Corduroy, a fabric known for its textured, ribbed appearance, has been a staple in fashion for centuries. The unique characteristic that sets corduroy apart from other fabrics is the “wale,” which refers to the number of ridges or ribs per inch. In this article, we will delve into the different types of corduroy, exploring the various wales and their distinct characteristics.
Understanding the Wale of Corduroy
The wale of corduroy is measured by counting the number of ridges or ribs per inch. This measurement can vary significantly, resulting in different types of corduroy with unique textures and appearances. The wale is an essential factor in determining the overall look and feel of corduroy fabric.
The History of Corduroy
Corduroy has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. The fabric originated in France, where it was known as “corde du roi,” or “king’s cord.” Initially, corduroy was a luxury fabric worn by the upper class, but it eventually became more widely available and was adopted by the working class. The fabric’s durability and practicality made it an ideal choice for workwear, and it remained a staple in many industries for centuries.
Types of Corduroy by Wale
Corduroy can be broadly classified into several types based on the wale. Here are some of the most common types of corduroy:
Pincord (12-15 wale)
Pincord is a type of corduroy with a very fine wale, typically between 12-15 ridges per inch. This fabric has a smooth, subtle texture and is often used for dress pants, skirts, and other formal garments.
Pinpoint Corduroy (16-18 wale)
Pinpoint corduroy has a slightly wider wale than pincord, typically between 16-18 ridges per inch. This fabric has a slightly more pronounced texture than pincord and is often used for casual pants, jackets, and other everyday garments.
Regular Corduroy (10-12 wale)
Regular corduroy has a medium wale, typically between 10-12 ridges per inch. This fabric has a classic, textured appearance and is often used for workwear, such as overalls and jackets.
Wide Wale Corduroy (6-8 wale)
Wide wale corduroy has a very coarse wale, typically between 6-8 ridges per inch. This fabric has a rugged, textured appearance and is often used for heavy-duty workwear, such as construction pants and jackets.
Extra Wide Wale Corduroy (4-6 wale)
Extra wide wale corduroy has an extremely coarse wale, typically between 4-6 ridges per inch. This fabric has a very rugged, textured appearance and is often used for specialized workwear, such as logging pants and jackets.
Other Types of Corduroy
In addition to the types of corduroy classified by wale, there are several other types of corduroy that are worth mentioning:
Velvet Corduroy
Velvet corduroy is a type of corduroy that has a soft, velvety pile on the surface of the fabric. This fabric has a luxurious appearance and is often used for formal garments, such as suits and dresses.
Stretch Corduroy
Stretch corduroy is a type of corduroy that has a small amount of stretch added to the fabric. This fabric is often used for garments that require a bit of flexibility, such as pants and skirts.
Water-Resistant Corduroy
Water-resistant corduroy is a type of corduroy that has been treated with a water-repellent coating. This fabric is often used for outdoor garments, such as jackets and pants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, corduroy is a versatile fabric that comes in a wide range of types and wales. From the fine, smooth texture of pincord to the rugged, textured appearance of extra wide wale corduroy, there is a type of corduroy to suit every need and occasion. Whether you’re looking for a formal garment or a durable work pant, corduroy is a great choice.
What is corduroy fabric?
Corduroy fabric is a type of textile with a distinct ridged or striped pattern, known as “wales.” It is made from cotton, polyester, or a blend of fibers, and is characterized by its soft, durable, and versatile nature. Corduroy fabric is often used to make clothing, upholstery, and other home decor items.
The unique texture of corduroy fabric is created by weaving extra sets of yarns, known as “floats,” which are woven in a specific way to create the ridges or stripes. The number of floats and the way they are woven determine the width and density of the wales, which can vary depending on the type of corduroy fabric.
What are the different types of corduroy fabric?
There are several types of corduroy fabric, including wide wale, narrow wale, and pinpoint corduroy. Wide wale corduroy has wide, thick ridges, while narrow wale corduroy has narrower, more delicate ridges. Pinpoint corduroy has very fine, closely spaced ridges. Other types of corduroy fabric include velvet corduroy, which has a soft, plush pile, and stretch corduroy, which has added elastane for flexibility.
Each type of corduroy fabric has its own unique characteristics and uses. Wide wale corduroy is often used for casual, rustic clothing and home decor items, while narrow wale corduroy is often used for more formal or dressy items. Pinpoint corduroy is often used for high-end or luxury clothing and accessories.
What is the difference between wide wale and narrow wale corduroy?
The main difference between wide wale and narrow wale corduroy is the width and density of the ridges. Wide wale corduroy has wide, thick ridges, typically 1/4 inch or wider, while narrow wale corduroy has narrower, more delicate ridges, typically 1/8 inch or narrower. This difference in wale width affects the overall texture and appearance of the fabric.
Wide wale corduroy is often used for casual, rustic clothing and home decor items, such as jackets, pants, and upholstery. Narrow wale corduroy is often used for more formal or dressy items, such as dresses, skirts, and suits. The choice between wide wale and narrow wale corduroy depends on the desired look and feel of the finished product.
What is pinpoint corduroy?
Pinpoint corduroy is a type of corduroy fabric with very fine, closely spaced ridges. The wales are typically very narrow, often less than 1/16 inch wide, and are spaced very closely together. This creates a smooth, dense texture that is often used for high-end or luxury clothing and accessories.
Pinpoint corduroy is often used for dressy or formal items, such as suits, dresses, and coats. It is also used for high-end accessories, such as hats, scarves, and bags. The fine texture and dense weave of pinpoint corduroy make it a popular choice for items that require a high level of quality and sophistication.
What is velvet corduroy?
Velvet corduroy is a type of corduroy fabric with a soft, plush pile. The fabric is woven with an extra set of yarns that create a soft, velvety texture on the surface of the fabric. This texture is often used for clothing and accessories that require a luxurious or high-end feel.
Velvet corduroy is often used for formal or dressy items, such as evening wear, coats, and accessories. It is also used for home decor items, such as upholstery and drapes. The soft, plush texture of velvet corduroy makes it a popular choice for items that require a high level of comfort and luxury.
What is stretch corduroy?
Stretch corduroy is a type of corduroy fabric with added elastane for flexibility. The fabric is woven with a small amount of elastane, typically 2-5%, which allows it to stretch and recover. This makes stretch corduroy a popular choice for clothing and accessories that require a high level of flexibility and comfort.
Stretch corduroy is often used for active wear, such as pants, jackets, and skirts. It is also used for clothing and accessories that require a high level of flexibility, such as dance wear and athletic wear. The added elastane in stretch corduroy makes it a popular choice for items that require a high level of comfort and flexibility.