Cordovan vs. Tumbled Cordovan

northcoast · Oct 17, 2019

I have been contemplating buying a second Aero. I'm asking for opinions on Cordovan vs. Tumbled Cordovan.

I'm leaning toward Cordovan based on pictures I have seen here.

Tumbled Cordovan does have appeal but seems to come of as a bit cherry colored.

I have never seen either in person though I do own Whites boots made in Burgundy Chrome Excel by Horween and Black Cherry WB which are similar colored leathers.

Thanks for your thoughts.

AlexB · Oct 17, 2019

The only difference between tumbled and non-tumbled is basically the time the hide is tumbled. According to trustworthy sources like Carrie from Thurston Bros. the hide going in the tumbler is basically the same. Same weight, same color, same preprocessing. The tumbling causes more pronounced grain and the hides are a little less shiny. However, looking at pictures here in the lounge sometimes tumbled looks regular and sometimes regular looks like tumbled. A jacket is not made from one hide. Basically the cutter determines the final look and how similar/dissimilar panels are. This being said there is always deviation between the individual batches. Hope this helps.

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northcoast · Oct 17, 2019

Thanks man. I appreciate it. I have noticed this as well:

"However, looking at pictures here in the lounge sometimes tumbled looks regular and sometimes regular looks like tumbled."

I have not been to Berlin for sometime. Lovely city.

AeroFan_07 · Oct 17, 2019

So, I have a Cordovan BL on my chair with me now at work.
I don't think you will be dissapointed with either.
I personally prefer the non-tumbled, and do all the break-in myself.

Only thing I'd ask is to consider Steer verses HorseHide Let the party begin!

Sloan1874 · Oct 17, 2019

Tumbled feels a little lighter in the wearing, but apart from that there's not much difference. It really is just the same leather a couple of years down the line. I love both my cordovan jackets, but they are different beasts - the smooth is a bit smarter, a bit more 'solid-looking', the tumbled is a bit characterful and has a bit more attitude. The latter will follow this, eventually, but if you want attitude upfront, go for tumbled.

northcoast · Oct 18, 2019

This is all very helpful and making me lean towards the smooth.

Now I will have to decide on the CXFQHH vs. the Italian Horsehide.

ton312 · Oct 18, 2019

If you want to experience the true depth of color that cordovan hides offer then the only choice is CXL. Steer or horse doesn’t matter. The Vic cordo doesn’t display nearly the depth and range, nor the pull up that cordo displays in CXL. The only true cordo is CXL.

AlexB · Oct 18, 2019

ton312 said:
If you want to experience the true depth of color that cordovan hides offer then the only choice is CXL. Steer or horse doesn’t matter. The Vic cordo doesn’t display nearly the depth and range, nor the pull up that cordo displays in CXL. The only true cordo is CXL.

Nothing to add here

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ton312 · Oct 18, 2019

blaupulp said:
Nothing to add here

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It can’t be unseen.

AlexB · Oct 18, 2019

Can’t be...holds true for horse too

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northcoast · Oct 18, 2019

Ah yes. And with olive stitching.

That variance and range of saturation is captured quite well in your photo TON.

My intention is to apply this knowledge to a sunburst.

ton312 · Oct 18, 2019

northcoast said:
Ah yes. And with olive stitching.

That variance and range of saturation is captured quite well in your photo TON.

My intention is to apply this knowledge to a sunburst.

Spectacular idea. OD provides a subtle contrast that blends quite beautifully with the color variance in cordo. I use OD stitching on all my Aero orders. Yet to find a color that’s not somehow elevated by it. But with cordo and brown...it’s next level!

Monitor · Oct 18, 2019

blaupulp said:
Can’t be...holds true for horse too

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Art.

AeroFan_07 · Oct 18, 2019

Definetly the CXL!! Enjoy it!

Caber · Oct 21, 2019

I have owned a cordovan bootlegger in regular FQHH and 2 bootleggers in tumbled cordovan FQHH, one of which I still have. Tumbled FQHH is specIal. The pattern and depth of the grain right out of the box is Very unique to each jacket. It’s like a thumbprint. No two thumbprints are the same. Same for tumbled. The tumbled is also much more pliable out of the box. That being said I prefer the look of the non tumbled hide and since I already have a tumbled cordovan I would choose the regular FQHH or steer

zebedee · Oct 21, 2019

Tumbled cordovan feels slightly lighter (but not much)- it's a really nice hide that doesn't take long to break in and develops further depth of colour really quickly.

JacketAddict · Oct 21, 2019

I ordered a brand new Longshoreman from Aero in cordovan and to be honest I am somewhat disappointed with that color. I wish now that I had gone with brown or black. I suppose a lot of it has to do with the particular jacket style but in this case, for me it just doesn't cut it. Just an FYI - because once you buy it you are stuck with it. ;-)

AlexB · Oct 22, 2019

Show some pictures! Hard to believe that the cordovan does not suit the jacket. Anyways, in the end it’s personal taste which luckily is subjective! Pass it on and get a brown one. Or keep it and get a brown one

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JacketAddict · Oct 22, 2019

Hi - here are some pics - this a Longshoreman in Cordovan with sheepskin lining, storm cuffs, one inner zipper and one inner button pockets (extras). Don't get me wrong - it is a beautiful jacket but the cordovan just doesn't do it for me although its difficult to capture the "true" color in these pics. This is a size 50 and it is one heavy and very warm jacket.

handymike · Oct 22, 2019

I think it looks great!

Cordovan vs. Tumbled Cordovan

Familiar Face

One of the Regulars

Familiar Face

I'll Lock Up

I'll Lock Up

Familiar Face

One of the Regulars

One of the Regulars

Familiar Face

I'll Lock Up

One of the Regulars

One Too Many

One of the Regulars

One of the Regulars

One of the Regulars

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