If you walked past someone in Corduroy, you bet you would know it. That’s how much of a fashion statement this piece of fabric is. Redefining fashion in the 21st century, Corduroy is now widely accepted across the globe.
Every ‘who is who’ in Hollywood and the global fashion world definitely has one of these in their wardrobe. Luckily, I am here to let you in on some hardcore wardrobe secrets.
Corduroy [also commonly known as Manchester cloth and pincord] is a soft yet sturdy, ridged velvet fabric.
Made with pure cotton or sometimes an artistic blend of cotton and wool, Corduroy remains an unrivaled stylish apparel to this day.
One of its many perks is its ability to skirt the line between casual and stylish looks.
This high-fashion fabric comes in several distinct types, distinguished by the number of wales per inch or thickness.
Among the popular types are standard wale, pincord or needlecord, and dyed corduroy.
Is Corduroy Still in Style? The Ever Fashionable Vintage
Traced back to the 18th century, Corduroy is typically associated with early French royalty. However, history proved that it was made popular by factory workers in England. At the time, the workers just discovered how to use cords or ridges on wool fabrics termed ‘duroy.’ From there, it spread to other parts of the world especially the United States and France.
It was not until the 20th century that Corduroy gained mainstream acceptance, catapulting it to the go-to fashion choice for people of style.
This widespread acceptance is due [to a large extent] to the new variation in colors. As opposed to the boring green or brown default color, corduroy fabrics now come in a host of colors perfect for every lifestyle.
Notwithstanding, like other fashion trends, the wave of Corduroy madness went cold yet again before resurfacing in the 21st century. Since its dramatic bounce back into the fashion scene, this cozy timeless piece has since retained its position as a must-have wardrobe secret for every classy man and woman.
Today, Corduroy is available in many different forms. As a hat, shirt, suit, pant, jacket, etc.
Corduroy vs Khaki: Spot the Difference!
This is one of the most frequently asked questions I get about corduroy. At first glance, you may be confused whether it is khaki or corduroy. For experts with an eye for details, they can easily tell them apart.
Yes, they are made from the same material – primary cotton. No, they are totally different.
So how do you tell them apart? It’s not rocket science. The difference is in their weaving pattern.
While they both share a similar look, a close look will reveal that khakis and corduroy are made from different weaving patterns.
Khakis come with the traditional weave. While corduroy is expertly handcrafted with a unique cord-based weaving style.
Due to the different weaving patterns, khakis appear a lot smoother compared to corduroy fabrics.
Next time you see a seemingly rigid velvet, be sure to check out the weaving pattern. You are welcome!
The Recognizable Corduroy Pattern
The obvious thing about corduroy is the pattern. These ridges or “wales” are the elevated strokes on the surface, always on a vertical direction. They determine the appearance of the fabric. The higher the wales per inch, the more smooth and formal it becomes.
Anything from 8-13 wales per inch is considered a standard corduroy, while the pinwale corduroy features up to 21 wales per inch.
Fall and Winter Fashion Wear: The Best Seasons for Corduroy
Although an epic fashion wear all year round, you will find Corduroy specially handy during fall and winter seasons.
Its thick durable material makes it stand out as a compulsory addition to every classic cool-weather wardrobe.
Besides the variation in style and colors, a sturdy corduroy fabric provides a certain level of warmth that makes it perfect for the cold seasons when you require something warm.
As you go shopping for winter clothes this year, be sure to add a touch of class to your wardrobe with either a corduroy pants, shirt, jacket, or suit. It will serve you well whilst creating a classic look.
How to Style Different Corduroy Wears
Okay, enough of all the backstory. Let’s show the naysayers that corduroy is not just a boring piece of cloth that occupied space in old wardrobes. Without much ado, I will quickly show you some tush ways to style different corduroy wears.
- As a Suit: Don’t let anyone talk you out of rocking this stylish modern-day ‘cool’. Provided you include a suitable inner and a complementing tie, you should have no problem slaying in a corduroy suit. Be sure to stick with colors that make your skin pop.
- As Pants: If you do not have some corduroy trousers in your wardrobe, your fashion stand is highly questionable. You should totally upgrade your wardrobe now. Corduroy trousers are very easy to style. Whether casual or classy, you cannot go wrong with a corduroy base. Pair it with a collard shirt and a good matching shoe and you are good to go. Another cool look would be to pair it with a sweater and a boot. Classic!
- As a Blazer or Jacket: Styling a corduroy blazer is as easy as styling a denim jean. Just like a denim jacket, you can use a corduroy blazer for a casual look as well as a business look. Absolutely incredible. You can use your corduroy blazer with a jean and Tee for a casual look or pair it with your regular chinos trouser and a suiting shoe for a more classy business look.
- As a Shirt: After trousers, corduroy shirts are the next most popular variant on the market. And for good reasons too! Depending on the bottom, any dark shade of corduroy shirts will bring home the much-expected plush look.
Joined the trend yet?
When you think corduroy, you think fashion and function. Until another timeless and timely wear decides to grace our fashion world, corduroy remains our number vintage high-fashion statement piece. If you don’t have one yet, make a plan to get in style with corduroy.
