October 18, 2024, 11:41 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Gone are the days when corduroy was considered staid or was only used at ’70s parties. The textured fabric is back this fall in pants, blazers, mini skirts, and dungaree dresses. STYLEBOOK explains how to wear corduroy now, what not to wear, and how to care for the velvety material properly.
Every few years, we celebrate a corduroy comeback, and this fall is no exception. Originally, this trendy fabric was particularly popular with carpenters as workwear due to its durability. In the 1970s, it experienced its first hype as a fashion fabric among the masses – and is now making a comeback in our closets.
How do you wear corduroy?
Of course, you can play it safe by wearing just one corduroy piece, but going all-corduroy is the real fall trend. The velvety material is particularly popular in suit form this autumn, so be sure to break up the somewhat staid look – for example, with bright colors, sneakers, or a statement shirt under a blazer. Otherwise, a trouser suit will quickly make you look like an old-fashioned teacher.
Corduroy dungarees or dungaree dresses also look cute on young women. They are best styled with a thick, knitted sweater in a bright color. However, women over 30 should avoid dungarees as the garment simply looks too cute and deliberately youthful.
What colors to wear?
This year, fashionistas are focusing on corduroy fabrics in classic cognac-brown, but beige and pink shades are also very popular. Combinations in soft neutrals, i.e., shades such as white or cream, are particularly flattering because they don’t steal the show and allow the wearer’s slightly tanned complexion to shine. The clean look is broken up with bright accessories.
Fancy some color? Then, of course, corduroy also works in trendy shades such as dove gray, sage green, or lilac.
Can anyone wear corduroy?
In principle, yes, but this much in advance: if you opt for corduroy, you have to accept that the shiny ribbed look will visually add a few extra kilos to your ribs. So, choose a body part that you particularly like to emphasize. If you are unsure, it makes sense to go for dark corduroy pieces, which may look a little more flattering than a white ensemble. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also opt for accessories made from trendy material.
And remember when buying corduroy: pants made from this soft fabric, in particular, can stretch a good deal with wear, sometimes by a whole dress size.
For every skin tone Plum is the color for fall makeup – here’s how to wear it
Far from dowdy 9 stylish fall looks for the office
In Brazil Queen Mary reminds us of this Hollywood star in her polka-dot dress
How to care for corduroy properly?
To protect the fabric, you should not wash corduroy too often. Make sure to wash at low temperatures of 30 to 40 degrees, and always wash the garments inside out. Ironing should also be avoided as much as possible, as this causes the fabric to lose its velvety sheen. If at all, then please only iron from the wrong side of the fabric! Alternatively, steam can also help: simply hang the garment up in the bathroom to remove creases during a hot shower or carefully steam it with an iron.
A soft clothes brush is ideal for rough cleaning and dusting clothes. Treatment with fine bristles also helps if the ribs are a little out of shape; simply brush gently against the grain.