Wale corduroy fabric

Types of Wale Corduroy Fabric

Corduroy is a durable fabric with protruding ridges or wales. Different types of wale corduroy fabric are based on the wale size, which refers to the number of ribs or lines in a corduroy. Common wale corduroy types include:

• Wide wale corduroy

  This type has broader stripes and is easily noticeable. Generally, wide wale fabrics are coarser and thicker, so they are mostly used for making heavy garments like corduroy jackets and trousers and home decor items like slipcovers and curtains.

• Medium wale corduroy

  Medium wale corduroy has moderately wide ridges, making it a versatile choice. This wale corduroy is used for various applications, such as clothing and upholstery, giving a balance of texture and smoothness.

• Narrow wale corduroy

  This wale corduroy has finer ribs which are close together, giving it a softer appearance. Narrow wale corduroy is often used in more delicate or refined garments like dresses or fitted blouses and lighter home decor items.

• Pinnale corduroy

  This type of wale corduroy has very fine, almost pin-like ridges. Pinnale corduroy offers a subtle texture that is less prominent than in other corduroy types. It is usually used in lightweight clothing and accessories, where a soft, understated texture is desired.

• Shadow wale corduroy

  Shadow wale corduroy features a slight difference in wale sizes across the fabric, creating a shadow effect. It may have two or three wider and finer wales. This unique texture can give a more dynamic look to the fabric, suitable for fashion-forward clothing and decorative items.

Materials and Durability of Wale Corduroy Fabric

Corduroy is renowned for its distinctly textured surface, which consists of cut pile yarns, and its durability. The specific materials and durability largely depend on the wale type. For instance, wide wale corduroy, being coarser, is usually made from heavier cotton yarns, while finer narrow wale corduroy, often crafted from lighter, finer cotton or polyester blends, is smoother and softer.

Most of them are made of cotton or a cotton blend. However, some wide wale corduroy is made from other materials like polyester, nylon, or wool, which enhance its strength and durability. Woolen wale corduroy is warmer and softer, while synthetic blends add resilience and more water and wear resistance.

Durability is a hallmark of corduroy. The cut pile construction makes it withstand heavy usage, making it ideal for apparel like jackets, trousers, and skirts and home decor items like upholstery for furniture, curtains, and throw pillows. Wide wale corduroy is often used in heavy garments, while bright corduroy fabric is used in all fabrics, including furniture and apparel, as it's resilient against fading, ensuring the fabric remains vibrant over time.

Proper care through gentle washing and low-heat drying or air-drying extends the lifespan of corduroy fabrics. Regular brushing and storing away from direct sunlight maintains the texture and color of corduroy fabrics.

Commercial value of Wale Corduroy Fabric

Two wale corduroy fabrics have gained popularity in commercial markets. Available in clothing, upholstery, and accessories, the fabric is valued for its unique texture, durability, and vintage appeal. Below is a commercial value of wale corduroy fabric:

• Apparel

  Due to its versatile nature, position as a staple fabric in the apparel industry, in particular. From jackets and trousers to skirts and dresses, the wale corduroy adds warmth and depth to the clothing.

• Home decor

  Wale corduroy is extensively used in home decor items like curtains, throw pillows, and upholstery. Its rich texture and sturdiness make it a favored choice for homeowners seeking stylish and comfortable interiors. It contributes to a cozy yet sophisticated aesthetic, enhancing both modern and retro-inspired interior designs.

• Accessories

  The material is used in handbags, hats, and shoes, offering a unique and fashionable alternative to other fabrics. The different wale sizes provide a variety of looks, from refined to rugged, appealing to various consumers.

• Sustainability

  Since corduroy is mainly made from cotton, it often comes from organic or recycled sources. It appeals to environmentally conscious consumers, thus adding to its growing market appeal.

• Seasonal appeal

  Wale corduroy fabric's rich texture and warmth make it ideal for fall and winter collections. It is regularly used for seasonal apparel that requires both style and comfort.

• Nostalgic appeal

  The material is typically associated with retro and vintage styles. So it has a strong emotional appeal to older consumers wishing for a throwback to styles they previously wore.

