Have you ever wondered what those raised lines on your corduroy fabric are called? Those ridges are actually known as "wales." The term "wales" refers to the raised ridges that run vertically along the fabric, giving corduroy its distinctive texture and appearance.

Corduroy is a type of fabric that is woven with extra sets of yarn to create the raised ridges or wales. The wales can vary in width, with finer corduroy having more wales per inch and thicker corduroy having fewer wales per inch. The width of the wale is often measured in terms of "wale count," which indicates the number of ridges per inch.

There are several different types of corduroy, distinguished by the width and spacing of the wales. Some common types of corduroy include wide wale, medium wale, and pinwale corduroy. Wide wale corduroy has fewer ridges per inch and is often used for heavier garments like jackets and coats. Medium wale corduroy has a moderate number of ridges per inch and is commonly used for pants and skirts. Pinwale corduroy has the highest number of ridges per inch and is often used for more lightweight and casual clothing.

The word "corduroy" itself is derived from the French phrase "corde du roi," which means "the cord of the king." This name likely refers to the fabric's royal appearance and luxurious feel. Corduroy has been a popular fabric for centuries, prized for its durability, warmth, and unique texture.

So next time you're wearing a pair of corduroy pants or a corduroy jacket, take a moment to appreciate the wales that give this fabric its distinctive look and feel. Whether you prefer wide wale, medium wale, or pinwale corduroy, each type has its own unique charm and character. With its rich history and timeless appeal, corduroy is sure to remain a beloved fabric for many years to come.

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