(The Real) CiDu Leather

[handymike]

I like your olive one even better!
Although, I have a rutland sheep Lewis coming this week- so that might be that.

 

[KissMyMuscle]

You made me want to purchase cidu jackets so badly. Never knew their veg tan leather's quality is that good. The olive one looks sick.

 

[Canuck Panda]

These jackets are good for the money. But they are not excellent jackets. Be aware.

I mentioned transparency problem. Most of the jacket will be advertised with key words like veg tan, dyed through, aniline finish. BUT that's only part of the truth and not the whole truth.

I suspect most of the products start off with chrome tanning and are veg finished to get the brown core. But there isn't a lot of descriptions so these are my best guesses when I am looking at the products.

Also every jacket I have to date all came in with a smell. I think they spray it with some anti-fungal spray before it goes into the plastic bag. This is very popular practice with oversea manufacturers. But this is my biggest problem with them too.

I will try white vinegar spray to see if they can neutralize the smell.

 

[Kubatu]

My quick contribution:

I ordered a Cidu jacket on AliExpress that was supposed to look like this: A waxed canvas / leather Type 2 jacket.

Instead, I got this: A waxed canvas / leather shawl style (cossack?) jacket.

Not what I wanted at all, so it'll be going back and I'll try to order again and get the correct jacket. But this screw up isn't on Cidu, it's on the sketchy AliExpress seller I chose to do business with.

Jacket pros:

Canvas material is very nice. Waxy and stiff with break-in potential, but no so waxy it feels like you're getting residue all over you. No strong smell at all.

Cuffs have two buttons for adjustable sizing - allowed me to get a better fit. In the same vein, chest side are had a cinch that allowed me to tighten the sizing a bit. Overall, looked pretty good.

Jacket cons:

Leather doesn't look very good. A friend thought it was faux leather at first. My weird lighting doesn't help, but it definitely looks a bit odd.

Huge neckhole. Was pretty sure this was going to happen seeing that it's a consistent occurrence in all Cidu jackets.

Overall, I think this will be a solid quality, unique looking jacket. The neckhole isn't a dealbreaker, and I think I could probably reduce some of the leather's appearance with some product. Going to return it and go for round two with a more reputable seller.

 

[handymike]

That leather can look better, but it takes a little work.

 

[Marc mndt]

Huge neckhole. Was pretty sure this was going to happen seeing that it's a consistent occurrence in all Cidu jackets.

I hated the neck hole on mine. Which was a shame since all other dimensions were almost perfect. Very close to the original. Most of the (Japanese) repro makers make the body way too long nowadays.

 

[Will Zach]

A Japanese Cidu reseller offers a Mulholland knockoff for $500. Probably can be found for $200 on Taobao.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mulholland...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

 

[Cheech]

Can any of you recommend a store on Alibaba for purchasing Cidu jackets? I see a number of sellers, but it sounds like many are not reputable.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Chinese Brands like Cidu and Simons have their own official store on Taobao platform (China's Ebay/Etsy/Amazon/Rakuten). Unfortunately google translate doesn't always work. The Taobao logistics charges about ¥100 per kg for shipping, which works out to be about $50 or less for their heaviest jackets. It's not bad. Packages will arrive in less than 3 weeks from order date. Aliexpress takes about the same time but cost more.
Any leather jacket under ¥500 ($75) will be made with glued leather that are heavily processed. Don't do it. I advocate less is more but not when it's under ¥500. Any China Brands leather jacket over ¥2,000 ($300) I don't think are worth it, regardless of leather. Walter Dyer jacket made in USA cost $349. The sweet spot for Chinese brands, Cidu included is in the ¥1,000 to ¥1,500 ($150 to $230). Total landed cost of these jackets is about $200 to $280 depending on styles. Would be equivalent to any fashion-Schotts (sorry Schott fans I only meant the fashion Schotts) or Golden Bears at about $1k dollars. Vinegar spray will work wonders neutralizing off gas smells. Good luck treasure hunting (literal translation of Taobao).

