What's everyone's take on guys wearing corduroy? I've had a fair bit of a stigma for it for years, mostly because it seemed to be so big back in the 80s, and it was rather atrocious back then.

But I've started to wonder if I should give it a shot again. My line of thinking is that in a pant it can be both casual and sharp, if worn well can show flair, if it's a wool will keep me worn, and is an alternative to denim.

Are cords back in or worth taking a chance on again?

Slim cords can be great, I've got pairs in white (Helmut Lang), beige (Dior Homme) and black (Lagerfeld for H&M). Classically, it is fitting casual wear for the country gent, but I think moleskin works better as an alternative for your purposes - more subtle and less frumpy.

The two images most strongly associated with corduroy are the hippie movement and the grunge movement, both of them an idolisation of the idle under class, and it's hard to shake the stigma. Corduroy can work great in a dirty grunge sense or a Rick Owens type aesthetic, but as smart casual wear, I think I'd save it for spring time and wear it hemmed short and sockless.

Post Last Updated:11.05.2008 at 18.58

Thanks James, that's really put a good spin on it. Now I just have to find some Dior Homme in Melbourne to go take a look see at!

I dont mind a bit of cord, as long as it isnt that think corduroy that rubs and makes a sound. eek. but i havent found a good cut in years.

I'm not a big fan of the cord pants, I'm not sure what it is exactly that I don't like about them. However, having said that, one of my male friends was wearing a very nicely cut jacket the other night made of black corduroy material, and it looked fantastic on him.

It's a pain to keep clean.

But I have a habit of jumping in puddles so maybe it's just me.

Try that with suede, then you'll really have problems ;)

I think some photos of examples might be of interest Daniel?