Corduroy: Fabric Guide

What is corduroy and why is everyone wearing it?

Corduroy is a fabric famed for its ridged pattern and timeless versatility. It’s a superb alternative to denim or regular cotton in everyday wear as well as formal attire, and it’s an autumnal/wintry king. That’s why everyone’s wearing it.

When was corduroy invented?

If you ask the OED, the first recorded usage of the word ‘corduroy’ was in 1774. It’s the bastard son of fustian, which was a velvety fabric created in Egypt 2,200 years ago. Henry VIII was supposedly a big fan of lining his doublets with fustian for warmth. Maybe the inside of his executioner’s hood was fustian too—one for the historians to ponder. Come 1774, corduroy as we know it was kicking about, mainly adorning the bodies of well-to-do, upper class folk, but it soon trickled down the social ladder (or up it, depending on your views on the aristocracy…) and was popular with manual workers due to its durability and the extra strength afforded by those famous ridges.

How is corduroy made?

We’re going to make this super-simple:

Warp yarn = lengthwise

Weft Yarn = widthwise

Corduroy is usually manufactured with extra weft yarns that form a ridge, which is then cut and sometimes singed to create those lovely ridges. Will that do you?

What is corduroy fabric made of?

Usually cotton, sometimes wool, sometimes polyester. Cotton is king in terms of corduroy, though.

Is corduroy warm enough for winter?

God, yes. Traps more heat than classic cotton and keeps you toasty whilst remaining breathable. An elite winter fabric.

What colour cord is popular in 2025?

Earthy cord tones are in for 2025. Navy, Forest, Espresso, and all that jazz. This Cord Overshirt is a fine example of what we’re talking about.

Corduroy care guide

Cord is tougher than most fabrics, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look after it. It’s an elite material that should be treated as such, so how are we going to keep your cord looking and feeling great for a long time?

How to wash corduroy

For best results, wash your corduroy inside-out (that’s pretty good advice for most items, to be honest) on a cool, gentle cycle. No fabric softeners, no detergents, and don’t put it in with anything that moults lint or that lint will gather in the valleys of the cord ridges. Let your cord air-dry naturally and you’re done.

Can you iron corduroy?

You can but, honestly, we wouldn’t bother. Better to steam it or let it air dry on a hanger. If you must iron your cord, do it with the cord inside-out and a damp cloth between the iron and the cord. Focus on pressing down with the iron rather than gliding, and, if you are moving along the fabric slightly, do it in the natural direction of the wales (that’s the fancy name for the ridges, by the way).

Does corduroy shrink?

Yes, so don’t wash or dry it on a high heat. Nobody wants unintentionally cropped corduroy—don’t be a cordu-Roy Cropper… Like the bloke who was married to Hayley in Coronation Street… No? Suit yourself.

Is corduroy waterproof?

Not unless it’s been treated with a water-resistant finish. You don’t see corduroy anoraks lining the shelves of Mountain Warehouse, do you? It can get heavy when wet, so bear that in mind when putting your outfit together.