Corduroy Fabric: Characteristics, Materials, And Types

Corduroy fabric has a unique texture that comes from having a woven base with vertical ridges, or "cords," that run parallel to each other. The raised pile effect is usually achieved by weaving extra sets of yarns into the base cloth and then cutting them. Corduroy is made from cotton, polyester, or a mix of the two. Cotton corduroy is the most common type because it is soft and comfortable. The cords' thickness and width vary, which changes the fabric's weight and look. Two common types of corduroy are wide-wale corduroy, which has thicker cords, and pinwale corduroy, which has smaller, closer-spaced cords. Each has its own look and feel. Corduroy is famous for making pants, jackets, skirts, and furniture because it is durable, warm, and is able to be worn in many ways. People who live in cooler places like it because it is soft and keeps heat in.

What Is Corduroy Fabric?

Corduroy fabric is distinguished by a unique pattern of elevated parallel cords or ridges that run vertically across its surface. The word "corduroy" comes from the French phrase "corde du roi," which means "cloth of the king." The name comes from the fabric's history of being linked to power and wealth. Corduroy has a unique texture that comes from weaving extra sets of yarns into the base fabric and then cutting these yarns to make the raised ridges, or "cords." The range of thickness and spacing of the cords makes for different types of corduroy, such as wide-wale (thicker cords) and pinwale (finer cords). Corduroy is mostly made of cotton, but it can also be mixed with other fibers, like polyester, to make it last longer and be easier to clean. Its warmth, durability, and soft texture make it ideal for a variety of garment and upholstery uses, especially in cooler areas.

What Is Corduroy Used For?

Corduroy fabric is used for its long-lasting, warm, and unique texture. It is often used to make pants, coats, skirts, and suits, which are all comfortable and stylish. Its ribbed design not only makes it look interesting, but it also makes it warmer, which makes it perfect for clothes that are worn in cold weather. Corduroy is strong and keeps its shape well, which makes it a popular choice for upholstery, especially on furniture that needs a fabric that stands up to regular use. Accessories like bags and hats are made from it because of how versatile it is and how long-lasting and soft it is. 

Can Corduroy Be Used To Baby Girl Rompers And Jumpsuit?

No, corduroy is not recommended to be used for baby girl rompers and jumpsuits. Corduroy is strong and keeps the body warm, but the ribbed texture is not the most comfy or useful for baby clothes. The bumps in corduroy fabric irritate or bother babies' sensitive skin. Another thing is that corduroy is not as soft or stretchy as other fabrics widely used for baby clothes, like cotton blends or jersey knits, because they are thicker. It's important to think about comfort, safety, and ease of movement when picking fabrics for baby clothes. Corduroy is not the best choice for baby girl rompers and jumpsuit.

What Is Corduroy Made Of?

Corduroy is made of cotton, but it is able to be mixed with other fibers, like polyester or spandex, to make it last longer or stretch better. The unique texture of the fabric comes from sewing extra yarns, called "wales," into the main fabric in rows that run parallel to each other. Cutting and brushing these wales creates the raised rib pattern. Corduroy was first made in Europe, mostly in England and France. There, it was called "corde du roi," which means "cloth of the king," because it was associated with wealth and royalty. Corduroy became easier to find and more common over time because it is durable, warm, and has a unique look. Cotton and other types of cotton fabric is still the most common fabric used to make corduroy because it is soft, breathable, and good at holding the wale structure together. Corduroy is a flexible fabric that is often used for both clothing and furniture, and people like its unique texture and comfort.

What Are The Characteristics Of Corduroy?

The Characteristics Of Corduroy Are Listed Below.

• Ribbed Texture: Corduroy has raised lines, or "cords," that run vertically across the fabric's surface.
• Softness: Corduroy is usually made of cotton and feels soft and smooth, especially after being brushed.
• Warmth: The looped pattern of corduroy keeps the body warm, so it's good for cooler weather.
• Durable: Corduroy is known for being long-lasting and able to handle wear and tear, which makes it a good choice for clothing and furniture.
• Versatility: It is made with different wale sizes, which change the look and feel of the material.
• Breathability: Corduroy made from natural fibers like cotton lets some air flow through it, but not as much as lighter materials.
• Color Retention: Well-maintained corduroy resists fading.
• Maintenance: Corduroy demands special care to keep its texture and shape, including careful washing and avoiding excessive heat when drying.

