4 pieces that prove corduroy is a style essential
From full suits to overshirts, these are the garments that prove corduroy deserves its day in the sun
- Words: Jonathan Wells
Praise the cord! Everybody’s favourite distinctly-patterned, durably-made, ridged velvet material is back — and we couldn’t be happier. And, although the commonly-cited derivation of the name (that it comes from the French ‘corde du roi’ or ‘cord of the King’) is sadly untrue, we still think it’s a material fit for a monarch.
So here, to celebrate corduroy’s new golden age, are the four pieces you should have in your wardrobe that make use of the flourishing fabric.
Corduroy suits everyone
Let’s start with the bread and butter of any man’s wardrobe: his suiting. Thankfully, as the clouds gather, you can hide away in a corduroy suit this winter — as it’s not only in vogue, but thoroughly warm thanks to the material’s ridged construction.
Canali do a classic slim-fit suit in a deep, dark burgundy that’ll look grand at your next Christmas party. Drakes have thrown an exquisitely-crafted Italian offering into the ring, in a similarly understated mustard hue. And, if it’s sheer quality of construction you’re looking for, who better than Brunello Cucinelli, and this Sea Island-cotton and corduroy hybrid in the less-than-inspiringly-named ‘brick’?
Pull on some corduroy trousers
But it’s not all about suits — corduroy works just as well as separates. We’ve found some trousers that ideally bridge the gap between casual and formal, and all cut in the softest, finest corduroy. So, if you’re looking for some alternate officewear this winter, this might be the ideal material to try.
Leading the pack are Oliver Spencer, reliably giving us a pair of classic, autumnally-hued drawstring trousers with flat fronts and straight leg fits. New & Lingwood’s offering are a little smarter, with belt loops if you want to dress them up. And, finally, YMC have released a wide-wale, cotton-corduroy pair with a vintage workwear vibe.
Get over corduroy
Like corduroy itself, the humble overshirt is having something of a day in the sun. Simple, understated and so versatile that you can wear it to the top of either your office building or a mountain and still look aptly-dressed, it’s one of our favourite go-to styles — made all the better in corduroy.
In a bold blue from Anderson & Sheppard, this jacket has zipped pockets for added practicality. From Aspesi, this deep, warming colour is spread across a velvet jacket with classic collar and button closure. And, with a slightly larger colour and adaptable green army shade, De Bonne’s family-run atelier has offered a rugged, casual take on corduroy.
Shrug on a corduroy shirt
And, finally, we come to shirts. With such a soft material, it almost feels rude not to wear corduroy close to the skin, and these three shirts are the perfect, soft options should you want to benefit from the expectionally-smooth fabric.
This shirt from Berluti perfectly proves that corduroy doesn’t have to have the thick, chunky look that’s typified the fabric. Gitman Vintage play on the material’s heyday of the 70s with their bold yellow option, and Ralph Lauren have offered up a neat button-down to wear under a blazer.
Prefer your velvet un-ridged? Try slipping on a velvet suit this party season…
