Corduroy has always been more than just a fabric. It’s a texture loaded with history: worn by kings, workers, artists, rebels, skaters, academics and every stylish misfit in between. Next week, Beyond Retro, the vintage institution renowned for championing the circular and the timeless, is honouring that rich heritage with its largest-ever corduroy release — more than 7,000 unique pieces arriving across its stores in London, Stockholm and Gothenburg.
(Banana Republic)
It’s a drop that spans centuries of stories. Corduroy’s earliest ancestor appeared in 2nd-century Egypt, woven as a luxurious cotton–linen blend before evolving into the ribbed textile we recognise today. The name may not literally mean “cloth of the king,” but early corduroy was indeed worn by the wealthy before becoming a uniform of the working class. As the Industrial Revolution reshaped Britain, the fabric’s durability earned it the nickname “the poor man’s velvet.” Milled in Manchester, it became the trusted companion of railway workers, farmers and factory hands — the people who built modern Britain.
(Levi’s)
But corduroy’s journey didn’t end with industry. After the world wars, surplus military garments found their way into the wardrobes of students, artists and free-thinkers who embraced its rugged authenticity. By the 1960s and 1970s, corduroy had slipped firmly into the hands of counterculture — beloved by academics, musicians, activists and creative outsiders who valued its warmth, texture and quietly rebellious charm. From Levi’s flares to Lee Westerners, it became a symbol of intellect and individuality. The 1990s revived it once again through grunge and skate culture, loose, worn-in and effortlessly cool. And today, as fashion continues to lean toward longevity and narrative-rich pieces, corduroy is back at centre stage.
(Boohoo)
Beyond Retro’s new drop celebrates every chapter of that story. Expect 70s wide-wale trousers, 90s chore jackets, military-inspired coats and beautifully broken-in workwear — each piece handpicked for its character and quality. It’s a tactile archive of cultural moments, reinterpreted for the modern circular wardrobe. “Corduroy has always carried the marks of its past — the ridges that tell a story of work, rebellion, and renewal,” says Steven Bethell. “This drop is a celebration of craft, culture and circularity — giving a second life to one of fashion’s most enduring fabrics.”
(Levis)
You’ll find the collection at Beyond Retro’s locations in Soho, Dalston, Drottninggatan and Arkaden, each store ready to welcome the next generation of corduroy lovers searching for pieces with personality and history.
For those who champion sustainable fashion, Beyond Retro needs little introduction. The brand is beloved for its authenticity, its curated edits and its refusal to compromise on style or principles. Together with its parent company, Bank & Vogue, Beyond Retro is part of a global movement redefining how we handle the overwhelming volume of clothing produced each year. What began in the early 90s as a passion project in a basement has grown into a pioneering circular fashion network working in wholesale, retail, recycling, upcycling and manufacturing — all with the goal of building a truly closed-loop economy.
(Banana Republic)
(Cordings)
With this latest drop, Beyond Retro doesn’t just bring corduroy back into the spotlight — it reminds us why vintage continues to matter. In a world obsessed with the new, sometimes the most exciting things are the ones already waiting for us, filled with history, texture and soul.
