Corduroy – a classic fabric, but is it too old-fashioned for a modern wardrobe? They certainly can be if you don’t style them correctly. But these pants can add variety, color, and a stylish charm to your fall and winter outfits. They also offer a unique texture, warmth, and vintage appeal that can cut through the chill of cold weather. However, knowing how to style corduroy pants can be tricky, as it’s easy to veer into old-man, fuddy-duddy looking territory.
We all had that one uncle or grandparent who wore cords, which has probably put you off from considering these pants. My grandfather, who was a for the most part a stylish man, definitely wore corduroys in the colder months, but in a way that would look a little too old-fashioned today.
This guide will show you everything you need to know to wear corduroy pants and how they can fit in with your cold weather attire. We’ll explore styling options with a more modern edge, from choosing the right fit to pairing them with the perfect top and shoes.
Choosing the right corduroy pants
Choosing the right pair of cords is the obvious place to start. You should consider the following factors:
- Fit: Corduroy pants come in various fits, from slim-fit to wide-leg. They should fit similarly to your favorite chinos. For a more modern look, consider something a bit slimmer to add some shape to your legs. Don’t go too slim, however, as this will create a restrictive and uncomfortable look. For a more classic appeal, go with a straight fit that is still fitted below the knee – it works well with the corduroy style.
- Color: Corduroy pants come in a variety of colors, from classic shades like brown and navy to bolder options like burgundy and green. Choose colors that you love and that complement your existing wardrobe, and don’t be afraid to mix in a bolder seasonal color. Like chinos, the benefits of cords is their color variety.
- Wale: The “wale” refers to the thickness of the ridges in the corduroy fabric. Wider wales are more casual, while thinner wales are slightly dressier and give off a more refined appearance. We recommend a slimmer wale for a more modern look.
- Brands: J. Crew puts out a great pair of corduroy pants for a reasonable price. If you’re on a budget, GAP is a solid choice, and for those with a little more to spend, Bonobos, Proper Cloth, or Spier and Mackay are good options.
What to wear with cords
Up top
Once you have your perfect pair of corduroy pants, it’s time to choose a top. Your shirt is the most important component of any outfit with corduroys. Outerwear is important too, as you’ll probably wear these in cooler weather. Here are some options:
- Button-down shirts: The texture of a classic Oxford collar button-down (OCBD) or chambray shirt will match corduroys best. You don’t want to go with something too smooth (like a poplin shirt), as this fabric will clash with the texture of your pants.
- Sweatshirt: Most people do not think to pair cords with a sweatshirt, but it can be a great casual yet put together outfit for cooler weather. Keep your sweatshirt plain (no hoodies), slim, and clean, preferably in a neutral color (grey, navy, black), and pair it with some bolder colored cords.
- Sweaters: Sweaters and corduroys go together like spaghetti and meatballs. Finer textures, like a knit merino, as well as chunkier or more heavily textured sweaters, like a Shetland or cable-knit, both work equally well. A sweater polo works great too. A crewneck on its own with a pair of cords will give you a warm yet modern outfit. Or you can throw your sweater on over a button down for a more refined look.
- Jackets: A heavier jacket or something with some texture will pair best with cords. Smooth fabrics will fall flat against the texture of your pants. Pea coats, car coats, and overcoats are all good choices. A flannel or tweed sport coat can give you a smart, modern look (like a cool college professor) if executed the right way.
Down low
The right shoes can make or break your outfit. When considering how to style corduroy pants, here are some shoe options to consider:
- Sneakers: Sneakers can dress down your corduroy pants for a casual look. You should mostly opt for classic white sneakers or a pair of canvas sneakers, as anything too flashy can clash with the texture of your pants.
- Loafers: Loafers add a touch of sophistication to your corduroy outfit. They are perfect for dressing up your pants for your dressier situations.
- Boots: Our preference is boots. All the benefits you get of pairing them with chinos apply here too. Workwear boots can add a rugged touch to your corduroy outfit, or a dressier pair, like Chelseas, can add a refined edge. They also tend to work better with the cooler weather.
Ideas
Now that you know how to style corduroy pants, here are a few outfit ideas to get you inspired:
- Casual: Pair your corduroy pants with a plain sweatshirt and sneakers for clean yet relaxed casual look.
- Slightly less casual: Match your corduroy pants with a chunky Aran knit sweater and some Clark’s Desert Boots.
- Smart casual: Dress up your corduroy pants with an OCBD, a knit merino sweater, and some dressier chukka boots for a smart casual look.
- Winter dressy: Elevate your corduroy pants with a flannel sport coat, OCBD, and Chelsea boots for a dressier occasion.
Additional Tips:
- When thinking of how to style corduroy pants, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures. Cords are a great way to introduce some bolder Fall/Winter colors into your wardrobe (think burgundy, pine green, coffee brown, etc…).
- Corduroy pants can be dressed up or down, so feel free to wear them for a number of situations.
- Opt for a slimmer wale for a more modern, slightly dressier appearance.
