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Cord Outfitters' Expansive Range: Jackets, Trousers, Belts Everywhere
Cord Outfitters' Expansive Range: Jackets, Trousers, Belts Everywhere

Revitalizing Cord's Reputation Under Drinnie's Leadership

Hop back onto the Corduroy Bandwagon: Making Old-School Fabric Trendy Again

Are you yearning for that touch of nostalgia? Craving for a comeback that's crisp, cozy, and oh-so-snug? Well buckle up, because corduroy, baby, is back and cooler than ever! Yes, you read that right. The fabric that once adorned your granny's favorite armchair or the math teacher with the egg yolk on his beard, is now ruling the fashion world, capturing the hearts of the younger generation, including your local hipster.

But let's face it, they probably don't sport the corduroy getup their grandparents did. Today, it's not just about pants and jackets, but anything you can lay your hands on - from bags to aprons, and even belts!

Back in 2018, Dany Schrader, the then "HAZ" editor-in-chief, pondered about corduroy's reputation as the uniform of math teachers, harking back to the 60s and 70s when it represented working-class flair[1]. Fast-forward to the 90s, and corduroy was considered a staple among "social democrat writers," like Günter Grass[1]. But by the flashy 80s, corduroy had somehow slipped out of the limelight, deemed less than essential for the fashion-conscious.

But don't you worry, it's not a romanticized rehash of the past we're seeing today. Instead, a new generation is embracing the thick, firm, and tactile quality of corduroy, weaving it seamlessly into their modern wardrobes[1]. The upshot? Corduroy is mainstream now, thanks to the likes of Uniqlo[1].

So, are we, the younger lot, blindly hailing the 60s, 70s, or 80s? Diana Weis, a professor of fashion journalism in Berlin, reckons it's more like following the rule of thumb: "Soft materials in hard times."

Corduroy's appeal lies in the fact that it offers a refreshing alternative to the monotonous sea of denim, reminding us of homey comfort and coziness, just in time for the Corona pandemic[1][2]. The Kaulitz brothers, popular young musicians, fondly refer to this wave as the "Drinnies," young people who prefer to opt for staying home over venturing out[1]. Enter the popular podcast by Giulia Becker and Chris Sommer, launched in 2020, titled "Drinnies."

So, let's roll back a few centuries. Corduroy dates way back to ancient Egypt[2]. But it wasn't until the late 18th century that it received its catchy English name, "corduroy," supposedly derived from the French term "corde du roi" or "fabric of the king"[2]. Today, corduroy still holds a touch of the royal in its deep longitudinal grooves, standing firm against the onslaught of denim's dominance[1].

But it wasn't just nobility who delighted in corduroy. With the industrial revolution, it became affordable to the masses[2]. And today, corduroy's charm is not confined to its texture alone but extends to its associations with hunting clothing and the style of the British country nobility[1]. Yes, that makes it British, preppy, and just the right mix of old-world elegance and contemporary cool.

Sources: ntv.de, Gregor Tholl, dpa.

  • Trends
  • Fashion
  • Vintage Aesthetics

Enrichment Data:Corduroy's regained popularity among younger generations is due to a variety of factors:

  1. Retro and Nostalgia: The textured, ridged fabric's nostalgic appeal resonates with younger audiences who value vintage aesthetics[1].
  2. Indie Sleaze Trend: Corduroy fits within the "indie sleaze" trend, which merges vintage-inspired styles with modern elements[3].
  3. Sustainability and Durability: Corduroy's durability aligns with the emphasis on sustainable fashion and appeals to eco-conscious younger generations[1].
  4. Texture and Layering: Corduroy's versatile texture enhances the layered, eclectic looks that are currently popular, allowing it to blend well with contemporary styles[1].

Corduroy's historical associations include:- 1970s: Corduroy was iconic in the 1970s for its Use in home decor, especially in conversation pits and retro furniture[1].- Early 2000s (Indie Sleaze): Corduroy was part of the eclectic mix in indie fashion, often worn in the form of pants or jackets, symbolizing a casual yet stylish approach[3].

  1. The community's embrace of corduroy has extended beyond its historical associations with specific demographics, as it's now incorporated into various policies for its popularized textured and sturdy qualities.
  2. While the fabric originated as a luxurious choice for nobility in the 18th century, the industrial revolution allowed it to become accessible to the masses, reflecting the current trend of embracing trends from the past while adapting them for modern times.
  3. Today's employment policies may include corduroy fabrics in their dress codes, promoting a coziness and sense of nostalgia in the workspace, not only catering to the younger generation but also honoring the fabric's rich history and royal connotations.

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