The History of Cords
This autumn/winter sees the return of a truly vintage fashion style; corduroy. There are ideas that corduroy evolved from an ancient cotton weaving technique of fustian, which can be traced back to 200 AD in Egypt and the city of Fustat near Cairo.
Fustian came to Europe in the 12th and 14th century and due to its tufted velvety nature, it quickly became a sought-after exotic textile for the rich.
During the 16th and 17th century, imitation fustian started being made in Europe itself, with the UK and Ireland becoming home to fustian makers from the mid-late 16th century, where they would often use a mix of wool and cotton or cotton and linen.
By the 18th Century, it had become known more as cotton and linen woven mixed fabric which has a raised and sheared nap. It was a common choice of material due to the fact it was warm, hard-wearing and quick drying. It was also produced in multiple ways allowing for cheaper alternatives, which were modest but popular, while the very rich such as King Henry VIII could afford Naples fustian which used the original techniques and used true-cut pile.
It was also during the 18th Century that the term corduroy was coined, after the terms cord and duroy, which was a coarse woollen cloth. There is a folk etymology however which claims it comes from corde du roi (the cord of the King).
Of course looking back we most popularly know corduroy to have been used by the working class in Victorian times, or when it was much loved in the 60s and 70s, but now it is making its comeback.
Companies such as Chums are putting Corduroy back in the spotlight this season and even the catwalk is full of cords, with the likes of Marc Jacobs, Mulberry and Nina Ricci to name just a few, all having used it in their designs for this season.
No matter if you fancy a new pair of trousers, a dress, skirt or even a coat, they are all hitting the shop shelves in corduroy for this winter, so why not be ahead of the trend and pick yourself something up ready for the colder months. You might be surprised by just how warm it keeps you.
If you fancy knowing more about the history of cords, why not check out this infographic:
What sort of cords can you see yourself wearing this autumn and winter?
*This is a collaborative post.
I remember wearing cords for many years as a child!
I didn’t realise cords had such a long history! I used to wear cord when I was younger but they tend to come in & out of fashion every so often 🙂
I’m a fan of cords, so nice to know that when I wear them this year I’ll look on trend
I don’t think corduroy will ever go out of trend as long as it’s a neutral color. It’s a classic trend for fall.
Wow, who’d have thought that cords had such a long history?
I love cords so much! It’s like an instant way for a person to look put together in my opinion. I can definitely see myself wearing a suit version this autumn. Or perhaps a skirt version!
love corduaroy had lots of clothes made of this a trend that always make a comeback
I had no idea that corduroy can be linked back to Ancient Egypt but it is great that it is coming back into fashion. I would definitely associate it with the 70’s x
I never knew cords had such a long history! I recently treated myself to a pink cord dungaree dress from Topshop – love it!
It is crazy isn’t it – the history is really impressive.
I love cords!! I’ve actually seen a cord winter coat that I really want! It really reminds me of my childhood wearing cord trousers and skirts!
Oh I bet that is awesome, I don’t know why but I really want a cord coat or jacket.
My mummy is on a mission to hunt down some deep red skinny cords or some navy ones with stretch as she used to have a pair in the 90’s and they were so comfortable. Fascinating history!
I hope your Mummy find her cords! There are some awesome pairs out there at the moment.
I remember having cords as a child but then again in the late 90’s! It’s always funny how things come full circle!
It’s really odd isn’t it – it’s almost as if, if you kept clothes long enough they would definitely come back in.
What an Interesting read and I love to read more I love cords and it’s really great when you know about the history
It is so interesting where things come from, amazing somethings can be traced back in part so far.
My SIL was wearing cords the other day. I stopped in my tracks. I haven’t seen them for years. As long as they are light, I might buy a pair (heavy ones would be too hot for Florida).
Why not hey! Rock that trend, I am sure there are lighter options available.
I had no idea there was such a long history behind corduroy! I love it so I’m so pleased it’s coming back in this season. It is so warm, I love the feeling of it and it lasts forever too.
It is such a lovely material isn’t it – I can’t wait to see how people wear it!
