Definition of the word nubuck

The term "nubuck" originated in the late 1960s as a marketing term for a specific type of leather. Nubuck leather is created through a special process called buffing, which involves sanding the grain side of leather to create a soft, velvety texture similar to suede but with the durability and smoothness of leather. The name "nubuck" was chosen because it combines the words "nap" (short, close pile) and "buckskin," since the process creates a slight nap or pile on the leather, similar to that of buckskin. The word "buckskin" itself comes from the English colonial period when deerskin (which is soft and velvety, similar to nubuck) was commonly called buckskin, as many of these hides came from deer (bucks) that were hunted by colonists. Overall, the term "nubuck" was created to differentiate this unique leather from traditional suede and to highlight its characteristic texture and softness. Its use has become widespread in the industry, and today, nubuck is a popular choice for making high-end shoes, jackets, and other fashion items due to its luxurious feel and durability.