Yes, corduroy can be sustainable. Just like most fashionable fabrics. We’ll get into the nitty gritty later, but for now – let’s fix you up with some corduroy context. Corduroy is a twill weave fabric, which means that it’s woven in a diagonal pattern that creates clearly defined vertical ribs. These ribs can be of varying thicknesses – which are measured as ‘wale’. It’s the kind of textured material you’ll usually find crumpled up in a vintage market. And as we gear up for autumn, we wanted to be sure you were fully versed on the corduroy conundrum in sustainable fashion as well as offering a few styles of our own.
You may have asked yourself why is corduroy so popular? What’s behind the trend? Only 300 years of class and comfort, that’s what. Corduroy has its boom and bust periods but you’re never going to be frowned upon for showing up in a beautiful corduroy jacket, or a mouth-watering set of cord trousers. And if you’re not convinced, here are:
It is a durable, soft, washable, comfortable fabric which is why it’s often used on barn coats, the collars and cuffs of denim jackets, and often in riding wear. Eventually it will dry out and look as good as it did before it got wet .
3 reasons you should wear corduroy (if you aren’t already…)
Due to its thick structure, corduroy is a warm fabric. That must be why it’s most often seen in autumn and winter, when lighter fabrics go into hibernation.
Comfort worthy of a king
Corduroy. Corde-du-roi. Cord of the King. The fabric’s name supposedly comes from its links to French royalty. While corduroy is likely to have more humble roots (think: working class England) that won’t stop you from flaunting your niche knowledge – and comfort.
The durability of corduroy is often noted. When cared for in the right way, it’ll keep you comfy for decades.
Corduroy Pants, Jackets, Suits & How To Wear, Style + Buy Cords
FAQ
Is corduroy a durable fabric?
Does corduroy fade easily?
Is corduroy hard to maintain?
Are corduroy pants more durable?
Is Corduroy a durable fabric?
Corduroy is considered a durable cloth and is found in the construction of trousers, jackets, and shirts. The width of the wales varies between fabric styles and is specified by wale count —the number of wales per inch. A wale is a column of loops running lengthwise, corresponding to the warp of woven fabric.
What are the best types of corduroy?
The top 7 best types of corduroy include: Elephant or Jumbo cord is a corduroy fabric with a more comprehensive wale count than broad wale corduroy. It typically has a wale count (number of ridges per inch) ranging from 1 to 3, with the widest ridges of any corduroy fabric.
Is corduroy sustainable?
We only make corduroy using organic cotton, and occasionally – when using micro corduroy in trousers or skirts – use a 2% touch of elastane. Corduroy without elastane is a structured fabric that drapes well. Micro corduroy with elastane offers a snugger fit. In short: corduroy is most sustainable when made from organic or recycled materials.
Is corduroy good for winter?
The dense structure of corduroy lends itself well to providing warmth and insulation, making it a preferred fabric for winter wear. The thicker variants, such as wide wale corduroy, offer excellent protection against colder climates.