Are you on the corduroy craze yet? If not, now’s a prime time to get on board. With fall in full swing and winter rapidly approaching, there’s hardly a better option for pants that keep you warm and keep your style in season.
Now, calling corduroy a “craze” might be a bit hyperbolic, we’ll admit. If anything, corduroy pants are a timeless wardrobe staple that every guy should consider for their fall and winter outfits. They lean casual, but they look pretty damn smart when styled correctly, not to mention the fact that they add a welcome touch of texture to any ensemble.
If you’re not yet aware, corduroy is defined as a fabric made from a strong cotton weave that features a ribbed texture made up of parallel lines, also known as “wales.”
The width of the wales determines how thick these piles are individually, with wide-wale corduroy appearing bolder and more rugged, while fine-waled corduroy appears a bit smoother, subtler, and more refined.
Corduroy pants are a staple of classic American ivy style, but can also work surprisingly well in more workwear-adjacent aesthetics and contexts. They are commonly found in both pant and five-pocket jean formats, with brown and tan being perhaps their most iconic hues.
That said, corduroy pants can get pretty damn colorful, with richly-dyed cottons making way for cords in just about every tone imaginable.
They tend to wear quite warm, especially when made from a heftier cotton, which makes them absolutely perfect for fall and winter. Looking to buy some for yourself? These are the pairs currently on our curated wishlist.
The Best Budget Corduroy Pants
Corduroy Pleated Wide Pants by Uniqlo
For an easy, relaxed take on corduroy pants that still won’t break the bank, Uniqlo has just the thing. This pair comes in three simple colors, features a nifty hook-type adjuster belt, and has a looser fit that’s easy to pair casually. For under $50, they’re kind of a no-brainer.
The Best Old-School Corduroy Pants (Also on a Budget)
12.5 oz 8 Wale Corduroy Trousers by Bronson MFG
These corduroys are made from a hefty 12.5 oz cotton which gives them a sturdy feel. Despite being another budget option, these might just be one of our favorites on this list.
Arguably their best highlight is their incredibly high rise, which comes up very high on the waist for an old-school, classic look. Outfitted with double forward facing pleats, a wide leg opening, and premium touches like natural corozo buttons, these are a tremendous bang for your buck at under $45.
The Best Classic Corduroy Pants
Stretch Country Corduroy Pants, Classic Fit, Plain Front by L.L. Bean
Cords are somewhat of a New England style staple, so it makes sense that L.L. Bean would show up on this list. Their stretch corduroy pants in their classic fit feature a plain, flat front and prioritize comfort, thanks to a touch of spandex mixed in with the cotton weave.
There are some fun colors available too, like burnt mahogany, among others. All in all, you get a great-looking, easy-to-style pair of corduroy pants for under $70. Not bad!
The Best Smart Corduroy Pants
Classic 10-Wale Corduroy Pant by J.Crew
J.Crew’s Classic 10-Wale Corduroy Pants are surprisingly sleek, with a medium-sized ribbed texture that appears a bit smoother than wider wale types. Even so, these are undoubtedly some classic cords – they’re just especially versatile to be smartened up with other refined pieces.
It comes in three colors, though we’re partial to the true olive hue. It’s perfect for autumn, and for only $118, these are some fairly priced pants, too.
The Best Slim 5-Pocket Corduroy Pants
Slim Straight 5-Pocket Pant by Sid Mashburn
Cords can come in a more jean-adjacent format too, and this slimmer-fitting option by Sid Mashburn is a stellar example. With a 14-wale corduroy texture and over 10 available colors, these have the potential to be a seriously versatile wardrobe staple, and for $175, you could get a ton of wear out of these.
The Best Single-Pleated Corduroy Pants
Standard Pleated Pant in Corduroy by Alex Mill
Single pleats lend pants a bit of extra dimension without making the thigh too billowy, which is why we absolutely dig these corduroy pants from Alex Mill. Made from 100% cotton and with 5 classic colors to choose from, these also have a fairly generous rise and real corozo buttons. A great choice for only $145!