 

[navetsea]

My quick contribution:

I ordered a Cidu jacket on AliExpress that was supposed to look like this: A waxed canvas / leather Type 2 jacket.

Instead, I got this: A waxed canvas / leather shawl style (cossack?) jacket.

Not what I wanted at all, so it'll be going back and I'll try to order again and get the correct jacket. But this screw up isn't on Cidu, it's on the sketchy AliExpress seller I chose to do business with.

Jacket pros:

Canvas material is very nice. Waxy and stiff with break-in potential, but no so waxy it feels like you're getting residue all over you. No strong smell at all.

Cuffs have two buttons for adjustable sizing - allowed me to get a better fit. In the same vein, chest side are had a cinch that allowed me to tighten the sizing a bit. Overall, looked pretty good.

Jacket cons:

Leather doesn't look very good. A friend thought it was faux leather at first. My weird lighting doesn't help, but it definitely looks a bit odd.

Huge neckhole. Was pretty sure this was going to happen seeing that it's a consistent occurrence in all Cidu jackets.

Overall, I think this will be a solid quality, unique looking jacket. The neckhole isn't a dealbreaker, and I think I could probably reduce some of the leather's appearance with some product. Going to return it and go for round two with a more reputable seller.

order a type 2, and get a cossack lol... to that uninterested seller these jackets must look all the same.
I really care about collar gap since my neck is small, when buying rtw denim jackets sometime the easiest solution to lessen the side neck gap is by folding the collar on the rear side a bit higher than normal folding line, or wear it with popped op collar on the back, it will much reduce the collar gap from the front.

 

[Kubatu]

The neck hole is annoying, but I have found that just wearing something else with a collar makes it look much more normal. I didn't wear it extensively since my return was approved, but today I tried it on with a collared shirt and the gap area looked much more bearable because the shirt collar was taking up most of the space, instead of the tiny, low collar of a t-shirt.

 

[Blackadder]

A Japanese Cidu reseller offers a Mulholland knockoff for $500. Probably can be found for $200 on Taobao.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mulholland...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

Tried that on at my fd's home the day before. Leather feels like veg tanned leather but I have my doubts. Hardware looks like fake Waldes. They tweak the cut and it looks boxy like a Levi's type 2 not as sharp as the original. And yes, it costs him around 200 bucks.

 

[TheBigEraser]

Can any of you recommend a store on Alibaba for purchasing Cidu jackets? I see a number of sellers, but it sounds like many are not reputable.

https://omgonglve.taobao.com/search.htm?spm=a1z10.1-c-s.0.0.449c779doCxrFk&search=y

This is the official store on Taobao. I don't know who is a reliable reseller on AliExpress tho.

 

[Canuck Panda]

The Bad:
SMELLS BAD! I retract my last comments about Cidu being on par with Schott fashion or Golden Bear jackets. The construction is on par but smell is bad. I know they will air out. But it will be a while before I can actually wear these jackets where as my mall bought jackets is ready to wear on day one. Time cost money.
Sizing inconsistency - These two jackets are exactly the same tag size and design, but the Canvas one is an inch shorter in the sleeves and back length. The quality issue actually worked in my advantage to get a feel on different back and sleeve length. Silver lining.
The good:
Value, sort of. I've never had a Peter's aviator type back design. Now I know exactly how I would want it in my proper repro. I will only keep the canvas Cidu and the leather Cidu will be upgraded. I spent total under $400 on both these Peter's back jackets. Instead of botching up an expensive $1200 repro, my "fit" process cost $200, and I know for sure I will end up with a perfect repro at 1200 dollars.
I know I sound crazy. I will end up spending another 1200 dollars copying (and tweaking) a 200 dollars jacket that copied a 2000 dollars Japanese repro that copied the original vintage. The math works out for me. I would never spend the kind of money for the Japanese repro, but I would pay the price for an Aero (or equivalent). But my Aero (or equivalent) don't always work out as planned. This is how I will resolve that problem.
To me, this is the advantage of the Cidu or Simons jackets. They are very quick and good at getting different designs out to the market. The construction is good. The leather not so great. There is no way I can find a used FW for 200 dollars, let alone a real vintage Peters for even ten times more.

