Why are we so fickle about corduroy? | CBC Life (2024)

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Why are we so fickle about corduroy? | CBC Life? ›

Alanna McKnight, a Toronto-based scholar and fashion historian, argued that it comes down to one (very loud) reason. "There's an auditory sensation of wearing corduroy," she said. (Growing up, the swish-swish sound from her textured pants rubbing together led to merciless teasing.)

In fact, for much of the 19th century, corduroy was a symbol both of working-class identity and political radicalism.

In 2024, corduroy has lost much of its value as a material for work uniforms due to the arrival of denim, cotton twills and technical modern materials. Luckily for us, this means that corduroy has found its way into many contemporary autumn/winter collections.

The first, and most, obvious reason that corduroy endures is because it is a feel-good fabric. A thick, often cotton-based yarn, corduroy is divided into “wales”, aka thick threads, that give the style its striped effect.

Corduroy pants are generally considered to be casual wear. Since the fabric is heavier and has a ribbed appearance, it's associated with cozy fall and winter fashion. However, this material has trended in more dressy looks over the years, especially in business casual settings.

Corduroy is a classic children's story that raises questions about broad and important issues that we encounter on a day-to-day basis: materialism, friendship, and belonging, and allows children to identify their own feelings as commonly encountered.

The story serves as a beautiful reminder to readers of all ages that we are great just the way we are. Corduroy, the buttonless bear lets us know that we are worthy of appreciation and that true friends accept us, flaws and all.

Most fast-fashion retailers and sustainable brands have corduroy pants front and center in their winter collection. From Everlane's sustainable wide-leg corduroy pants to Free people's chocolate high-rise brown cotton corduroy pants, you will see this look everywhere you turn this winter 2024.

Of course, you can also overdo corduroy by accident; you should try not to wear a corduroy piece or article with other highly textured or patterned pieces. Above all else, corduroy pants, jackets, and other clothing give you more ways to experiment with your wardrobe, which is always a good thing.

Corduroy is an optimal winter fabric because it's thick, soft, and can keep you warm in cold temperatures. The fabric is also extremely versatile which is why a variety of winter garments are constructed from it.

Who is famous for wearing corduroy? ›

Loved by musicians, artists and directors - it has been famously worn by Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, Pablo Picasso and Wes Anderson.

Some suggest it came from the French phrase Corde Du Roi, which translates to the king's cord. It is believed it was considered a material only to be worn by nobility and courtiers. Others think that it came simply from the surname Corderoy, as a result from someone who was involved in the early manufacture.

Because of its utilitarian past, corduroy was sometimes seen as less attractive, McKnight noted. She says fashion tends to favour exclusive styles over accessible ones, otherwise known as conspicuous consumption.

Corduroy pants have always felt like a sister pant to jeans, just not quite as cool. But that's changing this fall, since the newest styles have made me look twice! If you've also noticed a lot more corduroy and wondered if corduroy pants are in fashion in 2023, the answer is yes!

Corduroy is generally more expensive than fabrics made with similar materials due to its relatively complicated production process.

: a durable usually cotton pile fabric with vertical ribs or wales. 2. : logs laid side by side transversely to make a road surface. corduroy.

These days, garment manufacturers primarily use corduroy to make overalls (also known as dungarees), pants, and jackets.

Corduroys are a kind of pants or trousers made from a soft, ridged fabric called corduroy. When jeans seem a little bit too casual, you might decide to wear your orange corduroys instead.

a thick, cotton material woven with raised parallel lines on the outside, used esp. for jackets and pants. (Definition of corduroy from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)