A pair of casual and relaxed corduroy trousers can look ultimately stylish. Photo: dpa
Corduroy started out as workwear, but has become high fashion.
Now that it is back, grab a blazer, skirt or dungarees and explore the multiple ways you can mix and match this eye-catching fabric.Certain fabrics like corduroy never go out of fashion.
Unlike other trends, you don't hear people saying "never again" about corduroy, a welcome old favourite.
It was originally designed as a durable workwear fabric for carpenters and craftsmen, but has undergone a real fashion evolution.
“When I think of corduroy, I immediately think of flared trousers in the 1970s," says Caroline Fischer, a style consultant. Corduroy remains a must.
Today, you see corduroy in a variety of contexts, though it is perhaps most frequently associated with flared trousers, matched with flower power shirts.
A warm fabric, it is particularly popular in cooler weather. Its retro flair, reminiscent of trendy vintage looks, is currently en vogue and powering its revival.
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Styling tips
A few minor details can give your look a cool, modern feel. Colour can make a big difference.
This year, you can find great powdery shades like pink, but the tried and tested cognac or shades of beige and cream are also popular, says Fischer.
Last year, the fabric was all over the big fashion labels’ runways – from Tommy Hilfiger, who used it to create a preppy look to Miu Miu and Ermanno Scervino.
Ferragamo's Pre-Fall collection featured lots of bold colours to liven up fashion when it's cold.
This time around, many designers are focusing on the total look, dressing models in corduroy from head to toe.
“Outfits consisting of trousers and a jacket work really well, but individual corduroy pieces add a touch of verve," says Fischer.
Fashion show highlights included cute corduroy skirts or dungarees combined with thick, cosy knitwear for chilling out – or a fine corduroy suit to wear to work.
Thin needle-cord corduroy is elegant, while thick corduroy is ideal for leisure.
Avoid ironing
Corduroy was originally hard-wearing, but treat the fabric with care.
Trousers can wear out quickly if you are cycling, so there are a few things to bear in mind.
"Corduroy can look greasy if you iron it. Instead, spin the trousers at a low speed and dry them flat instead of tumble drying them,” says Bernd Glassl, head of Germany's Body Care And Detergent Industry Association (IKW).
If the material has too many creases, iron your garment inside out. If some areas look flat, just fluff it out again using a clothes brush, he says.
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Washing it right
The symbols indicate the maximum temperature and the best wash cycle with missing or multiple lines under the symbol.
Zips should be closed, and the clothing separated into light and dark colours.
“Corduroy should not be washed with fluffy fabrics such as towels, fleece fabrics or wool because otherwise you will get fluff on the corduroy,” Glassl says.
Always on trend
Corduroy is slightly delicate so do not wash it too often. Otherwise, it’s a simple trend.
Mix and match it with almost any other fabric.
Wear it from head-to-toe or as a single item like a dress, mini skirt, dungarees or blazer, and in almost any colour.
A warm fabric, it is ideal for chilly weather and is a real all-rounder.
Corduroy is likely to stick around and looks set to hold onto its starring role in our wardrobes. – dpa
