Corduroy Pants: A Classic That’s Always in Style

You know the feeling when you slip on that favorite pair of pants that you’ve had for ages and they’re perfectly broken in and comfortable? For many fashion-conscious folks, a pair of corduroy pants elicits that same sense of coziness and nostalgia. Corduroy pants are a timeless classic that conjure up memories of fall days back in school when the chill in the air meant it was time to don the corduroys.

While trends come and go, corduroy pants remain a wardrobe staple that’s always in style. The distinctive parallel ridges give corduroy a texture like no other fabric. Corduroy pants are versatile too, pairing well with everything from button-down shirts to sweaters to t-shirts. Whether you prefer a slim, tapered leg or a baggier, relaxed fit, there’s a perfect pair of corduroy pants out there for you.

This season, rediscover the retro appeal and endless comfort of corduroy pants. Once you experience that soft, plush fabric and the way a great pair of corduroys drapes on your body, you’ll remember why they’ve been a favorite for generations. Corduroy pants are indeed a timeless classic that’s always in style.

The History of Corduroy Pants

The corduroy pant has been around since the early 1800s, believe it or not. At first, corduroy was mostly used to make workwear and hunting gear because the thick, ridged fabric was durable and warm.

The Move to Mainstream

In the 1960s and ’70s, corduroy pants became popular as casual wear among students and young adults. Wide-wale corduroy bell-bottoms and bootcut pants were all the rage. This helped corduroy transition from practical workwear to a fashionable wardrobe staple.

Today, corduroy pants remain a classic that’s always in style. From pinwale to wide-wale, you can find corduroy pants in cuts and colors for any occasion. Khakis, browns and forest greens are traditional, but corduroy now comes in a rainbow of hues like mustard yellow, berry red and teal.

Whether you prefer a fitted five-pocket pant, a vintage-inspired wide leg or something in between, corduroy pants provide texture and visual interest to any outfit. Pair them with a crisp button-down for a smart casual look or a cozy sweater for a laidback feel.

Care and Keeping

To keep your corduroy pants looking their best, machine wash them separately the first time and air dry away from heat. After that, you can machine dry them on low heat while avoiding over-drying. For stubborn stains, pretreat the area before washing and check the care label to ensure it’s safe to bleach white or light-colored corduroys if needed. With proper care and handling, a quality pair of corduroy pants should last you many seasons.

Why Corduroy Pants Are a Timeless Classic

Corduroy pants have been a fall and winter staple for decades, and for good reason. Their soft, ridged texture is cozy and stylish, perfect for the cooler months.

Comfort and Warmth

Corduroy pants are made of a thick, durable cotton fabric with ridges that provide insulation. They’re perfect for keeping you warm on chilly days without overheating. The soft, plush feel of corduroy is comfortable against the skin too. For extra coziness, look for corduroys made of wide wale corduroy, which has bigger, more pronounced ridges.

Enduring Style

Corduroy pants are a timeless classic that never really go out of style. Their casual, laid-back look pairs well with sweaters, flannels, and other cold-weather favorites. Corduroy pants come in a variety of cuts like straight leg, bootcut, and slim fit. For a retro look, opt for a pair of wide-leg corduroy bell bottoms. In classic colors like tan, brown and forest green, corduroy pants are stylish yet understated.

Long-Lasting Durability

High-quality corduroy pants can last for many years with proper care. Corduroy is a durable, sturdy fabric that stands up well to repeated wash and wear. For the longest life, machine wash corduroy pants in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat. Avoid fabric softener which can damage the cords over time. With a bit of care, a great pair of corduroy pants can become a wardrobe staple for seasons to come.

Corduroy pants are a timeless, cozy, and stylish choice for fall and winter. Their soft texture, comfortable fit, and durable construction make them a wardrobe essential you’ll enjoy for years.

The Many Styles of Corduroy Pants

Corduroy pants come in a variety of styles to suit any occasion or personal taste. Whether you prefer a fitted, tailored look or a loose and casual vibe, there’s a perfect pair of cords for you.

Straight Leg

The classic straight leg corduroy pant is a timeless, versatile option. It has a medium rise, sits just below the waist, and has legs that fall straight from the hip to the ankle. Straight leg cords pair well with tucked-in button-down shirts or sweaters for a preppy look or untucked tees for a more relaxed style.

Bootcut

For a stylish yet comfortable look, consider bootcut corduroys. They have a slight flare at the bottom of the leg to accommodate boots. Bootcut cords are ideal for casual days and weekends. Team them with a henley tee or flannel shirt and your favorite boots or sneakers.

