It's soft but yet structured. It's also made of calfskin like the Mademoiselle. I find it of moderate thickness compared to Mademoiselle which has thicker leather but there are some drawbacks to that too such as the weight that the Mademoiselle puts on its corners which can cause wrinkling unless it's stored flat on its back (very true for the hobo). It's not as soft as a Mademoiselle but that's what makes it more fuss free. I have scratched one of my Mademoiselles with my fingernail before and it's not a good feeling or look. I have left a permanent mark on one of my Mademoiselle flaps because the short strap rested on the bag while it was being stored flat on its back. I love my Mademoiselles but they come with worries unlike my 3Ds
As for the Roseau Essential, it's made of young bull hide so it's definitely thick and soft and I would say that the leather is fuss free externally but one has to be careful with the unlined inside.