I had no idea that there corduroy evolved from a technique dating from the ancient Egypt! It was interesting to read about its evolution. Unfortunately I am not a fan of this trend and I don’t have any cord clothes in my wardrobe.
If we all liked the same thing it would be boring!
I love it when older trends come back into fashion. I’ve never really known much about cords. However I love the idea that Marc Jacobs is using them this season!
Time for a new look I think! 🙂 x
It is crazy how many people have them out on the catwalk I was amazed.
I love how you know all the history of this famous fabric. I didn’t realise it was back and must say it’s a very warm soothing material. I will have to look out for some clothes in the retail stores ?
I hope you manage to come across some designs you like this year 🙂
I have a huge love for cord fabric, it’s so thick compared to s jean plus it’s very versatile x
I remember a pair of skinny black cords that I had when I was 10, and I wore them until they were bald!
Haha they seem to be something people do remember as having been very comfy and warn a lot.
I have never actually worn cords before but have always loved it and might maybe pick up a few this autumn.
Why not give it a try – if it is something you love the look of you definitely need to try wearing them.
Definitely didn’t know this, so cool! It’s always so interesting to see the trends that come back into style. There’s soo many of them and this is definitely one of those!
It is so interesting nothing seems to go out of fashion forever really or at least not in the most recent of years, it just seems to come back around.
I’m loving the new, modern cords you see everywhere now! I’m on the hung for some dark burgundy cord trousers right now.
Ohh I hope you manage to get yourself the ones you are lusting after.
I am honestly not knowledgeable about fashion but this is interesting. My Dad owns corduroy shorts which I find funny when I first saw it.
Ohh I have to admit I’ve never seen corduroy shorts haha!
I didn’t know this, it’s so amazing to read posts about the history of anything. I am not sure if I already have Cord in my closet.
Your have to go digging and see what you can find 😉 (also so glad I’m not the only one who isn’t completely sure what might be lurking in there)
Wow! Is this for real? I thought Cords will just be forgotten. This is Fashion Evolution.
Haha it is amazing how things come back around isn’t it.
Yay! Love cords and love how comfy it isn’t. Now just need to find one that looks good on me — its been awhile!
Woop I hope you find the perfect pair for yourself soon!
Nice read. I don’t own any cord piece. My husband and son both love wearing cords. It such a soft and comfy especially for fall.
It is the perfect time of year coming up for wearing them.
I didn’t know any of this! Very informative. I always love learning things like this.
It is so interesting to hear about where things come from isn’t it, sometimes it can be very surprising.
I’m not really a fashion type of gal but I remember this cords being a thing during my younger years. It’s cool that they are making a comeback now though.
It is really interesting to see how things come and out in and out of fashion, isn’t it.
I am all for fall, it is so hot right now that cooler temperatures would be great! I never knew this about cords, they are great for fall. So cozy!
It has already got a lot colder here, happy to try and send some your way 😉
I used to own corduroy pants as a teenager. They were so trendy back then. I love that theyre coming back in style.
I have to admit I think I had some when I was a lot younger, at least I think I did.
Thanks
Something else I didn’t know
Didn’t know cord dated back so far-always have been a fan since my teenage years
I know it is amazing how far back the idea of making material like it goes.
Wow! I didn’t know that cords were making a comeback. I love the look and feel of that material. I’d love to see the new styles designers are coming up with!
It is always interesting when something suddenly comes back isn’t it – I am looking forward to seeing what will be in the shops this autumn.
Interesting I remember briefly wearing cord trousers as a teen. I’m interested to see different ways of cord being styled now its back in fashion.
It seems to be available in so many different styles so will be interesting to see what people decide to do with it.
This was an interesting read – I have a couple of cord skirts which I really love.
It is such a versatile fabric isn’t it – I definitely need to treat myself to some cord.
What a fun history lesson, I love learning about where everyday things that we don’t think a lot about came from. How cool that cords are coming back into style.
It is really interesting isn’t it you wouldn’t think some things go back as far as they do.
I love corduroy and am excited that it’s back this season. I don’t get to use it much in Florida but have a few pieces I love and always take with me when traveling to cooler weather.
It’s always worth having some around for those colder moments or travels isn’t it.
