Are Corduroy Pants Warm? Find Out More!

A cozy-feeling material, corduroy is comfortable to wear. You might also be unsure if the cozy atmosphere actually provides warmth if winter is just around the corner. Are corduroy pants warm?

Corduroy is warm, that much is true. Because of the pile weave used in its construction, it is naturally thicker and does a passable job of retaining heat.

Let’s analyze corduroy pants’ suitability for winter weather in this article, as well as the specific qualities that make it suitable for colder climates.

Table of Contents

What Are Corduroys?

First, let’s talk about what are corduroy pants.

Although corduroy is not frequently used for summer clothing, it can be a good option for some garments. For the summer, corduroy pants, for instance, can be a great option. They are breathable and lightweight.

You might want to think about donning a pair or two of shorts as a summertime corduroy garment.

Are Corduroy Pants Warm?

So does corduroy keep you warm?

Yes, as we discussed above, corduroy fabric is warm – but only within certain limits. The best seasons to wear corduroy clothing are typically fall and spring, as well as mild winter days. Consider it to be a medium warmth.

Corduroy can offer medium warmth for a few reasons:

Cotton, which is used to make corduroy, can trap air between its fibers to keep you warm, but only to a point. When cotton becomes damp or wet, it loses its ability to keep you warm.
The cords or wales that make up manufactured corduroy’s pile weave give it its added thickness. Greater warmth results from thicker fabric.
The number of wales, or cords, determines the thickness and weight of the fabric; the more wales, the thinner the fabric; the fewer wales, the thicker. Less cords also equate to thicker cords, which typically adds some warmth as long as the material is kept dry (more on this later).

Can You Wear Corduroy in Winter?

Yes, corduroy is suitable for certain types of winter weather. Corduroy shouldn’t be considered a weather-resistant material.

However, a pair of corduroy pants or a corduroy jacket will typically do the trick on cooler, dry winter days.

You should choose a winter pant (think wool or fleece/flannel lined pants) or perhaps canvas or twill pants that have been treated to be water-resistant for more severe weather conditions and/or precipitation.

Additionally, compared to a thin corduroy jacket, a thicker, insulated jacket will be a safer choice for winter.

Related Reading: How to Style Corduroy Pants?

Corduroy Warmth Vs Other Fabrics

We can tell by the wales (or cords) of corduroy that it is a material that is especially comfortable.

How does it compare in terms of features and the amount of warmth they offer to other textiles given how unique it is?

Denim: Since denim is a cotton fabric, it provides warmth based on fabric thickness and functions well so long as it stays dry (denim vs corduroy). It stops being able to provide warmth as soon as moisture is added. Many types of contemporary jeans are made of thinner fabric and don’t provide as much warmth.
Wool: Corduroy and wool both provide warmth, but that’s about it. Wool wicks away sweat and is warmer, water-resistant, and water-resistant. Wool is excellent at holding onto your body heat even when the material is damp. For cold weather, wool is a better material to choose.
Fleece: A synthetic fabric, fleece outperforms most other fabrics in terms of warmth. Lightweight and warm, fleece dries quickly, resists water, and wicks moisture away. Only warmth and having a distinctive surface texture are shared characteristics between corduroy and fleece.
Corduroy and flannel share a lot of similarities. Both are warm, have lovely drapes, are cozy, and are extremely durable. Neither of these materials, which are both used in outdoor clothing, retains any warmth when wet.
Velvet: In that they are both warm, cozy, and soft fabrics, velvet and corduroy have a lot in common. While corduroy has ridges, it also has a sheen, unlike velvet, which has a smooth surface with a sheen. When damp, neither stays warm.
Canvas: Work clothes and outdoor gear frequently use this tough, long-lasting material. Nothing resembles cozy corduroy fabric more than the tight weave and coarse texture. However, canvas is yet another material that does a good job of retaining heat.
Down: When combined with a water-resistant or waterproof exterior, down, a naturally occurring and lightweight insulator made from feathers (goose or duck), completely eclipses corduroy in warmth retention.

Wool and fleece are frequently the warmest fabrics because they are water-resistant, and down is excellent for retaining heat when combined with waterproof fabrics.

Final Words: Are Corduroy Pants Warm

Corduroy pants are timeless. Corduroy has a soft texture and is made from the same fabric material as velvet. For colder weather, it’s cozy and comfortable. It is robust and stain-resistant.

It is frequently found in casual pants or light jackets and works best in the fall and spring.

In modern times, light corduroy is occasionally used in pants for warm weather. It’s no longer considered to be a fabric that should only be used in the winter!

FAQs About Is Corduroy Warm

Is Corduroy Good for Summer?

Since it is thicker, you will typically see it in winter clothing, but the right summer clothing can also incorporate it.

When to Wear Corduroy Pants?

In general, corduroy pants are associated with casual attire.

Is Corduroy Good for Winter?

Corduroy clothing is a classic winter wardrobe staple for a reason; its strong, cozy material is sure to fend off the chill on even the coldest of days.

Are Corduroy Pants Warmer Than Jeans?

Yes, corduroy pants are warmer than jeans as corduroy is thicker and denser than denim.