Comparisons
Suede vs nubuck
Underside buffed versus grain side buffed.
The Leather Working Group defines nubuck as leather snuffed (buffed) for a velvety effect with the original grain pattern still visible. Leather Naturally says suede is the flesh side, or split leather, with longer fibres. Fashionphile calls nubuck the more durable of the two. Chanel says both are particularly sensitive to colour transfer and chain marks.
Related: Buffed leather, Split leather
Sources
- https://www.leatherworkinggroup.com/learn-more/features/74-essential-leather-industry-terms/
- https://www.leathernaturally.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/LN_FactSheet_Guide_Leather_Terminology.pdf
- https://www.fashionphile.com/blogs/academy/luxury-materials-101-a-guide-to-luxury-leather
- https://www.chanel.com/my/fashion/services/chanel-et-moi/