• Versatility

  Different wale sizes make the fabric adaptable for various applications, allowing designers to explore innovative ideas across multiple fashion lines.

How to Choose Wale Corduroy Fabric

Choosing the best corduroy fabric for a project involves several considerations. These factors should be evaluated based on the pending processing methods and end use.

• Wale size: The wale size impacts corduroy fabric appearance and texture. Wide wales create a bold, rugged look and feel compared to medium and narrow wales, which are subtler and smoother. Choosing wale size will depend on the end use since applications requiring more durability, like upholstery, will benefit from the wider wales.
• Material composition: While traditional corduroy is made from cotton, modern variations may include polyester or elastane. Cotton provides breathability and natural aesthetic properties, while polyester adds strength and resistance to fading. Stretch corduroy, often blended with elastane, adds flexibility essential for fitted garments.
• Pile height: The protruding cut pile of the corduroy influences the texture and feel. Longer pines generally give a plusher surface, while shorter ones present a neater, more refined look. Longer piles are ideal for seasonal wear to provide insulation and comfort, whereas shorter piles are often suited for activewear, tailoring, and home decor for easy maintenance.
• Fabric weight: This factors in substantially in terms of drape and opacity. Lightweight corduroy is appropriate for shirts and dresses since they allow easy flows. Heavier corduroy is perfect for thicker garments where structure and insulation are required, such as jackets, trousers, and outerwear.

Uses of Wale Corduroy Fabric

Apart from decorative and fashion applications, wale corduroy fabric has various uses in different industries due to its durability, texture, and aesthetic appeal. Below are the common uses:

• Apparel

  Wide corduroy cloth is used in apparel such as jackets, trousers, skirts, shirts, and vests. It adds warmth and comfort, making it ideal for cooler weather. Upholstery

  Corduroy fabric is used for upholstering furniture like sofas, chairs, and cushions, giving interiors a rich, textured look. It provides a retro aesthetic and practical comfort.

• Home textiles

  Corduroy is used in various home textile items like curtains, throws, and pillow covers, contributing to a cozy, layered interior design. Accessories

  Corduroy is popular in bags, hats, scarves, and gloves, adding unique texture and warmth to these accessories. Its durability also makes it suitable for heavy-use items.

• Footwear

  Some shoes and boots incorporate corduroy for a stylish, comfortable look, especially in casual and retro-inspired designs. Children's products

  Corduroy is sometimes used in clothing, blankets, and upholstery for children's items, as it is a soft, non-irritating, and durable texture for little ones.

• Sports and outdoor wear

  Due to its durability and warmth, wale corduroy fabric is used in lining for sports jackets, hiking pants, and outdoor gear suitable for mild to cool conditions. Pet products

  Durable nature of corduroy makes it ideal for pet beds, blankets, and toys, as it withstands wear and provides comfort to pets.

Q and A

Q1. What is wale corduroy fabric?

A1. Corduroy is a durable, textured fabric characterized by its distinct ridges or wales. These wales are the cut piles of the fabric, in which two or more are set upright. While there are many types of corduroy based on wale size, wide wale corduroy has the broadest ribs, providing a coarse, bold texture. Conversely, narrow wale has finer ribs. Medium wale corduroy is the most corduroy, as it has a moderate wale size.

Q2. Where is wale corduroy fabric commonly used?

A2. Wide wale corduroy is commonly used for apparel like jackets, trousers, skirts, and shirts. It adds warmth and comfort, making it ideal for cool-weather clothing. Narrow corduroy fabric is also used for home decor items such as upholstery for sofas and chairs, curtains, and throw pillows, giving interiors a rich, retro look. Wale corduroy is equally popular for accessories like bags, hats, scarves, and footwear, where its unique texture and durability enhance style and functionality.

Q3. How is wale corduroy fabric maintained?

A3. Proper care of wale corduroy maintains its texture and durability. Gentle washing in cold water and air drying are recommended to prevent shrinkage and fading. Avoiding bleach and washing in a gentle cycle helps protect the fabric's ribs. Corduroy can be ironed on a low setting to remove wrinkles, but a cloth should be placed over the fabric to avoid flattening the wales.