Ridge chaser: Nine new ways to wear corduroy's surprising swagger

From Ganni’s louche tailoring to quiet luxury at Gabriela Hearst, unconventional wisdom states that cord is more than just a nod to nostalgia. It’s your new closet bestie.

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025 - 17:59

Annmarie O’Connor

Once dismissed as the fabric of country pursuits and Wes Anderson extras, corduroy resumes its seasonal swagger for autumn/winter 2025.

From Ganni’s louche tailoring to quiet luxury at Gabriela Hearst, unconventional wisdom states that cord is more than just a nod to nostalgia. It’s your new closet bestie.

Let’s start with the basics. The magic is in its texture: those tactile ridges (or ‘wales’ if you’re feeling fancy) add instant depth to any outfit, especially when paired with fabrics like denim, velvet and lace.

Arket’s twist on the quilted jacket in trending tobacco is what your jeans and boots have been waiting for. White Stuff’s ‘Tia’ cord skirt, on the other hand, works best with chunky knits or sharp blazers.

For everyday ease, Boden’s ‘Pimlico’ cord trousers have just enough stretch to survive a full day of meetings or a full Irish weekend brunch.

More of a comfort crusader? Toast’s organic cord pocket jumpsuit is one-and-done–add an Aran cardi, a pair of sneakers and go.

Just don’t forget your crossbody bag. Uniqlo’s mini mála is a cult high street find with good reason: it holds a multitude.

Insider tip: If those Adidas Sambas have seen better days (like us all), White Stuff’s ‘Pippa’ cord lace-ups give Gilmore Girls cosiness (coffee not included).

Me? I love an original which is why I have my eye on Etsy vendors like BoBoVintage. Their striped floral blazer is one-of-a-kind and looks like an elegant hug.

Fabric that gives all the feels. I think we could all use a bit of that right now.

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