The Corduroy Wale Guide
Understanding the Ridges of Corduroy
The character of corduroy lies in its wales, the raised ridges that give the fabric its distinctive texture. Measured by the number of ridges per inch, the wale count determines the fabric's appearance. From the broad, rugged ridges of 5-wale corduroy to the balanced texture of 8-wale and the fine, almost velvety surface of 16-wale, each has its own character.
5 Wale - Wide Wale / Jumbo Corduroy
Five broad, pronounced ridges per inch. A bold, heavily textured fabric with a distinctly rugged character. Often associated with traditional workwear, heritage garments and substantial winter trousers.
8 wale - Mid-Wale Corduroy
Eight medium-width ridges per inch. A balanced texture that retains the distinctive character of traditional corduroy without being overly pronounced.
16 Wale - Fine Wale / Needlecord
Sixteen narrow, closely spaced ridges per inch. A finer, more understated texture with a smoother appearance. Often used in tailored trousers and more refined interpretations of corduroy.
COSSERAT COTTON CORDUROY (est. 1794)
Primarily utilized for men’s workwear, military uniforms, and sporting products throughout the centuries, corduroy remains a durable yet buttery-soft cotton-based fabric.
Our corduroy, produced in France by The Cosserat Company (est. 1794) – the oldest corduroy producer in the world – is of the highest quality and is designed to stand the test of time.
For more than 200 years, Cosserat has continued to manufacture its world-renowned corduroy the traditional way in Amiens, France.