Short answer
Corduroy is traditionally made from cotton, but it is not limited to cotton. It can also be made from polyester, other synthetic fibers, or blends such as cotton with polyester (see cotton vs cotton-polyester blend) or a little spandex for stretch. The word describes a construction with raised ridges, not a single fiber, so the only reliable way to know is to check the content label.
Corduroy is a construction, not a fiber
Corduroy is a pile fabric with parallel ridges called wales running along its length. The ridges come from extra yarns that are woven into a base cloth and then cut to form soft tufts. Because the construction can be made from many fibers, corduroy sits in the same category as other textures like jacquard and chenille, which also describe how a fabric is built rather than what it is made of.
Cotton, polyester and blends compared
| Type | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| 100% cotton | Soft, breathable, classic feel; can wrinkle and may shrink |
| Cotton/polyester blend | Often more wrinkle resistant and shape-retaining; less breathable than pure cotton |
| Polyester | Durable and easy care; typically less breathable and can feel different from cotton |
| With spandex or elastane | Adds stretch and comfort for fitted pants |
These are general tendencies. Quality, weight and finish vary between makers.
How corduroy is made
In simplified terms, corduroy production involves weaving a fabric with extra weft yarns that float over the base, cutting those floats to create pile, brushing them upright, and then finishing and dyeing the cloth. Because it takes extra yarn and extra steps compared with a plain weave, it is a more involved fabric to produce.
Types of corduroy
- Wide wale. Thicker, more visible ridges, often used for jackets, pants and upholstery (see the best type of fabric for chairs).
- Pinwale. Very fine ridges, softer in appearance, used for shirts and lighter garments.
- Stretch corduroy. Contains elastic fibers for comfort.
- Printed corduroy. Pattern applied over the ridged surface.
Other labels, such as “elephant cord” for very wide ridges, are used by some brands.
How to tell what your corduroy is made of
- Read the care and content label on garments, or the product listing for yardage.
- Look at the percentages. “100% cotton” is traditional; any polyester or elastane will be listed.
- Consider the feel. Cotton tends to feel softer and more matte, while polyester can feel slicker, though finishes make this unreliable.
- If there is no label, check with the maker or seller rather than guessing.
Can you stretch corduroy pants?
Corduroy that contains spandex or elastane will give more. Pure cotton corduroy has limited stretch (see is cotton stretchable) and can feel tight if the size is too small. Cotton can relax slightly with wear, and some people try gentle stretching methods, but these have limited effect and may harm the pile or seams. Choosing the right size or a stretch version is a safer approach.
Why corduroy can be expensive
Corduroy is more complex to make than a plain weave because of the extra yarn and the cutting and finishing steps. Higher-quality cotton, dense pile and sturdy construction also add to cost. Polyester or blended versions are often cheaper, but price depends on brand and quality more than fiber alone.
Care basics
Follow the label. Many corduroy items do better when turned inside out for washing, which helps protect the pile, and cotton versions may shrink if washed and dried hot (see does cotton shrink in the wash). If you plan on keeping pants in shape, consider air drying or low heat. See the care label for any dry clean only instructions.