What Is Corduroy? A Beginner's Guide

Corduroy is a distinctive and fashionable fabric that has captured the attention of the fashion world for decades. It is favored by all for its comfortable feel and warmth. For any fashion-minded person, corduroy is something you should know. Here, we decode all things corduroy, from its history to how to style and care for it.

What Is Corduroy?

Corduroy is a rugged cotton fabric characterized by its soft and fuzzy texture, composed of raised parallel ribs or wales. These wales provide the material with a unique look and feel that make it distinguishable  from other materials. In the tradition of being made from cotton, corduroy has undergone significant evolution. You can now find the material in blends with artificial fibers, which provide even greater resistance to wear and tear, as well as increased comfort.

Short History of Corduroy Fabric

The origin of corduroy is ancient Egypt, where a similar fabric was found. However, it rose to prominence in Europe in the 19th century. By the 20th century, corduroy was a popular fabric of working-class men, associated with casual wear. Throughout the years, its popularity ebbed and flowed, particularly in the 1960s and 70s when it made a stylish comeback.

Types of Corduroy Fabric

What is corduroy? When examining what corduroy is, it is essential to note that not all corduroy is created equal. Each type of corduroy is unique and serves a particular purpose.

Jumbo Corduroy

Jumbo corduroy has extensive ribbing that you can feel, is heavier and thicker , and is perfect for outerwear like jackets and coats. Its substantial texture offers support, so we love it for the chillier months.

Standard Corduroy

Traditional corduroy has medium-wale cords, which is the perfect wale size for softness and strength. For pants, skirts, and dresses, this style works wonders. It's versatile so that you can wear it with casual and semi-formal looks.

Needlecord

Needlecord - This is a corduroy with very fine wales and a dressier look. It is perfect for structured clothing and yields a discreet texture, which is excellent for the office and is a vastly preferred choice for fashionable tops and pants.

How to Care for Corduroy

Corduroy is relatively low-maintenance compared to other fabrics, but it does need a bit of tender care.

How to Wash Corduroy

The ideal way to take care of corduroy pants is to wash them in cold water with a gentle cycle. This is to help preserve the fibers and color of the fabric. Always read the care label of your clothing item and opt for a gentle detergent to avoid texture distortion.

Drying and Ironing Tips

After washing, corduroy pieces should be hung to air dry. If you do dry them, use the lowest heat setting to prevent them from shrinking. For texture, steam iron does not press or iron directly on the fabric. This stops the wales from getting squashed and helps your corduroy look newer for longer.

Best Colors for Corduroy

Color is essential when it comes to corduroy clothing.

Common Colors For Corduroy Clothing

Brown, grey, and navy: neutral tones like brown, grey, and navy are classic tones and can be easily paired with a variety of outfits. Mustard yellow, forest green, and burgundy All the colors of the season!

How does color affect personality and outfit selections

Choose colors that fit your personality as well as the message you would like to convey. An understated piece of corduroy in a rich color can kick things up a notch. Match it with tops in neutral to achieve a balanced look and to dress in a modern style all in one color.

Are Corduroy Pants Considered Business Casual?

Business casual dress is typically neat yet casual.

Assessment of Corduroy Pants in the Work Environment

Even corduroy pants can fall into this category with the right look. Wear them with a structured button-down or a flattering blazer to keep your overall look professional.

Tips for Pairing A Professional Look

The key is in the details. Choose corduroy in darker colors. Keep accessories simple, and wear them with smart shoes to complete your look. Don't go overly oversized, as that can feel a little too casual if your office skews more properly; save the corduroy for casual Friday.

Does Corduroy Shrink?

Corduroy is known to tend to shrink when washed.

What is fabric shrinkage?

As with other fabrics, corduroy can shrink when exposed to high heat. This is especially the case for 100% cotton options. Wash in cold water and dry on low heat to avoid shrinkage.

How to Avoid Shrinkage in the Wash

You may want to pre-wash your corduroy fabric. Also, not putting its size to spin during the wash can help to keep its size. To get the best results, refer to the care label and follow the instructions.

How to Fix Shrunken Corduroy Clothes

If you notice your corduroy looks up a size after a wash, you can lightly stretch it while it's still wet. But use with this method is a little risky because of the fabric.

Conclusion

In conclusion, corduroy is an excellent and versatile fabric that you can wear in your outfits! If you've wanted to learn about corduroy type or have some questions about it, read on through this guide all about corduroy. Do not be afraid to play with colors and styles, if not in clothing, then maybe for home decor too. Go for the corduroy look!