Cozy in Cords
There’s this antiquated fabric. It’s sophisticated like khaki and softer than denim. It’s boring like Catholic school yet eclectic like Carolyn Besette-Kennedy. The fashion forward has tried it. And your dad probably still buys it.
Corduroy.
The pandemic has more men home and in the kitchen resulting in tighter waistbands and even tighter wallets. With no end in sight and immune systems stretched thin, many slide around in sweats. But what if this kind of cotton could offer sophistication and complement this sloth-like stasis. Let’s squeeze in.
Corduroy’s roots are debatable. Some trace it to ancient Egypt, others to the closet of King Henry VIII. But regardless of form, it’s typically more function than fashion. From blazers to baggies it’s a winter weather staple.
When cotton is cut into cords it gains that unique fuzzy texture. These cords, known also as wales, can be cut wider depending on the garment. For example, a pair of pants would consist of wider, thus warmer, wales. A jacket may have thinner and more befitting lines.
In caring for the fabric, most labels specify washing inside out in order to reduce matte and prevent fade. Except a washed out pair may enhance that vintage, well traveled look. A la personal preference.
Styles, at least for pants, tend to stick to the times. Decades past have favored the more relaxed, pleated style. But now thanks to some creative design, many are mimicking jeans and doing so with added comfort.
Faherty Brand is a modern mix of a cleaner Abercrombie and surf cool. It’s a family run label led by twins, Alex and Mike Faherty, along with Alex’s wife, Kerry. They design equally flattering pieces for both sexes, but when it comes to men’s corduroy pants they’ve flattered more than a flannel.
A bit pricey for some — it’s 5-pocket pair costs $168. Albeit decent denim does set one back three figures, salaries and self-image are set back even further, so the ends may not justify the means. However, the ends of these pants are durable. Grandpa’s closet durable. They also bunch neatly over a boot or sneaker. And whether it’s the end of a kitchen seat or the just the end of the couch, no comfort is lost.
Surfer and environmentalist Kelly Slater started his brand Outerknown as an embrace of and outcry for ocean preservation. Its clean California casual doesn’t skimp on materials, nor manufacturing. With sustainability as its guide, the brand’s commitment to the planet deems it Patagonia’s coif little cousin.
Perhaps Slater’s biggest win is the relaxed waistband sweat style corduroy pants. The elastic band lets the wearer’s weight fluctuate a good ten pounds without even noticing their depressed dad bod. With a relaxed yet still formal cut, this Paz Pant is slightly cheaper than the Faherty alternative, but just as functional.
New age brands like Bonobos and Marine Layer offer similar low-rise and tapered looks. For a more classic and original preppy feel, J-Crew and Brooks Brothers provide more than adequate styling.
With a vaccine in sight, sweats may soon be sidelined. And if jeans and khakis seem too formal, cords could add just enough chic while retaining the now customary ‘cozy.’
