We constantly check for the fabric while buying essential items. You would be surprised to know that different fabrics are available. Materials come in varying colours, textures, and quality. But the one fabric we will emphasize today is the Corduroy Fabric.
Corduroy is a well-accepted fabric worldwide and is not new to the textile industry. Today, you will get a sound-detailed summary of this fabric. Keep reading to get amused.
What is Corduroy Fabric?
Corduroy is a durable fabric with interweaving sets of fiber into the root material to outline vertical ridges called wales. Corduroy is a thick twill weave fabric (similar to denim) woven in diagonal lines with thick vertical ribs. This fabric can usually come in a blend of cotton or pure cotton. Corduroy feels heavy against the skin and is perfect for winter.
Types of Corduroy:
Nowadays, tufted cords derived from the fustian fabric make Corduroy.The corduroy fabric provides variety and diversity; hence, it identifies with several kinds of exclusive and eccentric subtypes.
It’s time to explore the most 6 classic types of corduroy fabric in the market. According to my experience, most popular types of corduroy fabric are as:
- Standard Corduroy
- Pinwale Corduroy
- Pigment-Dyed Corduroy
- Elephant Corduroy
- Spandex Corduroy
- Bedford Corduroy
1. Standard Corduroy:
The standard Corduroy is perhaps the most popular and established among all types. Usually, any corduroy fabric featuring 8-13 wales per inch is considered standard Corduroy
2. Pinwale Corduroy:
Pinwale Corduroy is also a hyped type of Corduroy. This corduroy fabric contains many micro ridges in every square inch. Manufacturers implement twenty-one wales in every inch to make it of high-quality.
3. Pigment-Dyed Corduroy:
The pigment-dyed Corduroy is an extensive process because, with each washing process, the appearance of the fabric becomes more prominent.
4. Elephant Corduroy:
The elephant Corduroy, named after observing the folds in an elephant’s skin, is famous. This unique Corduroy has thick, giant cords. This feature makes the fabric capable of providing warmth because of its wide velvet ribs. A wale number between 1.5 and 6 is considered normal for elephant Corduroy fabric.
5. Spandex Corduroy:
Spandex corduroy is typical in children’s clothing. The blend of cotton and polyester, wool and spandex makes this stretchy spandex corduroy.
6. Bedford Corduroy:
The Bedford Corduroy is also a loved American fabric. Heavy-weighted and warp-faced, the vertically oriented Corduroy is. The pile of yarns in Bedford remains untouched, which makes the ridges less distinctive.
What is Corduroy made of?
Cotton, a blend of cotton-like cotton and wool, is a few materials used to make Corduroy. The production of this material is obtainable with mixes of polyester or complete polyester. Sometimes, you may also find Corduroy woven with synthetic fibers.
As mentioned above, wool can also make ridged and cozy fabric corduroy. The thing about this is that the wrinkles on wool-made Corduroy are barely visible. And that is in comparison to the other materials.
The manufacturing process of Corduroy is not that difficult to understand. In reality, it is an enjoyable process! So let us survey this thoroughly.
Manufacturing Process of Corduroy:
The manufacturing process of Corduroy is not that difficult to understand or follow. In reality, it is an abridged and enjoyable process! So let us survey this thoroughly.
| Step: 1
The Weaving Process. | Step: 2
The Gluing Process | Step: 3
The pile–yarn cutting process. | Step: 4
The washing and Dyeing process |
Usually, most corduroy fabric is made by starting with the first weaving step. This fabric is generally made of plain weaves but can also be made with twill weaves. After the completion of the primary weaving process, textile manufacturers add a pile of yarns. | The second step of manufacturing Corduroy involves the technique of gluing. The manufacturer smears specific glue on the backside of the woven fabric. This process prevents the yarn from pulling through. However, the material is later removed by the manufacturers | The third step involves the usage of a specialized industrial cutter. The specialized industrial equipment then separates the pile of yarn. After the separation, it is brushed and scorched to produce soft and defined ridges. | The fourth and last step is perhaps the most fun and unique in this process. Textile manufacturers can basically pigment-dye and create distinctive asymmetrical patterns. Gradually, as the fabric is washed, the distinguished designs accentuate further .. |
Properties of Corduroy:
Let us discover the properties of the fabric, Corduroy.
