Corduroy is an enigmatic fabric, dancing gracefully between casual and sophisticated looks. Sometimes, the material presents as rugged; at others, the velvety soft feel formed an aristocratic association – (more on that later). The dynamic and complex textile has taken its place in many wardrobes over the years. To decide if has a place in yours, read on.
What is Corduroy?
Corduroy isn’t a material but rather a fabric treatment, referring to a weave or texture. It is characterized by its raised ridges called “wales” that run parallel to the surface. Generally, it comes from cotton and cotton blends, although the weave and texture can be created through other fabrics like wool or velveteen.
The History of this Iconic Fabric
A corduroy-like fabric called “fustian” first appeared in ancient Egypt, where it was used for furnishings and clothing. Corduroy, as we know it, was originally used as workwear because of its toughness. Some claim that the fabric has a connection to royalty, with the name coming from the French “Corde du roi,” meaning cord of the king, although the fabric was predominantly used by laborers, making it unlikely that it was ever the fabric of nobility.
It was in the 20th century that this fabric transitioned from the commoner’s workwear to a fashion statement. It began to show up in the affluent East Coast preppy look. Eventually, counterculture movements reclaimed the style in the 1960s and 70s. Today, corduroy doesn’t have a strong association with any particular subculture. Because of its warmth and cozy feeling, the fabric is popular as a fall and winter look worn by many.
Why Choose Corduroy?
Corduroy offers true versatility. Styled right, it can give off a cowboy or utilitarian vibe. You can dress it up for a cozy, classy aesthetic. The heavier weave and weight make it a warm fabric, perfect for fall and winter. High-quality corduroy is also durable and should last many seasons.
How to Style Corduroy
This versatile fabric can carry a lot of looks. Here are a few different pieces of clothing and how we recommend styling them.
Shirts
The corduroy shirt is a great place to experiment with the garment’s more rugged side. In Americana style, the shirt is often associated with a cowboy or California aesthetic of the 50s and 60s. Worn untucked with jeans or five-pocket pants; it gives the relaxed confidence of that rancher archetype. Proper Cloth has a few Western-style corduroy shirts with a Western yoke, patch pockets, and snap buttons. But corduroy looks great in any style, so you can always customize the placket, collar style, buttons, and cuffs to put your own spin on this iconic fabric.
Pants
Corduroy pants are incredibly versatile, leaving the door wide open to styling. For a casual look, you can wear these pants instead of your chinos, so consider a tucked or untucked shirt like an oxford. You can add contrast by choosing a patterned shirt like a plaid. A sweater over a collared shirt and even a tie gives off a classic prep look. A deep red or green pair with a turtleneck looks fitting for something festive. To up it another level, try layering a sports coat over it. Proper Cloth offers a stretch-fit chino style and a dress pant version.
Jackets & Suits
This iconic fabric also makes for an excellent jacket material. Depending on how it’s styled, it can give off a professorial-academic look or a fashion-forward luxurious style appropriate for holiday parties. A stand-alone jacket looks great with a denim or chambray shirt, an OCBD, or a classic dress shirt. Give it a relaxed feel with jeans or chinos. It’s also a bold statement choice for a suit. Since it’s considered much less formal than other suit fabrics, skip the tie and find a dress shirt that complements the corduroy’s color.
Caring for Corduroy
Good quality men’s custom corduroy clothing should require little maintenance. To maintain your corduroy’s rich color:
- Wash Sparingly: Don’t overwash the garment. Spot treat. If you wash, use cold and gentle settings.
- Hang Dry: Avoid shrinking and heat damage by hang drying or flat laying.
- Brush the Fabric: Brush the fabric to prevent lint build-up, but do this in moderation so as not to wear out the wales.
- Consult the Tag: With any garment you love, check the interior tag for specific care instructions.
That said, some people prefer the faded, worn corduroy look. If you’re in that category, you can be less precious with it.
Why Proper Cloth for Corduroy?
When it comes to custom corduroy clothing for men, Proper Cloth does it right. We sourced primarily from the renowned mill Duca Visconti, located just outside of Milan, Italy. This mill has specialized in velvets, moleskins, and corduroys for nearly 200 years.
Custom Corduroy Clothing for Men
With a focus on size, custom corduroy shirts, tailored jackets, and made-to-measure pants look cleaner, accentuating the fabric’s bold characteristics. The ability to customize a shirt’s construction or suit’s details gives you nearly limitless options to explore.
For inspo on corduroy and so much more, check out our friends over at Die Workwear for a mix of casual and formal looks.