Corduroy Shirts

Corduroy Shirts: Staying Alive Through The Ages

Some would argue that corduroy first originated in ancient Egypt and a few others would say the first sighting was in the American town of Worcester. In whichever direction the debate goes, what we know for sure is that almost three centuries later, corduroy shirts are still here. Thriving and how!

Corduroy owes its existence to another fabric known as fustian. Fustian in its original form didn’t have a raised texture as the corduroy does but it was in demand owing to its sturdy nature. Corduroy evolved from fustian and was used primarily for uniforms, children’s clothes, and military uniforms. Over the years, the cord shirt has undergone a huge transformation!

The comeback of the corduroy shirt

What makes a winter morning better than a smart corduroy shirt and a plaid blazer? Very few things. Bringing together a vintage vibe with a contemporary element, corduroy shirts have become a permanent feature in the global fashion scene. For a fashion enthusiast, the evolution of the good old corduroy shirt is not only fascinating but an example of how dynamic the fashion world is.

Corduroy shirts have had many noteworthy admirers such as Ben Franklin, Wes Anderson, Bob Dylan, and Pablo Picasso. As the humble fabric made it to the wardrobe of the worthy, it left the streets – only to make an appearance a few years later. Many fashion researchers have said that fabrics that find their way back over and over again are meant to stay, to evolve, and grow with global fashion sensibilities – we feel that corduroy does justice to this. Corduroy shirts today are a canvas for curious fashion aspirants to style and experiment with.

So, what sets corduroy shirts apart?

Besides, its raw appeal and textured richness, corduroy shirts continue to charm us for their reliability. As spring beckons, corduroy shirts come out in all their glory to be effortlessly paired with our basics. The warm, rich colours that this classic is available in make it all the more special. The forever in demand teal, the royalty of navy, or the freshness of mustard makes the variety of corduroy shirts a wardrobe staple.

And how can you style your corduroy shirt?

Where most of us falter with the corduroy shirt is in the styling. How much is too much is never the right question when it comes to a cord shirt. It has to be minimalistic for the fabric to stand out and for the comfort to set in. Some have gone as far as to say that corduroy shirts can be like a second skin. It holds the potential to be a statement piece but it’s always wise to pair it with something simple and classic. Steer away from prints, textured pairings, and too many accessories.

For the novice

It might be a little daunting for a newbie to experiment with men’s corduroy shirts, but the experience is well worth the effort. You can start basic and try only solids. Warm, bold colours such as olive, mustard, and burgundy are good picks. Don’t pair it with loud prints or bold colours but stick to a simple colour tone and we think you will carry it just fine. If you are looking to try corduroy shirts for a formal occasion, we recommend styling them with a blazer and tapered trousers. A word of caution: don’t experiment with cord shirts for a formal event, especially if this is your first tryst with the fabric.

For the experienced

Experiment with colours and let the fabric do the talking. For the experienced, our only recommendation is to play with the cord shirt as the primary statement piece. Everything should complement the cord shirt and you’ll see how well your look comes together.

Corduroy shirts with chinos

Stepping out for a lazy brunch or coffee in the evening? There couldn’t be a more relaxed attire than a corduroy shirt and a pair of plain chinos in beige, grey, or black.

Corduroy shirts with a light jacket

For the chill in the winter months, you can add a plain, suede blazer to complete the look. While this may be a little old school for some of us, it’s quintessential of a time when corduroy shirts ruled the streets.

Corduroy shirts with denim

Now, this pairing is for the risk takers. It’s bold and charming in equal parts. Pair solid corduroy shirts with washed out denim and you have yourself a smart, casual look. We suggest sticking to rich colours when dressing down the cord shirt.

The Zodiac wardrobe

At Zodiac, the collection of corduroy shirts are telling of their history and their evolution. The rich collection comprises tailored fit shirts crafted with 100% cotton and 21 wales cord finish. Our Z3 corduroy shirts are available in a range of colours such as mustard, black, navy, and teal. What stands out is the manufacturing and environmentally conscious process. Our corduroy shirts are dyed through an eco friendly process which allows the vintage look to shine through.

There are a variety of corduroy shirts online but it’s important to know what you are looking for and how it fits into your unique style.

Think relaxed and not tailored

A cord shirt is not slim fit, doesn’t need to be tucked in and if you are looking for a relaxed look, corduroy shirts come to your rescue. Perhaps, this is the reason that the fabric has been underestimated over the ages. While it has always made a strong comeback, it deserves a place high up your wardrobe, irrespective of age and style.