Suede, Velour, and Nubuck: What's the Difference?

Suede, Velour, and Nubuck: What's the Difference?

Замша, велюр и нубук — три популярных натуральных материала. Они похожи внешне, их часто путают, что создаёт трудности как для покупателей, так и для производителей при выборе. Однако, между ними существуют существенные различия: в свойствах, технологии производства и сроке службы.

В данной статье рассматриваются ключевые отличия этих материалов, а также дадим рекомендации по их выбору. Для начала разберёмся, как их различить:

Лицевая и изнаночная стороны кожи

Velour(猄皮)

It is a less durable but velvety napped material. It is most often made from the flesh side (split side) of the second layer of leather (split leather) from lamb, goat, можно и свиньи, телёнка и оленя, обрабатываемого с . Как обычно, велюр производится с применением chrome tanning, which provides softness, elasticity, wear resistance, and flexibility, and then undergoes sanding, polishing, and brushing, resulting in its characteristic nap.

Волокна велюра имеют естественно гладкую структуру, благодаря чему материал обладает мягкой, бархатистой текстурой и высокой гибкостью. Поверхность, может быть, как более грубой, так и пористой. Из-за своей открытой структуры велюр обладает низкой водостойкостью, поэтому жидкости легко впитываются в материал.

Suede (麂皮)

It is a durable but more porous material. It is made from the flesh sideof the top grain layer of high-quality hides—primarily from smaller animals such asdeer, лося, можно и ягнёнка, козы. Как обычно, замша производится с применением oil tanning, which gives the material exceptional softness, elasticity, enhanced wear resistance, flexibility, heat resistance, and relatively better water resistance compared to velour. After tanning, the leather is sanded and brushed, resulting in a fine, even nap on both sides or on one side.

Замша отличается более деликатной и однородной структурой волокон, благодаря чему материал обладает мягкой, бархатистой текстурой и высокой гибкостью. По сравнению с велюром поверхность, как правило, более тонкая и равномерная.

Nubuck (牛巴革)

It is a durable, breathable material with a very short nap. It is made from the grain side of the top grain layer of hides—primarily cattle (mostly cow, as well as calf, goat, sheep, and deer. Nubuck is typically produced using chrome tanning chrome tanning, which gives the material softness, elasticity, increased strength and wear resistance, flexibility, and heat resistance.

To create various decorative effects, nubuck can be dyed and embossed. It features a fine, even nap and is known for its sensitivity to dirt and stains. Compared to velour and suede, nubuck has better water resistance, which can be further enhanced with oil treatment (oil nubuck).

Велюр vs Нубук vs замша

Key differences between nubuck, suede, and velour


Material
raw materiallayer of leathertanning method
Nubuckcattle hide, cow (as well as goat, sheep, and deer)Grain side of the top grain layerchrome tanning
Suede Deer hide (as well as lamb and goat)flesh side of the top grain layeroil tanning
VelourКожа козы, ягнёнка (и свиньи, телёнка, оленя)flesh side of the second layerchrome tanning

See the article: Как избежать путаницы в названиях бархатистой кожи на китайских фабриках

Что мы лучше берём?

In footwear manufacturing, the choice among these materials is influenced by many factors, including durability, tactile feel, sales season, cost budget, and others.

Nubuck Thanks to its properties, nubuck is ideal for refined footwear—such as Oxfords, Derbies, loafers, boots, and ankle boots. It combines high durability and comfort with proper regular care, making it an excellent choice for frequent everyday wear and formal occasions in dry seasons. It is worth noting that nubuck is a premium material and relatively expensive.

Although suede falls short of nubuck in many aspects, it remains an excellent option for refined footwear. Suede boots, heeled models, and sneakers offer both comfort and an aesthetic appearance at a moderate price. In addition, suede products are warm and practical, making them well suited for everyday wear in urban environments.

Compared to nubuck and suede, velour is a more affordable material and is often chosen for shoes intended for short-term use or special occasions, while still maintaining an attractive appearance and soft, velvety texture.

All three materials are elegant natural leathers with various finishes. Despite their visual similarity, which can cause confusion, this can be seen as an advantage for consumers seeking such a refined effect within their target price range.

Есть идеи?

Поделитесь с нами своим мнением или трудностями, с которыми вы сталкиваетесь при закупке обуви — мы рады услышать вас.