stretching the fabric is almost impossible, unlike suede. If not taken care of, the nubuck is salted, moisture and natural fat are lost.

The porous surface passes air well, so in such shoes the legs “breathe”. The material is extremely susceptible to water. In slush and rain, nubuck shoes are not recommended. The surface is tanned, loses elasticity. For the purchase to last a long time, you need to take care of it, treating it with impregnations.

Incompetent sellers often give out nubuck for suede, increasing the value of the goods. The secrets of an experienced buyer, which can be found below, will help to avoid becoming a victim.

What is suede: material features

Suede, unlike nubuck, is an expensive material from a subspecies of polished leather. This dressing holds its shape well, is made from the skins of large animals. Raw materials at the production stage are processed with a fatty agent - tanning allows you to get a canvas with a thin velvety pile at the output. It is tall, soft, not subject to deformation:

1. Skin of this kind has hygienic properties.
2. It passes heat well, breathable.
3. Resilience and elasticity remain with proper care.
4. It does not cause allergies; has an attractive appearance.

Among the shortcomings can be identified:

1. Suede is not worn in rainy weather. Like nubuck, it loses its properties and appearance.
2. Low resistance to moisture - it is extremely difficult to wash. Only dry clean.

To make traces of operation less noticeable, suede is treated with water-repellent, 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 the villi are visible on it. It feels soft, smooth.

The nubuck canvas is slightly different: the villi are visible, but they are practically not felt. With a long touch, there is a feeling of mashing, smoothness, unusual suede.

Velor - textiles or leather?

This fabric is made, like nubuck, from cattle. Only in raw materials is the skin of a home artiodactyl also used. In terms of price characteristics: the cheapest thing is both in production and in sale.

Velor is polished from the inside, like velvet, nubuck - from the outside, like suede. Velor has its advantages in contrast to nubuck and suede:

1. Less moody material in terms of care and handling.
2. Pile low, hard. Rarely clogged, easier to clean.
3. Inexpensive, affordable material when buying shoes.
4. Everyday clothes are sewn from velor. Suede rarely create costumes. Nubuck is generally not suitable for this.

A good pair of shoes can be purchased for free. It’s not necessary to choose a high shiny suede pile to walk along the street. Velor is not as afraid of water as nubuck. Of course, it is attractive, affordable, but in the unpretentiousness of leaving suede is an indispensable material.

Comparison of characteristics: velor, suede and nubuck

If it is difficult to choose between suede, nubuck and velor, the differences are shown in the table. Compare them before buying shoes and care products:

Where is suede used more often?

The differences between suede and nubuck are almost imperceptible. Features can be seen over time when buying shoes made of these materials. From suede are made:

• clothes, even top;
• footwear;
• bags;
• haberdashery;
• accessories;
• hats.

Nubuck is less attractive in these areas.

Nubuck Applications

Despite the small differences between nubuck and suede, the first material has more shortcomings. The fabric is not so strong and flexible, therefore it is used in the production of:

• shoes;
• bags;
• furniture upholstery.

Edging materials and decorative pillows are also sewn from velor. In everyday life, material is rarely used for its intended purpose. Due to its brightness it is more often used for graphic and visual decoration of interior items.

Practical Tips for Tissue Care

There are many differences in caring for nubuck and suede. To maintain the original appearance of the shoe, it is easy to clean it from dirt and dust, it is recommended to carry out the following procedures:

If you follow the simple rules of care, your shoes and clothes will last a long time. Do not neglect these simple but important recommendations. Remember - each material requires a separate attention and careful approach to wear.