What You Should Know About Corduroy Fabric

The corduroy fabric we are familiar with today was produced in Manchester during the 19th century. However, its origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt around 200 BC, where a heavy cloth called fustian was first created. Fustian, which had a raised, sheared nap, closely resembled velvet or moleskin. Over time, it gained popularity throughout Europe. Italian and Spanish merchants played a crucial role in introducing fustian to Europe, and it was often utilized in the Tudor court during the 16th century. It was commonly used to line gowns for added warmth while also providing a stylishly padded appearance.

Fustian underwent a transformation and evolved into the corduroy fabric that we are familiar with today during the 18th century. It became a popular and practical choice for creating work garments for lower-class individuals. The term "corduroy" was first documented in 1774, as mentioned in the Oxford English Dictionary. As the Victorian era approached, corduroy began to be mass-produced in factories across Europe and America, earning its reputation as the affordable alternative to velvet.

Corduroy remained highly sought-after throughout the 20th century, gaining recognition as a favored fabric for children's clothing as well as military attire during World War I across Europe. Its fame reached its zenith in the 1970s, where it became an emblem of countercultural rebellion, famously donned by influential figures such as Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, Pablo Picasso, and Wes Anderson.