Having shaken off its associations with fusty academics and dusty old libraries, corduroy has well and truly come into its own in recent years, cementing itself as a versatile and durable fabric for autumn and winter. This season, integrate the timeless texture into your wardrobe in the form of tactile overshirts, jackets, trousers and even footwear. Scroll on to discover how to wear corduroy, as well as our pick of the key corduroy pieces no self-respecting guy should be without.
What is corduroy?
The velvety, ridged fabric is made up of pile-cut yarn that's been woven into tufted cords, known as 'wales', which offer the rich, touchable texture that corduroy is so beloved for. The size of the wale refers to the number of ridges per inch: the lower the wale number, the thicker the cords. Corduroys with wider wales are generally more sturdy and great for trousers, while fine wale fabrics are more commonly used for shirts and jackets.
History of corduroy
First manufactured in Egypt approximately 1800 years ago – the Egyptians were both intelligent and extremely stylish – the fabric wasn’t a viable choice until the growth of the cotton trade between 1100 and 1300. The material is made from fustian, a fabric that originated in a city called Fustat near Cairo, and when fustian was finally exported throughout Europe it became highly popular with the elite classes.
By the 18th century, corduroy was being produced in Europe, proving its versatility through the fact that it was favoured by royalty and farmers alike. From this point onwards, it became used as a material for working uniforms thanks to its durability. In 2024, corduroy has lost much of its value as a material for work uniforms due to the arrival of denim, cotton twills and technical modern materials. Luckily for us, this means that corduroy has found its way into many contemporary autumn/winter collections.
How to wear corduroy
Corduroy's inherent versatility means that you'll come to rely on it time and again for myriad outfits. It's the perfect fabric to bridge the gap between smart and casual. Discover how to wear corduroy with a few essential men's corduroy outfit ideas below.
How to wear corduroy trousers
Cut is everything when it comes to men's corduroy trousers. If you're new to the whole cord thing, keep things simple with a pair of slim or straight-leg slacks, teamed with a classic crewneck tee and canvas sneakers or Oxford shirt and loafers for a more formal look. Feeling confident? Feel free to experiment with more prominent silhouettes. Try styling baggy carpenter-style corduroy pants with a tucked-in tee and Derby shoes for a low-key workwear aesthetic. Throw on a chore jacket for good measure.
How to wear a corduroy shirt
A fine-wale corduroy shirt is the perfect tool to add a touch of texture to your ensemble. Choose a slim or regular fit shirt and opt for an autumnal hue like forest green, mustard, burgundy or navy to complement the shirt's rich texture. A corduroy shirt – or overshirt – can just as easily be dressed up or down, depending on the trousers and shoes you choose to pair it with. For a low-key weekend look, wear a cord overshirt unbuttoned over a white tee and team with jeans and leather trainers. For a more elegant occasion or a 9-5 business-casual look, style a corduroy shirt with belted tailored trousers and penny loafers.
How to wear a corduroy jacket
Corduroy is one of the best fabrics for outerwear, thanks to its soft handle and durable nature. Corduroy jackets come in a range of styles, from trucker jackets to worker jackets, blazers to belted overcoats. No matter the cut, you can't go wrong by layering a cord jacket over a great piece of knitwear, be it a lightweight Merino roll-neck or classic crewneck. Add jeans, a pair of Chelsea boots and you have a fail-safe everyday autumn look.
6 Corduroy pieces every man needs
Corduroy blazer
There’s something about a corduroy blazer that gives it that perfect mix of relaxed and refined. The soft, ribbed texture of the fabric offers just enough warmth to make you feel snug while tailored aspect keeps it dressed up enough to look like you put in some effort. It’s not as stiff or formal as a classic wool blazer (particularly if you opt for an unstructured version), which means you get comfort and polish all in one. Toss it over a plain T-shirt and jeans, and you’ll look effortlessly put-together without even trying. Go for a button-down, and it’s ready for a night out or a casual day at the office. This blazer doesn’t just live in your wardrobe; it adds life to it.
Corduroy overshirt
An overshirt made of corduroy is that magic layer that bridges the gap between shirt and jacket – light enough to wear inside but warm enough to keep the chill at bay. Corduroy adds that extra softness, with a bit of heft that makes it feel substantial without weighing you down. Throw it on over a T-shirt for a casual look, or button it up and let the texture speak for itself.
Corduroy pants
Corduroy pants have this incredible ability to make every outfit look just a bit more thoughtful. There’s something about the texture – it’s both nostalgic and interesting, making these trousers a fantastic alternative to jeans or chinos. They’re soft but durable, which means you get all-day comfort without losing shape. The best part? Corduroy adds a bit of flair to your look without trying too hard – it just has that visual depth that makes your outfit feel intentional. And when the weather cools down, these pants keep you just the right amount of warm, with enough breathability to stay comfortable all day long.
Corduroy trucker jacket
Now, a trucker jacket is already a classic, but make it corduroy, and you’re on another level. Imagine a piece that’s as laid-back as your favourite hoodie but packed with way more style points. Corduroy’s soft, textured feel pairs perfectly with that boxy, casual cut – it’s warm enough to wear solo on chilly days, but still light enough to layer up. And let’s talk about durability – this is a jacket that can handle all the rough and tumble without losing its shape or charm. The chest pockets and slightly cropped fit give it that classic feel, while the corduroy adds a bit of flavour.
Corduroy worker jacket
The worker jacket gets a whole new look with corduroy – functional, yes, but with a soft side that’s hard to resist. This is the jacket you throw on when you need something practical but want to keep things a bit more stylish. Corduroy gives it that warmth without bulk, and over time, the fabric softens, breaking in beautifully so it looks even better with age. With plenty of pockets for your essentials and a slightly relaxed fit that layers easily over shirts and knits, this jacket is ready for whatever. And let’s be honest – there’s something undeniably cool about the corduroy texture, giving it a lived-in vibe from the very first wear.
Corduroy baseball cap
A corduroy baseball cap? Now that’s an accessory that has autumn and winter style written all over it. Unlike your usual cotton or nylon cap, corduroy brings a texture that’s both cosy and substantial, adding a little something extra to your casual look. The ribbed fabric gives it an old-school vibe, but it still feels fresh and modern. Perfect for those cooler days when you want a bit of extra warmth on top, or just to add a touch of character to whatever you’re wearing. It’s low-key, comfortable, and has a unique look that keeps your style effortlessly on point.
Next up: The best corduroy trousers and how to style them.
