Nubuck leather is a premium, top-grain leather that’s lightly sanded or buffed on the grain side to create a soft, velvety texture. Known for its luxurious appearance and breathable feel, nubuck has become a favored material in fashion and utility alike. The use of nubuck upper adds sophistication and durability to leatherwear.

Despite its similarity to suede, nubuck is stronger and more durable, making it ideal for everything from Pelle Pelle jackets to refined bomber jackets for women.

What Material Is Nubuck?

What Is Nubuck Leather?

Nubuck is made from top-grain leather, which is the outermost layer of a cowhide. This section of the hide is tougher and more resilient than the inner layers. By sanding or buffing the surface, manufacturers achieve a soft finish without compromising the inherent strength of the leather.

Also referred to as nubuck leather, new buck leather, or even nubuck leather, this material brings together elegance and reliability, especially when used in products like red, black, and white Pelle Pelle jackets or biker jacket women's styles.

How Nubuck Leather Is Made

The production of nubuck begins with top-grain leather, which undergoes a light sanding process on the grain side (the outer surface). Unlike suede, which is made from the inner side of the hide, nubuck retains the tougher exterior grain. This gives it:

• Greater durability

• More resistance to wear

• A finer, more uniform texture

Natural imperfections such as scars or marks are often visible, giving each piece a unique character. After sanding, the leather is sometimes dyed to add richness and uniformity to the color.

Key Characteristics of Nubuck Leather

• Soft, velvety texture: Achieved through sanding the grain side
  

• Durable and long-lasting: More robust than suede

• Breathable: Keeps moisture from getting trapped

• Natural markings: Adds to its authentic appearance

• Absorbent surface: Can stain without protection

Whether used in high-end nubuck shoes or stylish leather jackets, these qualities make nubuck a standout choice.

Nubuck Leather: Key Numbers & Infographics

1. Market & Production Volume

• Annual nubuck production (~12 million sq ft) compared with other leather types.

2. Strength Comparison

• tensile strength:
  

• Suede: 10–15 MPa

• Nubuck: 15–25 MPa

• Full-grain: > 25 MPa (100k+ flexes)

3. Thickness by Use Case

• Heavy-duty styles: 2.0–2.5 mm

• Fashion items: 1.2–1.6 mm

4. Price Range Overview

• Nubuck goods: $100–200+

• Full-grain goods: $200–1,000+

Advantages of Nubuck Leather

• Durability: Retains strength due to its top-grain origin

• Luxurious texture: Softer and smoother than standard leather

• Stylish finish: Matte look suits both casual and formal attire

• Comfortable wear: Becomes more supple over time

Used in hooded jacket for women collections or biker jackets, nubuck gives garments both substance and style.

Disadvantages of Nubuck Leather

• Prone to staining: Its absorbent nature makes it vulnerable to spills

• Requires special care: Cannot be cleaned like standard leather

• Sensitive to moisture: Water can leave marks if untreated

• Color fading: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration

Despite these challenges, proper care can significantly extend the life and appearance of nubuck items.

Nubuck vs Suede

Though they may look similar, nubuck vs suede reveals distinct differences:

In high-end fashion like Pelle Pelle jackets, nubuck is often preferred due to its strength and upscale finish.

Nubuck vs Full Grain Leather

Full grain leather is the highest grade available, featuring the complete outer layer with natural imperfections intact. Comparing nubuck vs leather from this category shows:

Nubuck trades a bit of raw strength for a refined look, which works well for items like leather nubuck jackets or nubuck upper boots.

How to Care for Nubuck Leather

Caring for nubuck material is essential to maintain its look and longevity.

Cleaning Tips:

• Use a nubuck brush to remove dirt and restore the nap.

• For stains, apply a nubuck cleaner or a dedicated suede/nubuck eraser.

• Avoid soaking in water. Use a damp cloth for spot cleaning.

Protection:

• Apply a nubuck protector spray to repel moisture and stains.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

With regular care, your nubuck leather jackets and shoes will maintain their texture and color for years.

Durability & Reliability of Nubuck Leather

Despite its soft surface, nubuck leather remains one of the most reliable leather types. Because it's made from top grain, it has a tight fiber structure. This allows it to withstand:

• Regular wear

• Abrasion

• Environmental exposure (with protection)

From leather upper boots to fashion-forward bomber jacket for women designs, nubuck’s strength and resilience make it ideal for everyday wear.

Common Uses of Nubuck Leather

The unique feel and look of nubuck make it suitable for a wide range of products:

• Footwear: High-end boots, nubuck shoes, casual sneakers

• Outerwear: Biker jackets, hooded jackets, Pelle Pelle jackets

• Furniture: Sofas and chairs for a luxurious touch

• Accessories: Bags, belts, wallets

Thanks to its breathability and elegant appearance, leather nubuck remains a go-to material for both fashion and function.

Products Made from Nubuck Leather

At Braford Leather, you'll find a curated selection of leather goods that incorporate nubuck leather for added sophistication. Popular product lines include:

• Pelle Pelle jackets in classic and red, black, and white color combinations

• Biker jacket women styles that are rugged yet refined

• Hooded jackets for women offering both warmth and texture

• Handcrafted accessories with nubuck upper panels

Each product is a testament to the enduring value of nubuck as a material that offers both style and substance.

Final Thoughts

Nubuck leather offers a rare mix of durability, elegance, and texture that’s hard to match. While it does require some maintenance, the payoff is well worth it. Whether it’s part of a leather upper on your favorite boots or the main fabric in a hooded jacket, nubuck stands out as a high-end material choice with both practicality and aesthetic appeal.

For anyone looking to invest in pieces that last, nubuck is a strong contender in the leather world. Its presence in luxury lines like Pelle Pelle jackets and everyday essentials like bomber jackets for women shows how versatile—and reliable—this material truly is.