A fabric to love is corduroy. The lovely golden color of the leaves can make you think of the fall. But do you know what is corduroy exactly?
Corduroy is a fabric with evenly spaced vertical rows of soft pile. These rows are arranged in a distinct pattern called a “cord” or a “wale.”
In contrast to modern corduroy, corduroy as a fabric dates back to eighteenth-century England, where it was primarily a coarse wool cloth.
Continue reading, let’s find out more about corduroy fabric.
What is Corduroy Fabric?
Corduroy is a crinkled and sturdy fabric that textile manufacturers use in making different kinds of items including clothing.
The fabric’s ridges are among its most striking characteristics. Manufacturers of corduroy produce it in a range of widths or ridges.
Although cotton is frequently used to make the fabric, it can also be mixed with polyester or even made entirely of polyester. It is occasionally produced using wool. The ridges of this material are not as noticeable when made from fibers other than cotton.
In addition to printing patterns, corduroy can be dyed in a variety of different block colors.
What is Corduroy Made Of?
Corduroy is most often made of cotton or a cotton blend (like cotton and wool). Manufacturers use a loom to weave numerous individual threads (the horizontal weft threads and the vertical warp threads) into a larger whole to create corduroy (or any woven fabric).
The structure and durability of the fabric are determined by how these threads are woven together; corduroy is a twill weave fabric (like denim or herringbone), which means that the threads run along diagonal lines in a ribbed pattern.
Characteristics of Corduroy
Let us dive into the characteristics of Corduroy to have a deeper understanding of the fabric.
Excellent Durability
It’s no secret that corduroy fabric is thick and extremely durable. The fabric has a remarkable level of durability thanks to its high thread counts and amazing micro ridges.
The fabric’s durability can vary depending on the fabric’s manufacturing material. Compared to cotton, polyester has a longer lifespan.
Amazing Breathability
Although corduroy has a fair amount of breathability, you won’t feel confined by your clothing. For many people who struggle with cold winters, this fabric is the holy grail. Depending on the material, you can comfortably breathe through this thick fabric.
Good Enough Affordability
Generally speaking, Corduroy is a widespread and well-liked material everywhere. Corduroy is in high demand during the winter.
As a result, the cost is typically lower all year long. Polyester or fibers make up the corduroy fabric. In comparison to wool or cotton, it is less expensive.
Considerable Stretchability
It won’t be tight if you order a size down, despite the fabric’s low degree of stretch. Here, the stretchability is a function of the materials used to make the fabric. Don’t worry about stretchability if the material is corduroy made of spandex.
Low Maintenance
The material corduroy requires very little maintenance. You won’t need dry cleaning unless the fabric is woolen.
Related Post: Do Corduroy Pants Shrink?
Different Types of Corduroy Fabric
Corduroy fabric can be found in several different styles and types.
Standard, pinwale, and elephant corduroys are differentiated by their wales per inch, whereas stretch corduroy fabric is a style created using a mixture of spandex.
Let’s discuss types of Corduroy fabrics and what makes them different:
Standard Wale Corduroy
This fabric has a 7–14 WPI and is a classic corduroy. The spaces between each cord on the Standard Wale Corduroy are evenly spaced, measuring between 1/8 and 1/4 inches.
Pinwale Corduroy
This kind of corduroy has a WPI greater than 15. Pinstripe-like cords resemble stripes in Pinwale Corduroy’s fabric. Comparing the raised cords to the flat areas on the fabric, the raised cords are narrower.
Stretch Corduroy
A combination of spandex fibers is used to create this particular style of corduroy fabric. Due to its tight weave structure, corduroy fabric typically does not stretch; however, stretch corduroy stretches for more comfort and pliability.
Elephant Corduroy
Elephant Corduroy, which has a WPI of 1-6, has wide cords that occasionally elongate to the point where they resemble elephant ears.
Typically, these Corduroy fabrics have cords that are at least 1/2 inch wide.
What is Corduroy Used For?
In the past, corduroy has been used to make work clothes, military uniforms, hats, and even furniture. Though it is not as frequently used as it once was, this fabric still has a place in modern fashion, especially in furniture.
Currently, a lot of clothing manufacturers use fabric to create dungarees or overalls, jackets, and pants. Corduroy pants were a preferred style of clothing in the 1970s.
Corduroy pants will continue to be popular even though they are not as common as they once were because they are regarded as durable.
Additionally, body-fitting clothing gains more stretchiness thanks to the addition of spandex during the development of corduroy garments.
Beyond clothing, furniture manufacturers also use corduroy to make chair covers, couch covers, and even decorative cushions. Especially in the winter, corduroy home furnishings add warmth and texture.
Because it adds comfort, upholstery makes any space cozier and more fashionable. Wonderful bedding sets can even be made from fine corduroy.
When Should I Wear Corduroy?
Depending on the weight of the fabric, corduroy can be used in dresses, shirts, pants, coats, and upholstery. It is a particularly well-liked fabric for clothing during the colder seasons.
Corduroy is durable enough to be used for dress pants and coats but soft and drapeable enough to be used for winter dresses and lightweight corduroy shirts for men and women.
Even spring and summer clothing can be made from thin feathercords and pincords.
Final Words: What is Corduroy
Thanks for reading my post on what is corduroy. Even though it is frequently disregarded, it is one of the most dependable and resilient fabrics.
Corduroy is warm and resilient and a great choice for your wardrobe and sewing project! Do you think corduroy is necessary for people, particularly in those nations where the cold is intolerable?
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FAQs
Is Corduroy Cotton?
Although cotton is the most common material used to weave corduroy, it can also be made entirely of polyester or even a blend of cotton and polyester.
What is Special About Corduroy?
Corduroy is an incredibly warm fabric that keeps the cold out during the winter because of its capacity to trap air between its fibers.
Why Do People Like Corduroy?
It is both stain- and wear-resistant and durable.
