Introduction

At Pelle Nuda Milano, we have a weakness: leather. Good leather, real leather, the kind that smells of Le Marche craftsmanship and speaks through every stitch. Among the most beloved—and most misunderstood—types are undoubtedly nubuck and suede. Soft, elegant, velvety, and… a little touchy if you don't treat them properly.

In this article, we clarify the situation with precise and verifiable information, but also with the lightness that befits a good, handcrafted bag that aims to last over time.

What is suede?

Suede is a leather obtained by working the inner side of animal hides—usually goat, calf, or pig—to create a soft, even, and pleasantly velvety surface. This effect is achieved through fine sanding that lifts the leather fibers, creating the typical "soft" texture and a delicate, matte appearance.

Main features

• High softness
• Uniform and velvety appearance
• Breathable and lightweight
• Aesthetically refined, but not too formal

It is much loved for bags, shoes and small leather goods because it combines elegance and tactile comfort in perfect balance.

What is Nubuck leather?

Nubuck is also made from animal hides, usually calfskin, but—unlike suede—it's buffed on the outside of the hide (the so-called "grain"). Being the most durable and compact part, the result is a more robust, velvety leather with a firmer, more compact structure than suede.

Main features

• Greater wear resistance than suede
• Similar velvety touch, but finer
• Elegant and sophisticated look
• Fuller colors thanks to the higher density of the material

Nubuck is perfect for those who want a bag with a material beauty, refined but less delicate than it seems.

The differences between suede and nubuck

If we had to summarize it in a metaphor:
Suede is the light, soft and delicate ballerina.
Nubuck is the elegant dancer with shiny shoes, who seems delicate but knows how to hold the stage.

Key differences:

• Worked leather side: inside for suede, outside for nubuck
• Resistance: nubuck wins
• Softness: usually higher in suede
• Price: Nubuck is often slightly more expensive for more complex workmanship
• Appearance: both velvety, but nubuck is more compact and “silky”

How these skins are produced

The production of suede and nubuck follows traditional processes, perfected over the years in Italian tanneries, including those in the Marche region that Pelle Nuda Milano selects for their quality and sustainability.

Main phases:

1. Selection of high quality raw hides
2. Cleaning and tanning (often chrome or vegetable, depending on the type of final product)
3. Barrel dyeing for deep, even colors
4. Sanding:
   • Interior of the leather for suede
   • Outer grain for nubuck
5. Any protective anti-stain and anti-humidity treatments
6. Manual finishing to obtain a uniform surface

The result is authentic, durable, and natural leather with a texture that no synthetic material can truly replicate.

Maintenance of Nubuck and Suede Bags

Here's the part everyone dreads. But the truth is, maintaining these skins isn't complicated: it simply requires consistency and the right tools.

General advice

• Always use a soft bristle brush to revive the coat
• Protect them with a waterproofing spray specifically for velvety leathers
• Avoid water: rain and humidity are the enemies of the finish
• Store the bag in its dust bag when not in use.
• Avoid contact with new jeans or clothes that fade

Cleaning Nubuck

• Use a specific eraser to remove small streaks
• Always brush in the same direction to even out the color
• For stubborn stains, use a special nubuck cleaner (never generic products)

Cleaning Suede

• Brush more frequently, because the hair is more delicate
• Avoid forceful movements that could swell the tissue
• In case of greasy stains, a small amount of absorbent powder (talcum powder or similar) can help, leaving it to act for several hours

In conclusion

Nubuck and suede are fascinating, elegant materials steeped in artisanal history. They require a little extra care, yes, but in return they offer a timeless beauty that enhances every Pelle Nuda Milano creation. There's no bag more beautiful than one that, over time, tells the story of its owner.

If you're choosing your next style partner, now you know everything you need to do it with confidence and awareness. And if you have any doubts... we're always here, with a nubuck swatch and a suede brush, ready to help.