What Are Suede and Nubuck? Uses and Care in Professional Upholstery

If you work in upholstery, design or furniture making, you have run into the terms suede and nubuck. They are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences that affect how you select, use and care for each. At Maxipiel, as genuine leather specialists, we explain what suede and nubuck are, how to tell them apart, what they are best for, and the care they need to look flawless for years.

What are suede and nubuck? Definition and origin

Both materials come from genuine leather — specifically natural cowhide and goatskin — and both are soft, velvety and flexible. Where they differ is mainly in the tanning process and which part of the hide is used.

Suede

Suede comes from sanding or splitting the inner face of the hide, the flesh side. That gives suede a soft, slightly spongy finish with a less dense texture than nubuck. It tends to be more porous, more breathable and more casual in look.

Nubuck

Nubuck, by contrast, comes from the outer or grain side of the hide, also sanded or buffed. That gives it a very fine velvety surface, more elegant and somewhat tougher than suede. Nubuck usually comes from thinner hides (goat or calf) and is denser.

Differences between suede and nubuck

To clear things up, here is a table summarizing their main characteristics:

Feature	Suede	Nubuck
Where it comes from on the hide	Inner face (flesh side)	Outer face (grain), sanded
Texture	Very soft, spongy	Fine, velvety
Strength	Lower	Higher
Appearance	Porous, matte, casual	Smoother, elegant
Cost	Generally more affordable	Slightly higher
Common uses	Casual furniture, cushions, linings, artisan leather goods	Armchairs, headboards, decorative details, fashion

Uses of suede and nubuck in upholstery and decor

Both are highly valued in upholstery for their look and their softness. Here are their main applications:

• Armchair and sofa upholstery: Nubuck is ideal for high-impact furniture, dining rooms, headboards and anywhere you want a premium finish. Suede has a more relaxed feel, perfect for casual or youthful settings.
• For cushions and pillows: Suede's softness makes it excellent for cushions, while nubuck brings elegance and firmness.
• Artisan leather goods: Bags, wallets, cases and tool rolls in suede show off the handwork thanks to the texture and how easily it handles.
• Decorative details: Both work as accents on walls, tables, desks and small furniture, adding sophistication and comfort.
• Interior design projects: Designers use nubuck and suede on panels, wine rooms, boutique furniture and made-to-measure upholstery.

Advantages of genuine suede and nubuck

There are synthetic imitations on the market, but choosing natural suede and nubuck brings several benefits:

• Greater long-term durability
• Breathability and comfort
• A unique, elegant look
• An authentic texture synthetics cannot replicate
• Craft value and a quality edge for your product

Basic care: how to clean and preserve suede and nubuck

Proper maintenance is essential to keep these materials beautiful and functional. The key points:

Regular cleaning

• Use brushes made for suede and nubuck (soft bristle or rubber) to lift the nap and remove dust.
• Wipe periodically with a barely damp cloth or a dry sponge for basic upkeep.
• On light stains, rub gently with a suede eraser.

Prevention and protection

• Before first use, apply a spray protector made for leather or suede — it helps against stains and moisture.
• Avoid long exposure to direct sun to prevent fading.
• Do not use ordinary liquid products or detergents — they harden or damage the finish.

What to do about stubborn stains

• In severe cases, take it to a cleaner that specializes in leather, or ask your supplier for professional help.
• Never wash suede or nubuck with a lot of water or soak it in liquid.

Common mistakes when working suede and nubuck

• Skipping the pre-treatment: Many upholsterers skip the protector, which raises the risk of stains from day one.
• The wrong tools: Choose compatible needles, thread and machinery so you do not tear or weaken the material.
• Rough handling: Over-folding or stretching the leather can leave permanent marks.
• Too much moisture: Suede soaks up water easily, which can affect its texture and shape if it is not handled carefully.

How to choose between suede and nubuck for your projects

The decision comes down to end use, the strength required and the look. Consider:

• Breathability and flexibility: If you want something lighter or for cushions, suede is usually better.
• Strength and elegance: For upholstery that needs more durability and sophistication, nubuck is the better pick.
• Color and texture: Both take dye, but nubuck absorbs less and holds more subtle colors.

As a rule of thumb, if your customer wants a luxurious, refined feel, nubuck gives better results. For relaxed, handcrafted or informal settings, suede is a strong ally.

Conclusion: raise your projects with quality suede and nubuck

Now that you are clear on what suede and nubuck are, their differences, uses and care in upholstery, you can make better-informed decisions and give your customers superior finishes with added value and exceptional looks.

Looking for top-quality genuine leather, suede or nubuck for upholstery or leather goods? Browse our raw material selection at Maxipiel. Grow your business with reliable materials in a range of colors and finishes, and get the best natural leather shipped to you.