---
type: "fabric"
name: "Corduroy"
slug: "corduroy"
fabric_family: "pile_napped"
construction: "pile(loop)"
subtype: "pile(loop)"
typical_fibers:
  - "Cotton"
weight_gsm: "200–400 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/corduroy"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:05:49.539493+00:00"
---

# Corduroy

Corduroy is a durable, textured fabric characterized by its distinctive raised ridges, known as wales, which provide both visual interest and tactile softness.

- **Fabric Family**: Pile Napped
- **Construction**: Pile Loop
- **Subtype**: pile(loop)
- **Typical Fibers**: Cotton
- **Weight**: 200–400 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.5–1.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Corduroy

Corduroy is a pile-napped fabric made from cotton or cotton blends, featuring a unique construction of vertical ribs or wales. The fabric is created through a weaving process that forms loops, which are then cut to create a soft, plush surface. The number of wales per inch can vary, affecting the fabric's texture and appearance. Corduroy is known for its durability and warmth, making it a popular choice for garments such as trousers, jackets, and skirts, as well as upholstery.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 50
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 40

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 5%
- **Weft Stretch**: 10%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 100 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 30
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.15
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Matte
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: ribbed
- **Hand & Drape**: Balanced

## Performance Features

- Wrinkle Resistance
- Stain Release

## Common Finishes

- Brushed
- Sanforized
- DWR

## Common Applications

- Trousers
- Jackets
- Skirts
- Upholstery
- Accessories

## Common Uses in Detail

### Trousers & Jackets

Corduroy's sturdy pile construction makes it ideal for tailored trousers and jackets. The dense wales resist wear at stress points while providing warmth, making it a longtime favorite for casual and smart-casual outerwear that blends durability with a refined, textured aesthetic.

### Upholstery & Cushions

Its thick, ridged surface holds up exceptionally well on sofas, armchairs, and cushion covers. The tightly woven pile resists abrasion and retains its shape over years of use, while the soft texture adds a warm, inviting quality to home furnishings.

### Hats & Accessories

Structured hats, tote bags, and belts benefit from corduroy's firm body and visual texture. The fabric's ability to hold its shape without stiffening agents, combined with its tactile warmth, makes it a practical and stylish choice for cold-weather accessories.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash cold with similar colors, tumble dry low or hang to dry, iron on medium heat if necessary.

- Washing: 40°C
- Ironing: Medium heat
- Do Not Bleach
- Do Not Tumble Dry

## Additional Information

Corduroy is available in various wale widths, typically ranging from 1 wale (wide) to 16 wales (narrow), affecting its texture and use. The fabric's durability and comfort make it suitable for both casual and formal wear.

- **Regional Names**: Cord, Wale, Ribbed Velvet
- **Sourcing Regions**: China, India, Turkey, Italy
- **Testing Standards**: Martindale/Rub count, Pilling, Colorfastness to wash/light, Seam slippage, Tear strength

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton.md)

## Similar Fabrics

- [Cuddle Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cuddle-fleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Flannelette](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/flannelette.md) — Pile Napped
- [Microfleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/microfleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Polar Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/polar-fleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Baize](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/baize.md) — Pile Napped

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*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/corduroy) — HTML version of this page.*