Have you visited the Victoria & Albert museum in London? It’s a great place to learn about the history of fashion and fabrics.
No I haven’t, I’ll have to make sure I try and get there some time thank you.
This was a nice read. I’m not a huge fan of cords, but is nice to read about their history
I can totally see how they aren’t for everyone 🙂 x
Is corduroy making a comeback! Remember the fabric as a kid, loved the texture and the styling too.
It is so cool to see things come back around isn’t it.
I liked to say its good to see cords are coming back, hadn’t noticed they were missing
It’s one of those things that always seems to be around, but doesn’t always seem to be completely in faction.
Corduroy and I have this mad love affair. It simmered a bit when everyone judged, but now that it’s out there (again), I’m looking forward to taking my love affair to the next level. Thank you for the history lesson. It was interesting.
Enjoy, embrace that corduroy and wear it with pride!
I always thought Corduroy was a modern cloth, nice to see someone is bringing it back into fashion
It is really interesting isn’t it to see how far back some types of cloth do go.
I have always loved cords. It is interesting to hear their backstory!
Sondra xx
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I hope you find the perfect pair for this season!
I don’t own any cords x Had forgotten all about this fabric!
Perhaps it will give you some new ideas of what you could wear this winter.
I loved learning this bit of history! I adored wearing cords when I was younger, but I’m not sure if I can wear them now as pants for fear I would start a fire when I walked 😉
It is amazing the history that can be found behind a certain fabric or trend isn’t it.
I remember wearing cords as a child. I had no idea about their history though. This is all very interesting infromation.
So glad you found it interesting to read as I really enjoyed writing it 🙂
Ive been seeing cords slowly make their way back over the past couple of years. I used to wear them all the time when I was a kid.
It is interesting how fashion comes and goes, it always seems to come back around in the end though.
It’s so strange to me to image corduroy as something being so luxurious and coveted! I especially love the fold etymology of corde du roi!
It really is strange how things have changed, I would love take a step back in time sometimes and experience these eras for myself.
I always remember as a kid, my cords being my most comfortable pants. When I was pregnant I got a pair of maternity ones and they were pretty expensive for maternity clothes. They were so comfortable and fit so well that I went and bought them in every color they had, good thing I was pregnant the following two years as well so I got plenty of use from them.
Haha you definitely managed to get some good use out of those then, great purchase 😉
My all-time favourite pair of pants were a pair of corduroy in maroon. I wore them until they had holes all in them. Back then holes weren’t a style, lol. I’m so glad corduroy items are coming back in style.
Maroon for some reason looks absolutely fantastic in corduroy!
I didn’t like cords when I was young! They felt weird and I couldn’t handle that lol. I will have to give them a try this fall and see if they still freak me out.
Haha it is strange how things can do that to us, wonder what you will think of them now.
I have never really liked corduroy, but it is the perfect material for all! I have been seeing it a lot lately
I’m not much of a corduroy fan but I’ve always liked it just not on me. Now you, you are rocking these cords and I am digging it. That’s what I love about fashion, you can always find something that suits you.
Most definitely there is definitely something for everyone.
I always loved cords. It is one of my favorite types of fabric because it looks good it is warm. In the wintertime is what I wear.
It is so good that it offers a long laster warm fabric, it’s little wonder it keeps coming back into fashion.
I don’t own any cords but you know, I’m not against the idea! Even a corduroy jacket or skirt would look beautiful and add a bit of texture to an outfit.
I think you can get some nice things in corduroy, you just have to play around and find out what suits you.
I remember wearing cords when I was a kid and they are finally making a come back. Look forward to seeing what is new.
It is so interesting how things seem to go in and out of fashion.
I don’t think I own any cords. I’ll have to check my closet. I’m mostly a jeans and t-shirt sort of gal. I enjoyed reading about the history though–I’ve always been intrigued by that!
It’s so interesting how things have evolved over time isn’t it.
I didn’t realize cords were back! I always loved how soft and comfy they are. I’ll have to jump on this trend. Thanks for including the history of cords. It’s so interesting!
Enjoy getting on the cord trend, I hope you find some awesome pairs to treat yourself to.