 

[ton312]

View attachment 372809
View attachment 372810
The Bad:
SMELLS BAD! I retract my last comments about Cidu being on par with Schott fashion or Golden Bear jackets. The construction is on par but smell is bad. I know they will air out. But it will be a while before I can actually wear these jackets where as my mall bought jackets is ready to wear on day one. Time cost money.
Sizing inconsistency - These two jackets are exactly the same tag size and design, but the Canvas one is an inch shorter in the sleeves and back length. The quality issue actually worked in my advantage to get a feel on different back and sleeve length. Silver lining.
The good:
Value, sort of. I've never had a Peter's aviator type back design. Now I know exactly how I would want it in my proper repro. I will only keep the canvas Cidu and the leather Cidu will be upgraded. I spent total under $400 on both these Peter's back jackets. Instead of botching up an expensive $1200 repro, my "fit" process cost $200, and I know for sure I will end up with a perfect repro at 1200 dollars.
I know I sound crazy. I will end up spending another 1200 dollars copying (and tweaking) a 200 dollars jacket that copied a 2000 dollars Japanese repro that copied the original vintage. The math works out for me. I would never spend the kind of money for the Japanese repro, but I would pay the price for an Aero (or equivalent). But my Aero (or equivalent) don't always work out as planned. This is how I will resolve that problem.
To me, this is the advantage of the Cidu or Simons jackets. They are very quick and good at getting different designs out to the market. The construction is good. The leather not so great. There is no way I can find a used FW for 200 dollars, let alone a real vintage Peters for even ten times more.

I love that two-tone! I still can't figure out how to order one of these...I've given up. Every time I click a link I get redirected to a page in a different language (which google translate barfs on) or the login page for Ali express.

 

[Canuck Panda]

I love that two-tone! I still can't figure out how to order one of these...I've given up. Every time I click a link I get redirected to a page in a different language (which google translate barfs on) or the login page for Ali express.

I have a strong feeling it will go Classifieds this winter.
Buying from Taobao is like going down to a back alley restaurant in the sketchy part of Chinatown. No service whats so ever. Chance of bad experience is almost certain. But once in a while, one out of three times, the food and the experience is so great it surprises even the critic.
For the money, Shawn is still the better bet.

 

[navetsea]

View attachment 372809
View attachment 372810
The Bad:
SMELLS BAD! I retract my last comments about Cidu being on par with Schott fashion or Golden Bear jackets. The construction is on par but smell is bad. I know they will air out. But it will be a while before I can actually wear these jackets where as my mall bought jackets is ready to wear on day one. Time cost money.
Sizing inconsistency - These two jackets are exactly the same tag size and design, but the Canvas one is an inch shorter in the sleeves and back length. The quality issue actually worked in my advantage to get a feel on different back and sleeve length. Silver lining.
The good:
Value, sort of. I've never had a Peter's aviator type back design. Now I know exactly how I would want it in my proper repro. I will only keep the canvas Cidu and the leather Cidu will be upgraded. I spent total under $400 on both these Peter's back jackets. Instead of botching up an expensive $1200 repro, my "fit" process cost $200, and I know for sure I will end up with a perfect repro at 1200 dollars.
I know I sound crazy. I will end up spending another 1200 dollars copying (and tweaking) a 200 dollars jacket that copied a 2000 dollars Japanese repro that copied the original vintage. The math works out for me. I would never spend the kind of money for the Japanese repro, but I would pay the price for an Aero (or equivalent). But my Aero (or equivalent) don't always work out as planned. This is how I will resolve that problem.
To me, this is the advantage of the Cidu or Simons jackets. They are very quick and good at getting different designs out to the market. The construction is good. The leather not so great. There is no way I can find a used FW for 200 dollars, let alone a real vintage Peters for even ten times more.

those look good, the canvas fit you better, I like the patch pocket flap if I see correctly here the part of the flap that is stitched on the D pocket is curved slightly downward? I think that is a smart design to keep the pocket flap closed even when left unbuttoned and make it easier to slide a finger under it to pry it open to grab a coin or lighter or whatever there.

