Corduroy Care Guide
Warm, durable and instantly recognisable by its distinctive ribbed texture, corduroy is a longstanding favourite for cooler weather. From trousers and shirts to overshirts and jackets, proper care will help preserve the colour, shape and characteristic wales of your corduroy clothing. Follow our guide to washing, drying and caring for corduroy to keep it looking its best.
How to Care for Corduroy
Corduroy is a hard wearing fabric, but its raised surface requires a little extra attention. The parallel ridges, known as wales, give corduroy its distinctive appearance and can become flattened or distorted by excessive heat, friction or pressure.
Before cleaning any corduroy garment, always check the individual care label. Washing instructions can vary depending on the composition, construction and finish of the garment, and some pieces may require professional dry cleaning.
How to Wash Corduroy
If the care label allows machine washing, turn your corduroy garment inside out before placing it in the washing machine. This helps protect the raised surface from friction and reduces wear to the wales.
Wash similar colours together and avoid washing corduroy alongside fabrics that shed lint, such as towels and fleece, as fibres can become caught in the pile.
Use a mild detergent and select the temperature and cycle recommended on the care label. Avoid overloading the washing machine, as giving garments room to move helps reduce unnecessary friction and heavy creasing.
How to Dry Corduroy
Always follow the drying instructions on the garment care label. Where appropriate, corduroy can be air dried naturally, with the garment carefully reshaped while damp to help minimise creasing.
Avoid excessive heat, which can cause shrinkage or affect the texture of the fabric. Only tumble dry corduroy if the individual care instructions state that it is suitable.
Once dry, gently brushing the fabric in the direction of the pile can help restore the appearance of the wales.
How to Iron Corduroy
Corduroy's raised texture means it needs a little more care when ironing. Applying heavy pressure directly to the surface can flatten the wales and leave unwanted marks.
Check the care label for the recommended iron temperature and, where possible, turn the garment inside out before ironing. Use a light touch and avoid pressing down heavily. Placing a clean cloth between the iron and fabric can provide additional protection.
For lighter creases, steaming can be a useful alternative as it helps relax the fabric without applying direct pressure to the pile.
How to Keep Corduroy Looking Its Best
Corduroy does not necessarily need washing after every wear. Airing garments between wears and gently brushing away surface dust can help keep them fresh, while small marks can be spot cleaned where appropriate.
When storing corduroy, avoid tightly packing garments together for long periods as this can flatten the pile. Trousers and jackets can be hung carefully, while knitwear style pieces and softer garments should be stored according to their individual care instructions.
Caring for a Country Favourite
With its warmth, durability and distinctive texture, corduroy has earned its place as a British country favourite. A little extra care when washing, drying and storing your cord clothing will help preserve its appearance and keep it feeling comfortable for years to come.
Always follow the individual garment care label for the best results.