Skinny

Show off your shape with fitted skinny corduroys. Skinny cords have a snug, narrow cut through the hip, thigh, and ankle. They work well for both casual and nighttime looks. Dress up skinny corduroys with a blazer, button-down shirt, and oxfords or keep it laid back with a graphic tee and slip-on shoes.

Cargo

Cargo corduroys feature multiple pockets along the legs for a utilitarian style. The loose, relaxed fit and pockets are perfect for outdoor activities and adventures. Cargo cords pair best with casual tops like t-shirts, henleys, sweatshirts and light jackets. For footwear, try hiking boots, canvas sneakers or lace-up boots.

Whatever your personal style, there’s a pair of corduroy pants perfect for you. Explore the different cuts and washes to find your new favorite cords.

How to Wear Corduroy Pants for Different Occasions

Corduroy pants are versatile and can be dressed up or down for different occasions. Here are some tips for wearing them for any event:

Casual

For a relaxed day out and about, pair your corduroys with a simple t-shirt or button-down and sneakers. Throw on a jacket for extra warmth and you’ve got an effortless casual look. This outfit works great for running errands, meeting friends for coffee or lunch, or enjoying outdoor activities.

Work

Corduroy pants can also be office-appropriate, especially in more casual work environments. Tuck in a button-down shirt and add a sweater or blazer for a put-together look. Finish the outfit with loafers or oxfords. This style is perfect for days when you want to be comfortable but still professional.

Date Night

For an evening out, dress up your corduroys with a stylish top, heels or booties, and simple accessories like a watch or jewelry. A silk blouse or lace camisole paired with tall boots creates an elegant look for dinner at your favorite restaurant or seeing a show. For cooler nights, bring along a stylish coat to complete your date night ensemble.

Holidays

Around the holidays, corduroys can be ideal for everything from casual gatherings to formal events. For a festive holiday party, tuck in a button-down shirt and add a vest, bow tie, or suspenders for a dapper retro-inspired getup. For a more relaxed vibe at a friend’s holiday open house, keep things simple with a seasonal sweater and loafers. However you choose to wear them, corduroy pants are a timeless and comfortable choice for any holiday occasion.

In the end, corduroy pants can be dressed up or down and worn for nearly any event when styled properly. Their versatility and comfort make them a wardrobe staple you’ll reach for again and again.

Where to Find the Best Corduroy Pants

So you’ve decided corduroy pants are making a comeback in your wardrobe. Excellent choice—now you just need to find the perfect pair. Here are some of the best places to shop for high-quality, stylish corduroy pants.

Madewell

Madewell is a go-to for casual yet fashionable corduroy pants. They offer skinny, straight-leg, and wide-leg cuts in a variety of autumnal hues like loden green, chestnut brown, and wine red. Their corduroy fabric is mid-weight, making their pants perfect for fall weather. Prices range from $80 to $150.

J.Crew

J.Crew carries corduroy pants in classic cuts and colors, as well as more trendy cropped and balloon-leg styles. They frequently run sales, so you can often find their corduroy pants for under $100. J.Crew’s corduroy is usually lighter weight, suitable for layering. They have petite, regular, and tall size options.

Gap

Gap provides budget-friendly corduroy pants, usually around $60 or less. While their selection may be more limited, you can find essential straight-leg and bootcut corduroy pants for both men and women. Gap’s corduroy fabric tends to be mid-weight and their pants are very comfortable and casual. They frequently have additional discounts and promo codes to help you save.

Thrift Stores

For a vintage vibe, check your local thrift stores. You may be able to find high-quality corduroy pants from brands like Levi’s, Dickies, and Carhartt for under $30. Thrift stores often have a wide range of styles, cuts, and sizes from different eras. You can find heavier, sherpa-lined corduroy suitable for outdoor work or lighter, retro 70’s inspired bell bottoms. Thrifting is also an eco-friendly way to shop.

Corduroy pants are timeless, so take your time to find a pair in the perfect size, cut, color, and price for you. Whether new or used, skinny or wide-leg, dark or bright, the options are endless. Happy hunting!

Conclusion

So there you have it, corduroy pants are a timeless staple you need in your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking to channel nostalgia from decades past or simply want a pair of pants that are comfortable yet stylish, corduroy is the way to go. They transition well from season to season and pair nicely with t-shirts, button-downs, sweaters – you name it. Don’t let their association with professors of yore fool you, corduroy pants can be fashion-forward and on-trend. The next time you’re rifling through the racks at your favorite clothing store, do yourself a favor and pick up a pair of those classic corduroy pants. You’ll be glad you did.