At Curtidos Menacho as experts in leather saleIn this blog post, we will explain how to differentiate between suede, suede and nubuck so you can make informed decisions about your purchases and the care of your products leather.
Comparison and Key Differences in Suede, Split Leather and Nubuck
Origin of Leather:
Ante: The suede-skin It is obtained from the inner side of the skin of animals, especially lambs, goats and deer. This inner side of the leather is softer and undergoes a scraping process to give it its characteristic plush texture. Suede is characterized by its flexibility and softness, making it ideal for clothing and accessories that require a luxury touch.
Serraje: The serraje comes from the inner layer of the skin of cow, generally the most fibrous and least dense part of the leather. This layer is located below the outer layer (flower) and is thicker and stronger. The process of obtaining split leather involves dividing the skin into layers, where the lower part is used to produce this type of leather, known for its durability and resistance.
Nubuck: The nubuck is obtained by sanding the outer layer (grain) of the cow skin, which gives it its characteristic soft and velvety texture. By using the outer layer, nubuck maintains many of the strength and durability characteristics of leather, but with a more refined and elegant appearance.
Texture and Appearance:
Suede: The texture of suede is extremely soft and plush to the touch. It has a matte and uniform finish, which gives it a luxurious and elegant look. Suede is known for its ability to absorb colors evenly, resulting in rich and deep tones. However, this same absorption capacity makes it susceptible to stains and dirt.
Serraje: The serraje has a rougher and rougher texture compared to suede and nubuck. It has a rougher finish and can vary in appearance due to the nature of the inner layer of the cowhide. Split leather is less flexible than suede but is more resistant and durable, making it suitable for applications that require greater wear resistance.
Nubuck: nubuck has a soft texture similar to suede, but it is more resistant due to its origin in the outer layer of the skin. Its velvet and matte finish is highly desired for its elegance and sophistication. Unlike suede, nubuck can show more of the natural imperfections of the leather, adding unique character to each piece.
Durability and Use:
Suede: Although extremely soft and aesthetically appealing, suede is less durable than other types of leather. It requires special care to maintain its appearance and avoid damage. It is commonly used in clothing, footwear and fashion accessories, where its feel and appearance are more valued than its resistance to wear and tear.
Serraje: serraje is more resistant and durable than suede, which makes it ideal for products that require greater resistance to daily use and wear and tear. It is commonly used in the manufacture of work boots, outdoor equipment items and rugged accessories. Its thicker and more fibrous texture makes it less susceptible to damage from intensive use.
Nubuck: The nubuck combines the softness of suede with greater wear resistance. Although it is more durable than suede, it still needs special care to maintain its appearance and avoid stains. It is used in a variety of products, from footwear and bags to furniture, where its combination of elegance and durability is valued.
Additional tips to differentiate suede, split leather and nubuck
Inspect the leather closely:
- The best way to differentiate between suede, suede and nubuck is to inspect the leather closely. Suede will have a visible nap, while suede and nubuck will not.
- Run your hand over the leather: Suede will feel soft and velvety, while split leather will feel rough and textured. Nubuck will feel soft and velvety, but not as soft as suede.
- Ask the seller: If you are not sure what type of leather it is, feel free to ask the seller. seller. They will be able to help you identify the material and give you more information about its care.
Tips for choosing the right material
- If you are looking for a soft and light material, suede or nubuck are good options.
- If you need a material that is more resistant to water and stains, nubuck is the best option.
- If you have a limited budget, split leather is a good alternative.
- Take into account the use you will give the item when choosing the material.
Care and maintenance
- Suede, split leather and nubuck require special care to maintain their appearance and prolong their useful life.
- It is recommended to use specific products for these types of leather, such as waterproofing and protectors.
- It is important to avoid getting these materials wet or stained, as they can be easily damaged.
- If they get wet, they should be dried immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth .
In short, differentiating between suede, split leather and nubuck is crucial to choosing the right material for your needs. Suede offers a soft and luxurious texture perfect for fashion products, suede provides greater durability ideal for high resistance products, and nubuck balances softness and durability, being suitable for a wide range of applications. Knowing the key differences between these materials will allow you to make more informed and appropriate decisions based on your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
