Nubuck Care Guide

 

Care Guide

Nubuck (Suede) Leather

Nubuck is a refined, lightly sanded luxury leather with a soft, matte surface. It is loved for its tactile quality and depth of colour, and over time it develops a natural patina that reflects how it is worn.

As a more delicate finish than smooth leather, nubuck requires a bit of extra care, which is also part of its unique character.

Before first use

We recommend protecting your bag with a suitable impregnation spray for nubuck and suede before wearing it for the first time. Reapply regularly, especially in changing weather.

Daily care

  • Avoid exposure to rain and moisture
  • Keep away from oils, grease, and dark dyes (such as denim)
  • Store your bag in its dust bag when not in use

Refreshing the surface

Use a soft nubuck brush to gently lift the fibres and refresh the surface. This helps maintain the texture and even out light marks.

Stains and marks

Nubuck may absorb liquids and develop marks more easily than other leathers.

  • Act quickly if spills occur
  • Use a dry cloth to absorb moisture — avoid rubbing
  • For more persistent marks, use a leather cleanser suitable for nubuck. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area before applying to visible surfaces
  • If needed, consult a professional leather specialist

A few useful tricks

Steam, not water
If the surface looks flat or slightly marked, hold the bag at a distance over gentle steam (for example from a kettle). This can help lift the fibres. Then brush lightly once dry.

A clean eraser works
Small dry marks can often be reduced with a simple, clean eraser. Dab gently rather than rubbing.

Rotate your bags
Giving nubuck time to “rest” between uses helps the fibres recover and keeps the surface looking even.

Watch where it rests
Nubuck easily picks up colour from surfaces. Be mindful of placing your bag on dark tables, car seats, or against denim.

Embrace the patina
Slight variations and marks are part of nubuck’s charm. Over time, the leather develops a softer, deeper expression unique to you.

With the right care, your nubuck handbag will remain beautiful for a long time. If you have questions or concerns, we’re here to help. Contact us on info@naledibags.com.