Corduroy
Corduroy is a textile composed of twisted fibers that, when woven, lie parallel (similar to twill) to one another to form the cloth's distinct pattern, a "cord." Modern corduroy is most commonly composed of tufted cords, sometimes exhibiting a channel (bare to the base fabric) between the tufts. Corduroy is, in essence, a ridged form of velvet.
The word corduroy probably originates as a compound of the words cord and obsolete duroy (a name of a coarse fabric made in England). The interpretation of the word as corde du roi (from French, the cord of the King) is a folk etymology. [1] [2]
As a fabric, corduroy is considered a durable cloth. Corduroy is found in the construction of trousers, jackets and shirts. The width of the cord is commonly referred to as the size of the "wale" (i.e. the number of ridges per inch).[3] The lower the "wale" number, the thicker the width of the wale (i.e., 4-wale is much thicker than 11-wale). Corduroy’s wale count per inch can vary from 1.5 to 21, although the traditional standard falls somewhere between 10 and 12. Wide wale is more commonly used in trousers and furniture upholstery (primarily couches); medium, narrow, and fine wale fabrics are usually found in garments worn above the waist.
Corduroy is made by weaving extra sets of fiber into the base fabric to form vertical ridges called wales. The wales are built so that clear lines can be seen when they are cut into pile. The primary types of corduroy are:
- Standard wale: 11 wales/inch, and available in many colors. This cloth is sturdy and practical.
- Pincord/pinwale/needlecord: Pincord is the finest cord around with a count at the upper end of the spectrum (above 16) and has a feel as soft as velveteen.
- Pigment dyed/printed corduroy: The process of coloring or printing corduroy with pigment dyes. The dye is applied to the surface of the fabric, then the garment is cut and sewn. When washed during the final phase of the manufacturing process, the pigment dye washes out in an irregular way, creating a vintage look. The color of each garment becomes softer with each washing, and there is a subtle color variation from one to the next. No two are alike.
Other names
Other names are often used for corduroy. Alternative names include: corded velveteen, elephant cord, pin cord, Manchester cloth and cords.[4]
In continental Europe, corduroy is commonly known simply as "Manchester" or "Cord".
Corduroy Appreciation Day
The dates of 1|11 and 11|11 have been dubbed as Corduroy Appreciation Day, because of their visual similarity to corduroy wales. The date of 11|11|11 is considered to be the "holiest" of Corduroy Appreciation days.[5]
See also
References
- ^ "Online Etymology Dictionary". Retrieved 2012-05-26.
- ^ "Dictionary.com". Retrieved 2012-05-26.
- ^ Daniel Billett. "Wale". About.com. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
{{cite web}}: External link in|author= - ^ http://www.fashion-era.com/velvets/velvet.htm Fashion Fabrics, Velvet in Fashion 2005-2006, By Pauline Weston Thomas
- ^ http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/10/corduroy_appreciation_club_seeks_kid.php Corduroy Appreciation Club Seeks NYC Child Turning 11 on November 11, as Their 'Messiah', by Jen Doll