What Are The Different Types Of Corduroy Fabrics?

The Different Types Of Corduroy Fabrics Are Listed Below.

• Bedford Cord: Bedford corduroy has ribs that are wider and flatter, which gives it a more noticeable texture.
• Pinwale Corduroy: The ribs in pinwale corduroy are finer and closer together, which makes the cloth smoother and lighter than other types of corduroy.
• Elephant Cord: The ribs on elephant corduroy are very wide, giving it a rough structure that looks like the ridges on an elephant's skin.
• Standard Corduroy: Standard corduroy is usually the standard corduroy fabric with medium-width ribs that has a balanced texture and can be used for a wide range of clothing and furniture projects.
• Spreadeagle Corduroy: Spreadeagle type of corduroy is made with elastane fibers (spandex), which give it stretch and flexibility for better comfort and movement.
• Pigment-Dyed Corduroy: Pigment dyes are applied to corduroy after weaving, giving it a softer and more washed-out appearance than yarn-dyed corduroy, which retains brighter colors.

How To Identify Corduroy?

To identify corduroy, look for a fabric that has clear vertical lines, or "cords," running parallel to its surface. Extra sets of yarns are woven into the base cloth, and then the yarns are cut to make the raised ribs. The width and spacing of these ribs change in corduroy, which changes how it feels and looks. Corduroy is usually made of cotton or a mix of cotton and other materials. It feels soft and velvety, especially after being brushed. Corduroy is different from fabrics like denim or twill because it has a ribbed pattern that can be fine wale (narrow ribs) or wide wale (broad ribs). Feel the raised cords by running your fingers across the fabric's surface and watching how they catch the light to show off their unique texture. These physical and visual clues help to tell corduroy from other fabrics.

How Long Does Corduroy Fabric Last?

Corduroy fabric last a long time with proper care. Most corduroy is made from cotton or a mix of cotton and other fibers that are naturally strong. Building up vertical ridges or cords is part of the weaving process. These give the cloth its unique texture and help it last longer. Corduroy is built to last, so it does not lose its shape or texture after being worn and washed many times. However, like any fabric, corduroy's lifespan relies on things like the quality of the material, how it's cared for, and how often it's used. Taking care of corduroy clothes and furniture by washing them gently, drying them without using too much heat, and putting them away correctly helps them last longer. 

How Much Does Corduroy Fabric Cost?

Corduroy fabric costs different amounts based on things like the quality of the material, the width of the wales (ribs), and whether it has extra features like spandex for stretch or special dye treatments. Corduroy cloth costs between $10 and $30 per yard, most of the time. On one end of the range is higher-quality corduroy made from premium cotton or with finer wales. On the other end is basic corduroy fabrics with standard wales and simpler finishes. Prices at stores can also change depending on the seller and the way the market is moving. Corduroy is popular for making clothes like pants, jackets, and skirts, as well as for upholstery and home art, even though the prices vary. It's liked for being durable, comfortable, and having a unique texture.

How To Maintain Corduroy?

To maintain corduroy fabric and extend its lifespan, first, always check the care label for specific instructions. However, to keep the ribs from getting squashed or twisted, it's best to wash corduroy clothes inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle. Don't use bleach or harsh chemicals on the cloth; instead, use a mild detergent to keep the color and texture. Remove the clothing from its original shape after washing and either hang it to dry naturally or tumble dry it on a low heat setting to keep the fabric's shape. Do not squeeze out extra water as this can damage the ribbed structure. Turn the clothing inside out and iron it on a low to medium heat setting while pressing lightly over a damp cloth to keep the cords from getting flattened. Corduroy must be stored in a cool, dry area to avoid creases. Keep your corduroy clothes looking good and lasting long using these tips.

Can Corduroy Be Ironed?

Yes, corduroy can be ironed, but it needs to be handled carefully so that its unique ribbed texture doesn't get flat. It's important to iron corduroy clothes inside out to protect the surface of the fabric. Do not use too much heat on the iron; it potentially flatten or shine the ribs if it gets too hot. Avoid crushing the ribs by covering the corduroy fabric with a moist cloth or pressing cloth before ironing. Maintain the smoothness by pressing lightly and not too hard. Consider steaming the item instead of ironing if it has a lot of wrinkles. It's going to remove the wrinkles gently without bending the cords. Properly ironed corduroy maintains its appearance, texture, durability, and comfort for long-term wear.