| The materials required for manufacturing | Polyester, cotton, a blend of cotton, and synthetic fiber. |
| Susceptible to bubbling | It can vary. |
| The durability of the fabric | Very high and efficient durability. |
| The breathability of Corduroy | Considered medium. |
| The heat reservation abilities | Variable. |
| The chance of Fabric stretching | Relatively low. |
| The moisture-wicking abilities | Considered Medium |
| The biggest country producing it today | China |
| Susceptible to Piling | Depends on the material used. |
| The country that first manufactured it | Was first manufactured in England. |
| The possible wale variations of the fabric | Anywhere from 1.5-21. |
| The optimum washing temperature. | Depends on the material used. |
| How frequently it needs to be dry cleaned | Varies and depends on the material used. |
Characteristics of Corduroy:
Let us dive into the characteristics of Corduroy to have a deeper understanding of the fabric.
1. Excellent Durability: It is no secret that the Corduroy fabric is thick and has excellent durability. The high thread counts and the incredible micro ridges make the fabric remarkably durable. The durability can vary from material to material used to make the fabric. Polyester will last longer than cotton.
2. Amazing Breathability: The breathability of Corduroy is average, but it will not make you feel trapped in your clothes. This fabric is a holy grail for many who suffer from cold winters. This thick fabric will allow you to breathe smoothly, depending on the material.
3. Good Enough Affordability: Generally speaking, Corduroy is a widespread and well-liked material everywhere. In winter, the demand for Corduroy is high. So the price is usually lower throughout the year. The Corduroy fabric consists of fibres or polyester. It is comparatively cheaper than wool or cotton.
4. Considerable Stretchability: While the fabric’s stretch is relatively low, it won’t be tight if you go a size down. Here, the stretchability depends on the materials used in the fabric’s production. If spandex corduroy is the fabric, don’t worry about stretchability.
5. Low maintenance: Corduroy is a very low-maintenance material. Aside from woolen fabric, you won’t need dry cleaning.
Applications of Corduroy:
Till now, we have discussed the properties and characteristics of Corduroy. Now let’s see the applications of Corduroy and how it is helpful to us too.
- Hunting Apparel
- Uniforms
- Jackets and suits
- Trousers
- Breeches and coats
- Slacks
- Millineries
- Furniture surfaces
- Ornamental cushions
- Upholstery
There is a diversity of applications when it comes to Corduroy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What makes Corduroy so unique as a fabric?
Corduroy is a thick and durable fabric which is stylish and comfy. Corduroy is popular because it’s most people’s selection to keep them cosy during winter.
Is Corduroy waterproof?
No, it is not. Corduroy is not ideal for wet climates. But applying different finish can make it waterproof.
Can Corduroy fabric be ironed?
Yes, you can iron it as long as you use medium heat in the direction of the pile.
Does the fabric of Corduroy fade?
If you compare Corduroy directly to types of denim, yes, it has its way of getting worn out, faded and old.
Conclusion:
Corduroy has established its popularity and strengthened vigorously in the world of diverse textiles. The fabric Corduroy offers many benefits and is unique. Although typical in some areas of the world, Corduroy is still much unknown to people.
This article briefly describes the fabric and its various characteristics and properties, which will help you decide its worth. So, do you think Corduroy is essential to people, especially in those countries where the cold is unbearable?
Mahedi Hasan working as an Executive in Fabric Marketing at Textile Suppliers Ltd. Graduated with B.Sc. in Textile Engineering. Before was a Top Rated content writer at Upwork, and Level 02 Seller at Fiverr, Level 02 Publisher at Ezoic. Very passionate about content writing, SEO practice, and fashion website designing. Highly Experienced fashion writer for the last 4+ years. Have extensive 7 years of experience in the wholesale clothing business.