Corduroy Pants
What is Corduroy?
Corduroy is a durable cotton fabric distinguished by vertical ridges, or "cords," that run along the length of the fabric. These cords are formed by extra weft yarns woven into the base fabric. The tight weave of the material and the raised cords cause resistance to wear and tear, making it a practical choice for clothing items that need to withstand regular use.
Where is Cordings corduroy fabric made, and what makes it different from other brands?
Woven exclusively for Cordings by Brisbane Moss, one of Britain's most respected surviving corduroy mills, the corduroy used to make our pants is made to a standard that simply isn't available on the high street.
At 17oz / 520gsm, this is an exceptionally substantial corduroy, nearly double the weight of most retail cord. That weight means structure, warmth, and longevity. The 8 wale construction sits in the classic broad-ribbed tradition, giving the cloth a bold, pronounced texture and considerable depth of character.
Do corduroy pants hold a crease like dress trousers?
No, corduroy pants do not hold a sharp crease in the same way as a wool dress pant or a pressed chino. The ribbed pile of the fabric means a defined crease line is not very traditional. Instead, corduroy pants are designed to drape and fall naturally, which is part of their character. A heavier weight cord, such as our 17oz cloth, will hold its shape and structure particularly well without needing a crease.
Can corduroy pants be worn to the office?
Yes, corduroy pants can absolutely be worn to the office, depending on your workplace dress code. A well-cut pair of corduroy pants in a neutral colour such as tan, olive, or navy pairs excellently with a blazer, and shirt.
Are corduroy pants appropriate for Fall and Winter only, or can I wear them year-round in the US?
Corduroy pants are ideal for cooler months, due to their naturally insulating qualities. A heavyweight cord is perfect for Winter or Fall, but for warmer months a lighter weigh cord is preferable.
In most parts of the US, a mid-weight cord worn through fall, winter, and early spring will serve you well across the better part of the year.
What is the difference between 8 wale and 11 wale needlecord, and which should I choose?
Wale refers to the number of ridges per inch in a corduroy fabric. An 8 wale corduroy has fewer, broader ribs, giving it a bold texture. An 11 wale needlecord has finer, closer-set ribs, producing a smoother surface that is closer to a conventional pant cloth in appearance. If you are looking for a robust country or weekend pair of pants, 8 wale is the natural choice. If you want something that works as well in the office as it does outdoors, 11 wale needlecord offers greater versatility.
What is the difference between corduroy and needlecord? Are they the same fabric?
Needlecord is a type of corduroy with a specific wale count. Needlecord is simply a finer corduroy, typically 11 wale or above, with narrower, more closely spaced ribs. Standard corduroy tends to refer to broader wale fabrics such as 8 wale. Both share the same durable, textured construction but offer a different look and feel, with needlecord sitting at the smarter, more refined end of the spectrum.