Tuscan Leather vs Oud Wood Comparison

For today’s head to head cologne comparison, we have two Tom Ford fragrances: Tuscan Leather vs. Oud Wood. Which of these popular fragrances from the brand smells the best? Which gives the best performance? Is there a clear winner when deciding between the two?

Tale of the Tape

Tuscan Leather

Notes include: leather, suede, raspberry, jasmine, olibanum, saffron, amber

Click here to try: Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau De Parfume Spray for Men, 1.7 Ounce

Read my original Review: Tuscan Leather

Oud Wood

Notes include: rosewood, sandalwood, oud, vanilla, tonka bean, amber, cardamom, and vetiver

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Eau De Parfum Spray – 50ml/1.7oz

Read my original review: Oud Wood

Opening

Tuscan Leather opens up with leather, saffron, and a touch of raspberry. The leather is very rich and smooth, paired to great effect with the saffron. Plus, the raspberry note isn’t to intrusive, but plays the background sweetly.

Meanwhile, Oud Wood, starts off with oud and cardamom. Also, there is a pepper quality at the beginning of the wear. The rosewood, sandalwood, and eventually vetiver come along after a few minutes and really amp up the woodsy quality of this fragrance.

Which do I prefer? Tuscan Leather. Oud Wood is good, but I really love the leather note in Tuscan, and the raspberry is quite well done.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Projection

Tuscan Leather starts off strong and then becomes moderate for the duration of the wear. Oud Wood starts off moderate and ends with a whimper.

I cannot say that either of these has fantastic sillage, but at least Tuscan Leather gives you something worthwhile.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Longevity

The new formulations of Tuscan Leather don’t seem as long-lasting as the once were, but it still lasts around 7-8 hours, on my skin. With Oud Wood? I get about 4-5 and that’s it. Meh.

For what Oud Wood costs, that’s pretty terrible. A $15 bottle of Nautica cologne will last longer, in most cases.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Versatility

Both of these scents are suited for colder weather. Both can be worn formally or during business hours. Both lean more masculine, but Tuscan Leather is the one that can be more aptly described as unisex. Also, it has a sexier vibe, and can be put on to great effect in the nightlife arena. This category is closer than the others.

Edge: Tuscan Leather

Overall Scent

For me, this is a clean sweep. Tuscan Leather just strikes me as the more appealing fragrance. Admittedly, I do enjoy leather scents over oud, but even when you break down the performance of each; a weak Tuscan Leather still outshines Oud Wood.

I don’t hate Oud Wood. I think that it has its moments, but it can also be pretty sour at times. Overall, I think it’s a nice scent, just one that under performs at such a high price.

Tuscan Leather still has solid performance and a very pleasant aroma throughout. It is very well blended, hyper-smooth, and has an intriguing darkness to the composition. I enjoy it’s warm amber and hints of floral notes such as jasmine that come through during the dry down.

I’m reaching for Tuscan Leather before Oud Wood. Not a massive fan of either, but this is an easy call.

Winner: Tuscan Leather

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.