Needlecord is a cloth we have been looking for an age to source here at Oliver Spencer but just couldn't quite find something that raised the bar - until we did! Inspired by the rebellious spirit of the Beatniks, our new indigo-dyed needlecord fabric brings tactile depth to pieces like this season's Bradwell Jacket, Atlanta Shirt and Belted pleat-fronted Trousers. But why needlecord, and why now?
At its core, corduroy is a durable, ridged fabric born from a clever weaving technique. It starts with a base of cotton or cotton blends, woven in a plain or twill pattern. The magic happens with extra pile yarns introduced at regular intervals. These are woven into the base fabric to create loops. Once woven, the loops are cut lengthwise and brushed, forming those signature vertical ridges known as "wales." The word "wale" comes from an old English term for a raised stripe, and it's these parallel cords that give corduroy its unmistakable texture. Typically made from cotton for breathability and strength, the process results in a fabric that's warm, resilient, and visually dynamic since the wales catch light and shadow in ways that add instant depth and dimension to any garment.