The Best Double-Pleated Corduroy Pants
Whitman Relaxed Fit Corduroy Pant by Polo Ralph Lauren
If double pleats are more your thing, this pair of cords from Polo Ralph Lauren is one of your best options. Their Whitman Relaxed Fit is tastefully slouchy, with a nice amount of roominess that’s all the more so accentuated by the pair of double pleats.
They also have some nice additional touches such as the flapped coin pocket. And you get that signature Polo RL quality all for under the $200 mark.
The Best Decorative Corduroy Pants
Whitman Relaxed Fit Corduroy Pant in Dark Forest by Polo Ralph Lauren
Another entry from Polo Ralph Lauren, these are technically the exact same pair as the last entry on this list, but in an especially unique color and design that is simply delightful. Corduroy pants have a rich history of including various decorative details – most commonly embroidered imagery speckled throughout.
This pair is dark green with embroidered ducks – the perfect touch of whimsy for fall and winter. At $248, they’re a bit pricier than the other, more plain pairs, but hey, you get ducks!
The Best Country-Inspired Corduroy Pants
Corduroy Trousers by Cordings
Corduroy pants have long been associated with classic English and Scottish country style, so we thought it would be fitting to include this quality pair of trousers by U.K. clothier, Cordings.
They look especially great combined with a tweed jacket for that classic country-inspired look, and they come in over a dozen colors, from earthy, to preppy, and everything in between. Oh, and they also include side-tab adjusters for a more seamless look. At $185, these carry a lot of classic style that goes a long, long way.
The Best High-End Corduroy Pants
Mid-Wale Corduroy Single Pleat Trouser by Drake’s
Drake’s is well-known to make some of the best menswear around, and their corduroy offerings are no exception. We absolutely love their Mid-Wale Corduroy Single Pleat Trousers for their subtle elegance. Cords tend to lean casual, as mentioned previously, but if there was one pair that will still read as high-end from looks alone, it’s these.
Featuring a mid-rise, side-tab adjusters, and a pair of single pleats, these have a lot going for them. And they’re made from 100% cotton mid-wale corduroy, available in three classic colors. Expect a slightly more tailored fit from these as well, for a sleeker, more polished look. At $595, they’ll cost you, but damn if they aren’t marvelous.
More Corduroy Pants We Love
Below are a few honorable mentions, featuring some other pairs of corduroy pants that we still very much appreciate. If nothing on the main list spoke to your tastes, perhaps one of these bonus pairs will!
Pleated Wide-Wale Corduroy Pants by Brooks Brothers
This pair of wide-wale cords from Brooks Brothers is especially interesting, because it’s made from a more casual, wider cord fabric, yet includes elevated features like an extended buttoning tab and some classy, single pleats. $128 is a nice price, too.
Classic Fit Pleated Corduroy Pant by Polo Ralph Lauren
As implied by the name, these have a slightly more classic fit than the more relaxed pairs we featured by Polo RL. Oh, and 7 super cool colors to pick from, priced at $125!
Craftsman Corduroy Full Saddle Pant by Buck Mason
This option from Buck Mason is inspired by 1950s work pants and features a high rise on the waist, not to mention a classic, straight fit through the thigh and leg. For $158, these are a super sturdy pair, built to last.
Dressed Accordingly
While that about concludes our list, be sure to rock whatever corduroy pants you’ve got with confidence. Any of the pairs mentioned above will look great on just about everybody, especially if you choose to lean into their implied fall and winter aesthetics.
The rules on what you can pair them with are flexible, but you can’t go wrong with an oxford shirt and a tweed jacket. Or a denim trucker. Dress them up a bit with leather derbies or loafers. Dress them down with some sneakers. It’s truly up to you – just have fun with ‘em!