Men's Clothing Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Cordovany Color for Polish?

Jump to Latest
1 - 7 of 7 Posts

Pr B

· Registered
Joined
·
543 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
What are the differences between Burgundy, Cordovan, and Oxblood? When using the terms for polish colors?

Technically, Cordovan is a leather.
Both Burgundy and Cordovan are officially colors, in the color wheel, but Oxblood is not.

My read, when shopping for shoe polish, is Oxblood is redder than Cordovan. And Burgundy and Cordovan seems to used for the same color?
 
#2 ·
Concur in part but, to my eye, (#8 shell) cordovan frequently has over/under tones that burgundy calf does not. For instance, AE #8 shell cordovan's seem to harbor a bit of brown within the depths of their patina. while Alden #8's present a definite hint of purple. However, when shopping for shoe polishes, the colors burgundy and cordovan seem pretty interchangeable.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
According to Wikipedia: Burgundy is a purplish red, Cordovan is a rich purplish red, and Oxblood in a dark brownish red. I'd agree with their Burgundy. But I through Cordovan to be a reddish brown and Oxblood a brownish red.
 
#4 ·
I've seen sellers of both shoes and polish use all three terms interchangeably. But to me, cordovan has some brown tones that burgundy certainly doesn't, though I've seen colors with similar tones described as oxblood. I guess I'd conclude that it means whatever you think it means.
 
#5 ·
After a little time in Silicon Valley, where everybody seems to wear burgundy colored shoes, I began to put black polish on my cordovan shoes and it works very well. You still get the color, but it is much darker and more understated. My Dad used to do this, too, and he was right as usual.
 
#6 ·
Believe it or not, there is no color police enforcing any kind of standard on the terms used to market/describe colors in/on products.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
About this Discussion
6 Replies
6 Participants
Last post:
KRMaley
Men's Clothing Forums
posts
1.7M
members
84K
Since
2004
A forum community dedicated to men’s fashion and clothing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about collections, materials, models, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Timeless Style Trad Style The Interchange Food, Drink, Travel & The Arts Deals, Steals, & Sales!