Corduroy fabric has reemerged on runways, in stores and street style, driven by a preference for classic looks according to designer Gabriela Beaumont of Universidad Andrés Bello.
Gabriela Beaumont, a fashion design academic at the Creative Campus of Universidad Andrés Bello, links the return of corduroy to renewed interest in traditional styles. She notes the fabric was popular in the 1970s with another surge in the 1990s and 2000s, and now reappears mainly via TikTok and second-hand clothing. Beaumont says that in times of uncertainty and more conservative politics people seek garments that convey seriousness and security. She cites the old money aesthetic, with matching suits in earth and terracotta tones, as an example of this more formal approach among young people. The expert highlights corduroy durability, originally made for workers, but warns that current fast fashion versions differ in quality due to chemical use. She recommends buying high-quality pieces or reusing vintage garments to lessen the textile industry's environmental impact.