Key takeaways
What is corduroy? Fabric, ribs and construction
Corduroy is a cotton fabric with velvety longitudinal ribs on its surface. These ribs are called wales and are created by incorporating additional weft threads during weaving and then cutting them open to form a fine pile. This gives corduroy its typical, tactile structure and soft feel.
This expressly refers to the clothing fabric and not the upholstery fabric of the same name. The name is derived from the French word "corde" for "string" and refers to the string-like ribs. Corduroy usually consists of pure cotton, occasionally with a small proportion of elastane for greater freedom of movement.
Fine-wale corduroy, wide-wale corduroy and other types of corduroy
Not all corduroy is the same. The width and number of the ribs determine the look and character of the fabric.
Fine-wale corduroy and baby corduroy
Fine-wale corduroy has many narrow ribs, giving it a delicate and understated look. The particularly fine baby corduroy is the most delicate variant and is suitable for more elegant pieces such as trousers and shirts.
Genoa corduroy
Genoa corduroy lies in between with medium-width ribs and is a versatile all-rounder, used for both trousers and jackets.
Wide-wale corduroy
Wide-wale corduroy has few, broad ribs, giving it a strong and striking appearance. It brings a distinctly rustic, high-quality character to a garment and is particularly popular in the country look.
Properties of corduroy
Corduroy combines several properties that make the fabric interesting for the cooler season. Thanks to its pile, corduroy is pleasantly warm yet robust and hard-wearing. The cotton is skin-friendly and breathable.
Visually, the ribbed structure adds depth and texture to an outfit without being obtrusive. This understated quality is why corduroy is traditionally associated with the British country and heritage style.
Men's Corduroy Trousers "Mr. Bradley" in Genoa Corduroy in mud
Recognising corduroy quality
There are clear differences between simple and high-quality corduroy. Four characteristics help with classification.
Rib pattern
Look for a uniform, cleanly formed rib pattern without interruptions. A regular pile is a first sign of high-quality corduroy.
Cotton quality
High-quality corduroy consists of firm, densely woven cotton. It feels pleasant and retains its structure even after repeated wear.
Grammage
A higher grammage indicates a denser, warmer and more robust fabric. Very light qualities wear out more quickly.
Workmanship
For corduroy trousers or a corduroy jacket, clean seams, a cleanly running rib pattern at the seams, and durable buttons and zips speak for careful workmanship.
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Uniform, cleanly formed rib pattern
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Firm, densely woven cotton with a pleasant feel
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Appropriate grammage for warmth and durability
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Cleanly running ribs at the seams
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Clean seams and durable buttons and zips
Expert tip: Stroke the corduroy against the pile with your hand. A high-quality pile will stand up evenly and lie flat again without showing bare spots. Uneven or thin pile indicates a simpler quality.
Properly caring for and washing corduroy: Step by step
Corduroy is easy to care for if you treat the pile gently. The following four steps preserve its look and structure.
Check care label. The information on the label is always decisive, especially for jackets and blended fabrics.
Turn inside out. Turn corduroy inside out before washing to protect the pile and prevent shiny spots and lint.
Wash gently. Wash corduroy on a gentle cycle at a low temperature with a mild detergent and reduced spin speed.
Dry and iron to shape. Dry corduroy to shape. If necessary, iron it inside out or with steam so that the pile is not flattened.
Combining corduroy trousers and corduroy jacket
Corduroy naturally fits into the British country look. Two combinations show how versatile the fabric is.
Corduroy trousers in a country look
Corduroy trousers in brown, olive or beige go well with a light shirt, a fine knitted jumper and a Harris Tweed jacket. Add robust lace-up shoes like brogues. This creates a harmonious mix of materials including corduroy, knitwear and tweed.
The corduroy jacket worn casually
A corduroy jacket can be worn with a shirt, knitted waistcoat and chinos, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed look. A corduroy waistcoat complements the material mix in detail.
A corduroy waistcoat also makes a harmonious addition to the material mix. Generally, corduroy goes well with other natural materials such as tweed and wool, as long as the colour palette remains subdued. This creates a look that fits the principle of a timeless, understated wardrobe.
Men's Corduroy Waistcoat "Wales" in mud
Is corduroy old-fashioned?
Some consider corduroy to be old-fashioned, but in fact, the fabric is a timeless classic that is always in demand in waves. In British country and heritage style, corduroy has never gone out of fashion because it stands for warmth, robustness and understated quality. Those who wear corduroy in muted natural tones and with a good fit are not following a trend, but rather relying on a tried and tested material.
Corduroy fashion from Wellington of Bilmore
Wellington of Bilmore carries corduroy fashion as a permanent part of its range, including corduroy trousers, corduroy jackets and corduroy waistcoats for men. The pieces combine the warm, structured material with careful workmanship in a British-inspired country style and are designed for longevity.
Frequently asked questions about corduroy
What is corduroy?+
Corduroy is a cotton fabric with velvety longitudinal ribs, called wales. This refers to clothing fabric, not upholstery fabric of the same name.
What is corduroy made of?+
Corduroy is usually made of pure cotton, occasionally with a small proportion of elastane. The ribs are created by additional weft threads that are cut open to form a pile.
What is the difference between fine-wale and wide-wale corduroy?+
Fine-wale corduroy has many narrow ribs and appears delicate and subtle. Wide-wale corduroy has few, broad ribs and appears strong and striking.
How do you wash corduroy?+
Wash corduroy inside out on a gentle cycle at a low temperature with a mild detergent and reduced spin speed.
How do you care for corduroy?+
Turn corduroy inside out for washing, dry it to shape, and if necessary, iron it from the inside or with steam so that the pile is not flattened.
How do you combine corduroy trousers?+
Corduroy trousers in a muted tone go well with a tweed jacket, fine knitwear and robust shoes. In brown, olive or beige, they fit into a calm country look.
How do you combine a corduroy jacket?+
A corduroy jacket can be worn with a shirt, knitted waistcoat and chinos. Muted natural tones and other natural materials such as tweed complement it harmoniously.
Is corduroy old-fashioned?+
No. Corduroy is a timeless classic of country style that is always in demand in waves. In muted tones and with a good fit, it appears modern and high-quality.
