A Stitch in Time: Corduroy
Graphic by: Zara Hasnani
The next time you wear corduroy, make sure you thank Ancient Egypt. Though the fabric has become synonymous with autumn, corduroy has entertained many uses throughout its fashion journey.
The first fabric resembling corduroy was created by Egyptians in the city of Fustat around the year 200 BC. The material was referred to as fustian and became incredibly sought after amongst local nobility and royalty.
An example of the Egyptian fabric fustian. Its ridged design shows the early resemblance to corduroy. Image credit of CrystalLinks
Centuries later, during the Italian Renaissance, the fabric was introduced to the wealthy aristocracy in Europe. In the ages before heating, corduroy soared in popularity due to its thick material that provided warmth as well as aesthetic appeal. One of the most famous fustian connoisseurs was England’s King Henry VIII; whilst busy with his six wives, the monarch found time to indulge in this up-and-coming fashion.
Fustian eventually transformed into what we know as corduroy in late 1700s Manchester. To this day, much of England refers to the fabric as “Manchester''. Corduroy was made by weaving multiple sections of thread into the base fabric to form vertical ridges called wales. The wales are added so that clear lines can be seen throughout the cloth.
At this point in time, corduroy was exclusively worn as factory apparel during the emergence of the Industrial Revolution. Corduroy’s utilitarian appeal would cause it to remain a working class fabric for hundreds of years.
The Women's Land Army wore corduroy breaches to work in the factories during World War Two. Image credit of Gloverall
It wasn’t until the counterculture movement in the 1960s that corduroy started to become the chic and cool staple we think of it as today. Some fashion experts even credit the Beatles for creating the aesthetic appeal of corduroy in pop culture. The fabric was produced in all sorts of colors — light brown, dark red and bottle-cap green were some of the most popular.
The Beatles wearing corduroy jackets. Image credit of Pinterest
Men began to replace their all-denim suits with corduroy suits. During the early 70’s, more and more women began to incorporate it into their fashion as corduroy skirts and jackets became trendier.
An advertisement for men's corduroy pants from the 1970s. Image credit of Nostalgia Central
Even though the fabric was often referred to as “the poor man’s velvet,” many celebrities and fashion icons in the late 20th century wore the material. In the 1980s, Princess Diana was often spotted wearing corduroy trousers, especially when out in the countryside. Claire Standish, Molly Ringwald’s character in John Hughes’ 1985 film The Breakfast Club, also wore a corduroy skirt for the entirety of the famous flick.
Iconic 1980s outfits featuring corduroy: Molly Ringwald wearing a corduroy skirt playing the iconic character of Claire. Image credit of Pinterest
Princess Diana poses with Prince Charles wearing corduroy trousers. Image credit of InStyle
Today, the fabric is beloved by fashion connoisseurs and anyone looking for a durable, chic fabric. It has grown in popularity with the resurgence of 1970s fashion. Celebrities like Harry Styles, Beyonce, and Bella Hadid have utilized the fabric in many ways.
Gen Z has also contributed to the fabric’s trendiness, creating outfits featuring corduroy and sharing them on social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram. Corduroy’s uses range from bucket hats, oversized jackets, classic pants, blazers, and more!
Although often associated with the cozy fall aesthetic, corduroy's rich history makes the fabric an even more interesting piece in anyone’s wardrobe. However you wear your corduroy –– as a jacket, a skirt, a pair of pants or a shirt –– you are part of this fabric’s long legacy.