Corduroy has long been associated with traditional, old-fashioned style. It was popular in the U.K. in the 70s particularly, and corduroy is a classic fabric favored by clothiers and fashion lovers alike.
The fabric blends both comfort and appearance into a pleasing combination that’s hard to resist.
Corduroy provides excellent warmth in colder weather, and its durable construction stands up to wear and tear with ease.
It is a unique type of fabric with a distinctive look that offers variety when choosing an outfit for any occasion. In this article, we’ll discuss the history of corduroy, what the different types are, and if it’s popular today.
What Exactly Is Corduroy Style Fabric?
The fabric itself is a unique and durable fabric that has been used for centuries in the production of clothing and other items. It is characterized by its distinctive ridges, which are created by weaving together two sets of yarns at different angles.
The width of the ridges can vary depending on the manufacturer, but they are usually quite prominent.
Corduroy is most commonly made from cotton, although occasionally, manufacturers may choose to make it with types of wool to create a softer texture.
The fabric is known for its strength and durability, making it an ideal choice for clothing items such as pants, jackets, skirts, and shirts. It is also popularly used in upholstery due to its ability to resist wear and tear over time.
Does Corduroy Have A Long History?
Corduroy fabric actually has a long and interesting history. It is believed to have originated from fustian, an Egyptian style of fabric.
Fustian fabric featured particularly raised style ridges, but it was rougher than what we know as modern corduroy, and it was woven less closely.
In 18th century England, textile manufacturers made modern corduroy as we know it today.
Today, corduroy can be found in a variety of colors and styles, depending on the designer’s choice and the manufacturer’s available types.
When Was Its Most Popular Time?
Corduroy became a fabric, by default, for many infantry uniforms during most of World War I, furthermore, it was used for school uniforms at the time. It lost popularity during the 50s.
In the 1970s, it was widely enjoyed within a lot of Western cultures. Some brands like Grateful Dead helped to popularize corduroy in the States, which helped push it onwards to becoming associated with the working class people of the 20th century.
Corduroy remains an iconic part of 20th-century fashion history due to its various revivals over time.
Is Corduroy Popular Today?
In recent times, corduroy has seen a resurgence in popularity due to its versatility and durability. It is commonly used for jackets, pants, and children’s clothes.
With so many options available, it is easy to find the perfect piece of fabric for any project. Whether you are looking for something classic or modern, corduroy is sure to be a great choice!
What Are The Different Corduroy Fabrics?
Corduroy is a type of fabric that has been around for centuries, and it continues to be popular today.
It is made from cotton or a blend of cotton and other fibers, and it features a distinctive ribbed texture created by the vertical cords that run through the fabric.
Standard
Standard corduroy fabric is a type of woven fabric that has a distinct ridged texture. It is made up of vertical cords, or wales, that are usually between 8 and 13 per inch.
The most common type of corduroy is known as standard corduroy, which has 11 wales for every inch.
Standard corduroy fabric is durable and can last for many years with proper care. It is easy to clean and maintain since it does not wrinkle easily.
Additionally, it is available in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect piece to match your wardrobe. Standard corduroy fabric is an excellent choice for those looking for a classic look with modern durability.
Pinwale
Pinwale corduroy is a type of fabric that features numerous tiny ridges in every square inch. It is the opposite of elephant cord, which has fewer ridges and a more pronounced texture.
Pinwale corduroy is often used for clothing items such as pants, jackets, and skirts. It has a soft feel and can be quite comfortable to wear.
The fabric also tends to be more durable than other types due to its tight weave. Pinwale corduroy can come in many different colors and patterns, making it easy to find something that suits your style.
Pigment Dyed
Pigment-dyed style corduroy is a unique type of fabric that has a mottled appearance. This dyeing process involves the use of pigments, which are insoluble particles that give color to the fabric.
The pigments are applied to the corduroy in a way that creates an uneven, mottled effect. As the fabric is washed and worn, this effect becomes more distinct and pronounced.
The pigment-dyeing process also helps to make corduroy more durable than other types of fabrics. The pigments help to protect the fibers from fading or becoming damaged over time.
Elephant
Elephant corduroy is a type of fabric that is characterized by its thick and large cords. It gets its name from the resemblance of the folds to an elephant’s thick skin.
This type of corduroy has thick and very big cords, with a wale count ranging from 1.5 to 6. The smaller number of wales makes it much warmer than many other types, making it ideal for heavy Winter clothing.
The texture of elephant corduroy is quite unique, as the large cords create an interesting pattern when viewed up close.
Final Thoughts
Corduroy is a type of fabric that has been around for centuries. It is characterized by its ridges, which are known as wales.
No matter which type of corduroy you choose, it is certain to provide a unique and stylish look that will last for years.
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