Corduroy for Men: How to Wear It This Fall

Discover why corduroy remains an autumn favourite, from its rich history to its timeless appeal in modern menswear. Explore how to style this textured classic, from versatile shirts and overshirts to coordinated sets.

Why We Can’t Get Enough of Corduroy

Text: Matilda Cedergren / Published 2026-10-28 / Guides

As the autumn leaves change colour, our thoughts turn to a fabric that combines durability with timeless elegance: corduroy. It has become an autumn staple and stands as a modern classic for Fall 2026. Here, we explore the history of corduroy and show you how to wear it with style.

The Timeless Appeal of Corduroy

Although corduroy is very much on trend for Fall 2026, it is far from a new material. Its history can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where the city of Al-Fustat became a centre for producing durable woven fabrics. Among these was fustian, a heavier fabric made from linen and cotton with a raised surface reminiscent of corduroy’s distinctive texture.

However, it was not until the late 18th century and the Industrial Revolution that the fabric evolved into the corduroy we know today. Thanks to its durability and excellent insulating properties, it quickly became a popular choice for workwear.

After a period out of the spotlight, corduroy experienced a major revival in the late 1960s, when it became associated with intellectualism and cultural awareness. Today, corduroy is an elegant and versatile classic that we return to year after year, especially when the autumn chill sets in.

How to Wear Corduroy this fall

Corduroy’s characteristic ridges, known as wales, add both softness and tactile texture. The wales can be wide or narrow and are measured by the number of wales per inch. The fewer wales per inch, the wider and more pronounced the ridges. Fine-ribbed corduroy with a high wale count is often referred to as baby cord.

A baby cord shirt is a versatile wardrobe staple. Its textured surface instantly adds a more considered and distinctive look compared to a regular, smooth cotton shirt. Our Walker cord shirt is a great example of how the right fabric can give a classic staple more character.

Many people still associate corduroy with the corduroy blazer of the 1970s, but for a more contemporary silhouette, a corduroy overshirt is an obvious choice. Wear it open over a clean-cut T-shirt or a smooth cotton shirt. Pair it with tailored trousers for a smart-casual look.

If you prefer a more coordinated outfit, try matching your overshirt with corduroy trousers in the same shade. A matching set creates a considered and confident look, allowing the fabric’s distinctive texture to take centre stage. Our Dylan Cord Overshirt 3.0 and Lou Cord Trousers can be combined to create just that look.

With its distinctive texture, insulating properties and timeless appeal, corduroy is a natural choice for men’s autumn fashion. Discover the season’s latest corduroy styles at Ciszere.