For many of us, corduroy comes with memories.
Perhaps it was a jacket your dad always wore, or a pair of trousers you remember your grandad wearing. For a younger generation in particular, corduroy can still conjure up images of another era. Comfortable, dependable and certainly traditional, but perhaps not the first cloth that springs to mind when thinking about contemporary style.
We think it might be time to look at it again.
Corduroy is back, and it feels modern
Corduroy is making a very welcome return this season, and with the right cut, colour and styling, there is absolutely nothing old fashioned about it. In fact, it is precisely that sense of heritage that makes it so interesting. Take a familiar cloth, give it a modern silhouette and an unexpected colour, and suddenly it feels completely different.
The colours we like this season
From the cloth room, we have been particularly drawn to some of the richer shades available this season. Deep chocolate and warm browns feel wonderfully autumnal, while burgundy adds depth and character. Teal is perhaps the more unexpected choice, but it works beautifully in corduroy. The texture gives the colour a richness that changes subtly in different light, making it distinctive without feeling overly bold.
Wales, and why the texture matters
That texture is, of course, what makes corduroy so recognisable. Its raised ridges, known as wales, give the cloth a warmth and depth that you simply do not get from a smooth wool. A finer wale can look clean and refined, while a wider cord has a more relaxed, characterful appearance. Choosing the right one is part of the fun.
Where to start: the corduroy jacket
A beautifully cut corduroy jacket is an easy way to introduce the cloth into your wardrobe. In chocolate or burgundy, worn with a fine knit, tailored trousers and loafers, it feels sophisticated without trying too hard. A teal jacket can look fantastic with navy or charcoal trousers, while brown corduroy sits effortlessly alongside cream, denim and softer autumnal shades.
Corduroy trousers, cut for today
Corduroy trousers deserve another look too. Forget the slightly shapeless versions you might remember from years gone by. Cut with a cleaner line and a more contemporary silhouette, they can be incredibly flattering and surprisingly versatile. Pair them with knitwear, a soft tailored jacket or even a bomber, and the result feels relaxed, modern and considered.
The corduroy suit, softly constructed
For those ready to go a little further, there is also the corduroy suit. With softer construction and the right proportions, it offers a very different take on tailoring. Worn with an open collar shirt, fine roll neck or simple knit, it has all the presence of a suit without ever feeling too formal.
An old favourite, seen with a modern eye
Perhaps that is what we enjoy most about corduroy. It does not take itself too seriously. It has history, character and even a little nostalgia, but it can still feel completely relevant to the way we dress today.
So, if corduroy still reminds you of something your dad or grandad used to wear, we understand. But come into the cloth room, look at it again in chocolate, rich brown, burgundy or teal, and imagine it with a sharper cut and a more modern eye.
You might be surprised by just how contemporary an old favourite can feel.
