Different Types of Corduroy Materials

Corduroy fabric comes in a variety of types, each with its own distinct features. Selecting the appropriate type is crucial to achieving the desired appearance and texture for your next project!

Standard corduroy

A standard corduroy fabric has narrow, thin cords, usually about 1/8 inch wide.

This is the most common type of corduroy material. It has a medium ribbed pattern. It is durable and has a soft, comfortable feel. Corduroy cloth has 11 lines per inch on average. If it has around 8 to 13 lines per inch, it's still called standard corduroy.

Standard corduroy can come in a variety of colors but is often seen in earth tones such as brown, tan, and olive green

Elephant Corduroy

Elephant corduroy fabric has wider cords and deeper ridges. It has a more textured and rugged appearance than standard corduroy.

People usually call it an "elephant cord." It features large, bulky cords that are thick in size. Depending on the specific product, elephant cord fabric can have wale numbers ranging from 1.5 to 6.

It's commonly used for upholstery, jackets, pants, and other clothing items due to its durability and unique texture.

Pinwale corduroy

Pinwale corduroy is a fabric with thin, spaced cords resembling a pinwheel. This corduroy fabric has a soft, lightweight feel to it.

Pinwale corduroy has lots of tiny ridges in every inch of fabric, unlike elephant cord. In its highest quality variations, pinwale corduroy can possess as many as 21 ridges, or "wales," per inch.

It is perfect for clothing items such as shirts, dresses, and skirts. This type of corduroy fabric is popular in warm weather or as a layering option in cooler weather.

Pigment-dyed corduroy

Pigment-dyed corduroy is a fabric treated with pigment dye. It has a unique, faded look and a soft, broken-in feel. It's used for casual clothing items and accessories, such as pants, jackets, hats, and bags. The color may fade over time, giving it a vintage appearance.

Spandex corduroy

Spandex corduroy is a fabric blend of cotton and spandex fiber. It gives it a stretchy, flexible quality, making it comfortable and easy to move in.

It's commonly used for pants, skirts, and jackets. It is also a popular choice for children's clothing because of its durability.