Corduroy is back in style . To be perfectly honest, it's not the most exciting thing to happen to men's fashion lately, but it could be worse.
Fortunately, it's not just about trousers and blazers (which we advise against if you don't want to end up looking like an old-fashioned university professor), but other very cool garments have also entered the scene.
Why corduroy has returned to the men's wardrobe
Corduroy is a fabric with history, texture, and character . For decades it was associated with an intellectual and somewhat serious style, but today's designers have reinterpreted it with more modern cuts , updated color palettes, and fresh combinations. Today, corduroy is no longer synonymous with heavy trousers and a boring jacket, but rather with relaxed style, warmth, and a well-executed retro touch.
This time around, the key is understanding that corduroy adds visual volume and makes a statement. That's why it works best when paired with simple garments, clean cuts, and minimal textures . A single statement corduroy piece, paired with well-chosen basics, can completely transform an everyday outfit.
The thickness of the ribbing is also important : the wider it is, the more volume it adds; the thinner it is, the more streamlined it is. In jackets and blazers, this detail helps you decide whether you want a more robust, vintage look or something more understated and urban.
Denim jacket with corduroy collar
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- Saint Laurent
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- Tom Ford
Denim jackets are an essential transitional garment . Neither too thick nor too thin, they protect us from the cold without being too heavy and go with almost everything in a casual wardrobe. The corduroy detailing around the collar is very subtle and gives this classic jacket a super autumnal feel .
This corduroy detail at the collar works especially well when the rest of the look is denim, cotton, or fine knit . Pair it with straight-leg jeans, a white T-shirt, and minimalist sneakers for a clean outfit, or with a plaid shirt and leather boots for a more rustic and preppy feel.
If you want to add a touch of sophistication, opt for corduroy tones like chocolate, camel or olive green on the collar, which contrast beautifully with the blue of the denim and add depth without being overwhelming.
Shearling and corduroy jackets: a winning combination
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- Battenwear
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- Maison Kitsuné
Corduroy and shearling—another major trend this cold season—continue to make an excellent pairing . Add a retro touch to your casual looks while creating a thick barrier against the wind and low temperatures.
The contrast between the ribbed texture of the corduroy and the soft volume of the shearling creates a garment that looks vintage yet very modern . Wear it with fine corduroy trousers in neutral tones for a controlled seventies vibe, or with dark jeans and work boots for a masculine look with plenty of personality.
If you're worried that too much texture might be overwhelming, balance the outfit with plain tops (T-shirts or shirts in solid colors) and understated accessories. Let the jacket be the true focal point of the look.
Corduroy jackets: from casual to formal
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- Saint Laurent
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- Visvim
One more casual and the other more formal, these two corduroy jackets both offer a cool way to wear corduroy this season. The first is Hedi Slimane's version for Saint Laurent: a snake-print jacket with Western details. Pair it with black skinny jeans and Chelsea boots to be the coolest person around.
Next up is our alternative to corduroy blazers: a jacket that, thanks to its shawl collar , will look great with your Oxford shirts and straight-leg jeans. Remember to add sneakers to give the look a relaxed feel.
Beyond these two examples, corduroy jackets serve as a key piece for experimenting with different dress codes . In a casual setting, you can combine them with basic T-shirts, fine-knit sweaters, or plain sweatshirts. For slightly more formal environments, replace them with cotton shirts, knit polo shirts, and chinos or well-structured dark jeans.
As for color, classic shades of brown, beige, dark green or navy blue go with everything in your wardrobe, but if you feel like taking a risk, corduroy also accepts lighter or more intense colors - such as burgundy, terracotta or even muted pinks - which give a very modern twist to the outfit without losing that nostalgic touch.
Key tips for styling corduroy
To keep corduroy from making your outfits look dated, it's essential to know how to balance it . The most common mistakes are overdoing it (too much corduroy in a single look), choosing very dark colors and rigid cuts , or mixing it with too many bold textures. It works best when the rest of the outfit remains simple and modern.
Start with a single statement piece: a jacket, blazer, or fine corduroy trousers. From there, build the look with timeless basics like plain T-shirts, Oxford shirts, lightweight knitwear, and denim . This formula brings corduroy from the past into the present.
Another foolproof trick is to play with material combinations . Corduroy is given a fresh look when mixed with cotton, fine knits, lightweight wool, leather, or even more delicate fabrics like silk or satin in shirts and accessories. It also pairs beautifully with denim in any wash , creating an interesting and easy-to-wear contrast.
If you're going for a head-to-toe corduroy look (for example, a jacket and trousers), keep the silhouettes relaxed, minimize accessories, and stick to a single color or very similar shades. When the cut is well done, there's no need to add anything else.
Corduroy, when chosen and combined well, becomes a perfect resource to add warmth, texture and personality to your autumn and winter looks without sacrificing a current and versatile style.