 

[RЯL]

I rolled the dice last year and purchased a jacket from @reb_bel on IG. My purchase was based entirely on the photos and description that Reb_bel had posted. After I dm'd them for the price ($480.00) I was prompted through the purchasing process by Andre. I was advised to order up one size (normally a medium) since this jacket was "Asian Sized". I referred to their sizing chart and concurred. They sent an invoice via PayPal and I (holding my breath) sent the funds.

Much to my delight the jacket arrived nicely packaged and properly folded, ensuring there were no creases in the leather. The quality was impressive (comparing it to RЯL jackets that I have). The hardware was superb and the pattern symmetry was spot on (big pet peeve is non-matched/non-symmetrical patterns). The leather was very robust (has taken some time to break in) and the fit was just right (as per a previous post the arms were a bit tight, but the leather stretches nicely).

I took quick note of the care tag (Italian leather) and noticed the Cidu label. Never heard of them and found very little on the internet...

Until now! Thank you for the informative post(s). I guess I'm one of the lucky ones that didn't have the chemical odor issue or compressed packaging. I plan on ordering another jacket this week and I will post a quick review. I've included photos of the Cidu purchased last year (first two photos) and the jacket (Cidu?) that I am ordering (the sleeve enclosures and hardware look the same as my jacket).

I may get burned this time ($580.00) but if it is as nice as my first purchase I will be very happy (and I will have spent a fraction of the Double RL price). Don't get me wrong - I love my RЯL, but if I can find a similar style at a significant cost savings - with the same or better quality - I'll do it all day long.

By the way, I am circa1893 on IG if anyone wants to see more pics of this jacket.

 

[ton312]

I rolled the dice last year and purchased a jacket from @reb_bel on IG. My purchase was based entirely on the photos and description that Reb_bel had posted. After I dm'd them for the price ($480.00) I was prompted through the purchasing process by Andre. I was advised to order up one size (normally a medium) since this jacket was "Asian Sized". I referred to their sizing chart and concurred. They sent an invoice via PayPal and I (holding my breath) sent the funds.

Much to my delight the jacket arrived nicely packaged and properly folded, ensuring there were no creases in the leather. The quality was impressive (comparing it to RЯL jackets that I have). The hardware was superb and the pattern symmetry was spot on (big pet peeve is non-matched/non-symmetrical patterns). The leather was very robust (has taken some time to break in) and the fit was just right (as per a previous post the arms were a bit tight, but the leather stretches nicely).

I took quick note of the care tag (Italian leather) and noticed the Cidu label. Never heard of them and found very little on the internet...

Until now! Thank you for the informative post(s). I guess I'm one of the lucky ones that didn't have the chemical odor issue or compressed packaging. I plan on ordering another jacket this week and I will post a quick review. I've included photos of the Cidu purchased last year (first two photos) and the jacket (Cidu?) that I am ordering (the sleeve enclosures and hardware look the same as my jacket).

I may get burned this time ($580.00) but if it is as nice as my first purchase I will be very happy (and I will have spent a fraction of the Double RL price). Don't get me wrong - I love my RЯL, but if I can find a similar style at a significant cost savings - with the same or better quality - I'll do it all day long.

By the way, I am circa1893 on IG if anyone wants to see more pics of this jacket.
View attachment 386584 View attachment 386585 View attachment 386586 View attachment 386587 View attachment 386588

Man I love that jacket!!! I have to figure out how to order one. I k ow reb_el marks them up. I just love that. Cool as Hell and a perfect fit.

 

[RЯL]

Man I love that jacket!!! I have to figure out how to order one. I k ow reb_el marks them up. I just love that. Cool as Hell and a perfect fit.

Yeah - I was honestly shocked. I figured it wouldn't fit or the quality would be just crap - but, man! this jacket is VERY well made. The materials are second to none; lots of unexpected details.