Soft, ridged and quietly brilliant, corduroy is the fabric that never really left. Here's everything you need to know about the autumn classic, plus how we're wearing it this season.
So, what actually is corduroy?
You know it the second you touch it. That velvety softness, those neat little ridges running top to bottom, the satisfying swish when you walk. Corduroy is a thick, durable cotton fabric woven with raised parallel lines called cords (or wales, if you're feeling technical).
It's what's known as a cut-pile textile. Extra threads are woven into the base cloth in long loops, which are then cut and brushed to create those plush, rounded ridges. It's a close cousin of velvet, just with more structure and a little more personality.
A little history
From mill floor to mood board
You might have heard that corduroy comes from the French corde du roi, "the cord of the king". It's a lovely story, but sadly it's probably just that. Most historians think the name is home-grown, likely joining "cord" with "duroy", a coarse woollen cloth once woven in England.
What we do know is that corduroy found its feet in the mills of 18th-century England, where it was prized as a hard-wearing fabric for workwear. From there it went everywhere: university lecture halls, 1970s flares, 90s indie gigs and, frankly, every good autumn wardrobe since.
It's had a few "comeback" moments over the years, but if you ask us, it never actually went anywhere.
Big on plum
Our deep plum jumbo corduroy is the cosiest thing in the collection, and it's having a moment. Those wide, plush ridges catch the light beautifully, giving a rich, almost two-tone depth to the colour.
We've finished it with our favourite details: a wrap mini skirt and a button down pinafore, both edged in pink embroidered leaves, plus wide-leg trousers with our SHB flower stitched onto the back pocket. For a one-and-done outfit, the zip-front jumpsuit with its tie belt and utility pockets does all the hard work for you.
How to wear it
Plum plays nicely with almost everything, but it really sings next to pattern. Team the trousers with a cream intarsia cardigan and a chunky beanie, or wear the wrap skirt with a Fairisle knit, black opaque tights and polished Chelsea boots.
Want to go tonal? The pinafore over a plum or pink roll neck is a whole lot of colour without any of the effort.
Deep teal and inky navy
If jumbo corduroy is the bold one, needlecord is its softer, more romantic sibling. The fine ridges give these pieces a gentle drape that feels just right for dresses and blouses.
Our teal midi shirt dress is a proper autumn hero, with a button down front, gathered waist and those lovely full sleeves. The matching A-line midi skirt has deep pockets (always pockets), while the navy blouse brings out the sweetness with a ruffle-trimmed collar and tiny embroidered flowers.
How to wear it
Teal looks gorgeous against warm autumn tones. Try the midi skirt with a rust knit and knee-high boots, or throw a bright, patterned cardigan over the shirt dress for instant colour.
The navy blouse is a real wardrobe workhorse. Tuck it into jeans for the weekend or wear it with cord trousers for a full cord-on-cord look. Yes, that's allowed. Actually, it's encouraged.
Forest green, forever
There's something about green corduroy that just feels right when the leaves start turning. Our forest green mini shirt dress has puff shoulders, a button down front, a gathered skirt and, of course, pockets for stashing conkers.
Wear it with black opaques and chunky boots now, then add a long coat as the temperature drops. It's the kind of dress you'll reach for on repeat until spring.
Wild about leopard cord
What happens when two autumn icons meet? Pure magic. Leopard print on soft needlecord curderoy gives a classic print new texture and warmth, and it's been one of our most talked-about fabrics this season.
Choose from a relaxed shirt with a classic collar, easy pull-on trousers with an elasticated waist, or a swingy mini shirt dress with a gathered skirt and full sleeves.
How to wear it
Leopard is basically a neutral at this point, so don't overthink it. Pair the trousers with a grey sweatshirt and trainers for weekends, wear the shirt with burgundy cords for a cord-on-cord moment, or let the dress do its thing with tights and boots.
How to keep your corduroy looking lovely
Turn it inside out
Always wash corduroy inside out on a cool, gentle cycle. It protects the ridges from rubbing and stops lint from clinging.
Wash with like for like
Keep cords away from towels and fluffy knits, which love to leave bobbles behind in the ridges.
Skip the tumble dryer
Give it a gentle shake and smooth the ridges with your hands while damp, then hang or lay flat to dry.
Steam, don't press
Ironing flat can crush the pile. Use a steamer, or iron on the back on a low setting with a cloth in between.
Cords, but make them yours
Whether you're a jumbo cord loyalist, a needlecord romantic or a leopard print devotee, there's a piece in the collection with your name on it. Corduroy was cool long before it was trending, and it'll be cool long after. We're just happy to be along for the ride.