What Are The Advantages Of Using Corduroy?

The Advantages Of Using Corduroy Are Listed Below.

• Durability: Corduroy is a strong cloth that does not lose its shape or texture after being washed and worn many times.
• Warmth: Corduroy's twisted structure keeps the body warm, making it perfect for clothes to wear in cold weather.
• Softness: Corduroy is usually made of cotton or a mix of cotton and other materials. It feels soft and comfortable, especially after being brushed.
• Flexibility: It comes in different wale sizes (rib widths) and is easily used for many clothing and furniture projects.
• Texture: The unique ribbed texture of corduroy makes clothes and furniture more interesting to look at and feel.
• Color Retention: Quality corduroy resists fading with proper maintenance.
• Care: Corduroy isn't as hard to take care of as some other fabrics, but it does need to be washed gently and ironed carefully.
• Fashionable: Corduroy is a standard fabric that has stayed in style for a long time because it looks good and is comfortable.

Is Corduroy Warmer Than Denim?

Yes, corduroy is warmer than denim. A fabric's warmth rests on how thick it is, how it's woven, and how well it retains air in between its fibers. Corduroy keeps the body warmer in cold weather better than denim because it has a ribbed pattern and is usually heavier. The ribbed structure of corduroy makes air pockets that trap heat, which makes it a good fabric for coats, pants, and skirts for cooler weather. Denim fabric, on the other hand, is usually woven in a twill pattern and is generally lighter than corduroy. It additionally doesn't keep the body as warm. Cotton and corduroy are good for style and longevity, but corduroy is better for fall and winter clothes where warmth and comfort are important.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Corduroy?

The Disadvantages Of Using Corduroy Are Listed Below.

• Wrinkling: Corduroy cloth wrinkles easily and needs to be ironed or steamed often to keep its neat look.
• Bulkiness: Corduroy feels thick or stiff because it is heavier and has a ribbed texture compared to some fabrics. It makes it less suitable for some clothing styles or climates.
• Care: Corduroy needs careful care to keep its texture and shape. For example, it needs to be washed and dried in a way that doesn't flatten the ribs or cause it to shrink.
• Stretch: Most corduroy fabrics don't stretch, which makes them less comfortable and easier to move around in than fabrics mixed with Spandex or spandex.
• Color Fading: Good quality corduroy doesn't fade easily, but colors can dull over time if they are left out in the sun for too long or are washed incorrectly.
• Sensitive to Water: Corduroy absorbs water quickly, which means it takes longer to dry and needs extra care when cleaning or when it's raining.
• Initial Stiffness: Corduroy clothes feel stiff at first, and they need to be worn for a while to soften and mold to the body.

Is Corduroy Going Out Of Style?

No, corduroy is not going out of style. Corduroy has stayed a mainstay in both casual and dressy clothes, even though fashion styles change over time. The textured look and feel of the fabric make it very useful for many people with different tastes. Corduroy is always being used by designers in their lines, but they change it to fit modern styles and body shapes. Corduroy has been popular for a long time because it is durable and comfortable. It means that it continues to be a mainstay in closets around the world. Corduroy keeps changing, but it still looks great in classic styles like pants and coats and in more modern ones like dresses and accessories. It follows that even though fashion trends come and go, corduroy remains in style, both in the fashion world and beyond.

What Is The Difference Between Corduroy And Velvet?

The difference between corduroy and velvet lies in their look, feel, and behave very differently. Corduroy has a ribbed surface made up of straight cords or ridges that run along the fabric's length. Adding more yarns to the fabric and then cutting them to make the raised design is how these ribs are made. Corduroy is usually made from cotton or a mix of cotton and other materials. It is durable, warm, and has a casual look that makes it good for everyday wear. Velvet, on the other hand, is a fancy fabric that has a smooth, plush surface made of a thick pile of evenly cut fibers. People love velvet because it is soft, shiny, and looks classy. Velvet is usually made from silk, cotton, or man-made fibers. Corduroy and velvet are both nice fabrics, but they have different looks and feels. Corduroy is more relaxed and has more texture, while velvet is more formal and smooth. Which is "better" between corduroy vs velvet depends on the purpose and personal preference for texture, style, and occasion.