Corduroy is a cut-pile fabric — the ridges, called wales, are severed loops. Pressing them flat is what makes old corduroy look bald.
How to wash corduroy
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corduroy | 30°C (86°F) | line dry inside out, smooth the wale while damp | standard |
Use a gentle, inside out cycle and standard. Always wash and dry it inside out. The pile abrades against the drum otherwise, and abraded pile does not stand back up.
Drying and ironing
Dry line dry inside out, smooth the wale while damp. For ironing: inside out, with a cloth, never directly on the pile.
Brushing along the wale with a soft brush while damp lifts the pile back and restores the depth of colour.
How long it should last
Five to fifteen years; the knees and seat wear first.
Quick reference
Corduroy at a glance
- Wash: 30°C (86°F)
- Cycle: gentle, inside out
- Detergent: standard
- Dry: line dry inside out, smooth the wale while damp
- Iron: inside out, with a cloth, never directly on the pile