Corduroy
A durable, textured fabric instantly recognizable by its raised vertical ridges, or "wales." Corduroy offers a unique blend of rugged utilitarianism, vintage charm, and unexpected sophistication.
Origins
Corduroy is produced worldwide, with massive commercial production taking place in Asia. However, the most premium, durable, and richly dyed corduroys are often sourced from historic mills in Italy and Japan, where the craft of cutting and finishing the pile has been perfected over generations.
Key Benefits
- ✦Exceptional durability and resistance to abrasion
- ✦Warm and insulating due to the thick pile structure
- ✦Unique tactile texture and visual depth
- ✦Ages beautifully, developing a distinctive patina over time
Applications
A Brief History
The precursor to corduroy was a heavy cotton weave known as "fustian," originating in the ancient Egyptian city of Fustat. Corduroy as we know it evolved in 18th-century England and France. Despite the popular myth that it translates to "corde du roi" (cloth of the king), the name is more likely derived from the English words "cord" and "duroy" (a coarse woolen cloth). It became the fabric of the working class during the Industrial Revolution, before being adopted by academics and eventually becoming a fashion staple in the 1970s.
Crafting the Cloth
Corduroy is a variation of a woven pile fabric, usually made from cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. It is woven with extra sets of fiber that are floated over the surface. These floating threads are then cut and brushed to form tufted cords (wales) running the length of the fabric. The size of the cord is measured in wales per inch; a lower number indicates thicker, wider cords (jumbo cord), while a higher number means finer cords (needlecord).
Modern Fashion Trends
Corduroy is enjoying a major renaissance, riding the wave of 1970s nostalgia and the demand for highly textured fabrics. Chunky, wide-wale corduroy is particularly popular for oversized streetwear jackets and relaxed trousers. In contemporary tailoring, fine needlecord suits in rich jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, navy) are celebrated as stylish, slightly eccentric alternatives to traditional winter wools.
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Curating Corduroy
Our weavers are currently preparing the newest collection of corduroy fabrics. Check back soon for fresh inventory.