Suede vs nubuck: what’s the difference and which is better for bags?
Suede and nubuck are often confused for one another. Both have a velvety, matte surface and a soft, textured feel that sets them apart from smooth leathers. But how they’re made, how they wear, and how you care for them are all different. These differences can make one far more practical for a bag you’ll actually carry day to day.
What is suede?
Suede is made from the underside of an animal hide, where the fibres are looser and softer. This gives it that signature fuzzy texture and lightweight feel. It’s often used for fashion pieces like boots, jackets, and accessories where a soft, pliable finish is desired.
While suede feels luxurious, it has its downsides:
- It’s porous and prone to staining, even from water.
- The surface marks easily, with scuffs and spots showing quickly.
- It requires frequent care, including protective sprays and regular brushing, to keep it looking fresh.
For accessories like handbags, suede can look beautiful but tends to need more upkeep, especially if it’s a bag you plan to use regularly, not just on occasion.
Before you choose a suede or nubuck bag, it’s worth understanding what sets them apart.
What is nubuck?
Nubuck is also made from animal hide, but unlike suede, it’s created by sanding or buffing the outer side of the hide—the same side used for traditional leather. This means it starts as a denser, stronger surface before it’s given its soft, velvety finish.
The result is a leather that feels as soft as suede but:
- Holds up better to everyday wear thanks to its denser fibre structure.
- Resists stretching and sagging far more than suede.
- Ages more gracefully, developing a lived-in look rather than appearing worn out.
Nubuck still needs some care, but it’s generally more forgiving, making it a practical choice for bags you’ll actually want to carry every day.
How they compare side by side
If you’re trying to decide between suede and nubuck, here’s how they stack up:
- Texture and feel: Both are soft and matte, but nubuck tends to feel slightly firmer and more substantial, while suede feels lighter and more delicate.
- Durability: Nubuck is stronger and denser, making it more suitable for high-contact items like bags. Suede is softer but less robust.
- Care and maintenance: Both benefit from protective sprays and occasional brushing, but suede generally requires more frequent upkeep to avoid water spots and wear marks.
- Aging: Nubuck develops a natural patina over time, while suede is more likely to show permanent stains or scuffs.
For most people choosing a bag, nubuck’s balance of softness and strength makes it the more versatile option.
Why nubuck works so well for bags
Nubuck offers a unique combination of qualities that make it especially well-suited to bags. It has the soft, tactile feel people love about suede but with enough structure to hold its shape and withstand regular use. Over time it doesn’t just survive, it develops a subtle, lived-in patina that feels intentional rather than worn out.
That’s why we use nubuck for our Luca Bag. It gives the bag a distinct, refined texture while still being practical enough for everyday wear. Paired with thoughtful design and hardware, it’s a material that feels elevated without being fragile.
Suede and nubuck share a similar look, but they’re not created equal. Suede offers softness and lightness but needs constant care to stay looking good. Nubuck, on the other hand, delivers the same tactile appeal with added durability and resilience, making it the smarter choice for most handbags.
If you’re looking for a bag that feels luxurious without demanding constant maintenance, nubuck is the material to look for. It balances style, practicality, and longevity; everything you want in a piece you’ll actually carry.
