Faux, suede, and nubuck leathers are the most common types of leather used nowadays. People get confused with these leather types because of their similar textures. Yet faux leather, suede, and nubuck have their own different characteristics, making them the material of choice for the manufacture of top of the range fashion accessories.
What is faux leather?
Faux leather is also called artificial or synthetic leather. It is a petroleum based alternative to genuine leathers. This fabric is highly resistant to water and stains and it is easy to clean. It is also resistant to corrosion and cuts, being perfect for upholstery in homes with children and pets.
Uses of faux leather
Faux leather is a copy of leather and used for the same applications like genuine leathers. Sofas, car seats, coffee tables, and chairs use faux leather coverings. Faux leather is also used in some wall hangings. One of the most common types of applications of faux leather is upholstery.
Faux leather is used in handbags, boots, shoes, gloves, and hats in the clothing and accessories world. It is also popular in outerwear like jackets, but it does not endure the elements like genuine leathers. Other applications include suitcases, briefcases, smartphone cases, watchbands, and camera cases.
What is suede?
Suede is made from animals’ skin with a soft surface. It is made from goatskin, lambskin, calfskin, pigskin, and deerskin. Suede is softer and thinner, but not strong like traditional leather.
The top layer of suede has dense and tightly packed fibers making it water resistant and highly durable. The fibers within the lower layer are less tightly packed together. Suede is made by taking leather cut from the softer and more pliable lower layers, and then sanding the inner surface. The suede’s fibers are loosened further and provide a velvet like napped finish in the result.
Uses of suede
Suede is used for a variety of accessories, outerwear, and footwear with softer and thinner material. The pliability makes it easy to craft and that’s why it is extremely versatile. Suede’s luxurious appearance and flexibility make it ideal for producing handbags, backpacks, and belts. The smooth napped texture is extremely comfortable and gives many types of loafers, brogues, and mules their signature appearance.
The napped, fuzzy sensation of suede is perfect for products that come into contact with our skin like moccasins and other high end shoes, designer clothing and upholstery.
What is nubuck?
Nubuck is made from the outer facing layer of an animal’s hide. This layer is sanded down to make a napped leather, which is thicker and more durable than suede. It is obtained from bovine hides, generally from velvet calves, via a meticulous sanding process. The specific dyeing techniques used on nubuck allow for a wide range of deep, rich colors, giving the finished product a high end look and distinctive value.
Nubuck is a material that keeps the essential strength and durability of leather. Regular maintenance is necessary to preserve the condition of its surface. Traditionally nubuck was made from deer or elk, but now it is sourced from calfskin for softness.
Uses of nubuck
The soft, velvety texture, incredible durability, breathing properties, and unique aging process make nubuck leather a top quality material. It is particularly hard wearing and the produced goods are exposed to elements like everyday wallets, elegant leather bags and purses.
Nubuck is increasingly popular when it comes to designing contemporary backpacks with a rugged appeal. The sofas and chairs need to be lined with a material that is strong yet plush in equal measures and nubuck fits the bill perfectly.
A comparative analysis between faux, suede, and nubuck leather
Understand the differences between faux, suede, and nubuck leather and then choose the right type for your needs. Each of these has its unique properties,
Benefits, and drawbacks. Here is a chart to make the differences understandable to you.
| Faux leather | Suede leather | Nubuck leather |
| It is a manmade synthetic material copying real leather | It is made from the underside of animal hide, with a soft and napped finish | It is a top grain leather sanded to create a soft, velvety surface |
| It is affordable, vegan free, easily cleanable, and durable. | It provides a luxurious look, extremely soft, and versatile | It is durable, luxurious appearance, soft, and comfortable |
| It is less breathable, shorter lifespan, environmental concern | It is prone to stains and water damage, less durable, higher maintenance | It requires a careful maintenance, susceptible to scuffing, and more expensive than others |
Conclusion
Each type of leather offers distinct benefits and is suited to different uses and preferences. Consider your specific needs between faux, suede, and nubuck leather, budget, and willingness to maintain the material when making your choice.
