Why Everyone Wore Corduroy in 1974 (And Why It Is Back)

🔗 How We Used To Dress, My Complete Illustrated Collection: 📗 https://clarasamericanattic.com In this video, I explore the fascinating history of corduroy, especially why it became the go-to fabric in 1974 and how it’s making a comeback today. I delve into the unique characteristics of corduroy, its production process, and the cultural shifts that led to its widespread popularity during the 1970s, as well as its recent resurgence in fashion. What's covered in this video: - I start with the punched-tin cabinet and how corduroy became a staple fabric in various garments during 1974. - I explain the technical aspects of corduroy, including its wale count and the manufacturing process that defines its texture and durability. - I discuss the cultural significance of corduroy in the 1970s, highlighting its adoption by influential figures such as The Beatles and Bob Dylan. - I explore the connection between corduroy and denim, and how the acceptance of jeans paved the way for corduroy's popularity in casual wear. - I outline the various styles made from corduroy in 1974, including flared trousers, blazers, and dungarees, along with their practical uses. - I analyze the shifts in consumer behavior due to the oil crisis of 1973, which influenced households to invest in durable clothing like corduroy. - I touch on the decline of corduroy in the 1980s and the factors that contributed to its negative reputation. - Finally, I reflect on the modern revival of corduroy, noting how current designers are reinterpreting this classic fabric. Mentioned in this video: corduroy, The Beatles, Steve McQueen, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Levi's Panatela Sportswear, Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Giorgio Armani, Tory Burch, Ganni, Clara's American Attic, oil crisis of 1973. #corduroy #fashionhistory #1970sstyle 00:00 The Ridges 00:19 The Question 00:38 The Little Books 01:01 Who Is Talking 01:20 Good Clothes 01:38 What The Cloth Is 01:56 How It Is Made 02:14 The Word Wale 02:30 Brushing And Singeing 02:50 The Number That Matters 03:09 Pinwale 03:27 Standard Wale 03:43 What Eleven Wale Does 04:01 Elephant Cord 04:21 Why The Count Matters 04:39 The Backing 04:58 The Nap 05:18 Why It Cost More To Cut 05:36 Corduroy And Velveteen 05:54 The Sound Of It 06:13 Where It Began 06:27 Cord Of The King 06:46 The Poor Man's Velvet 07:04 A Working Cloth 07:23 Wearing It Up 07:42 The American Version 08:02 The School Trouser 08:21 Then The Students 08:40 It Came In With Jeans 08:59 Why Denim Made Room 09:18 Millions Of Closets 09:35 The Beatles Suit 09:51 The Anti-Establishment Cloth 10:11 Comfort Won 10:29 The Home Sewing Side 10:48 Patterns And Yardage 11:08 What It Was Cut Into 11:31 The Flares 11:49 The Blazer 12:12 The Elbow Patch 12:32 The Gauchos 12:50 The Midi Skirt 13:08 The Jumper Dress 13:27 The Pinafore Kept Going 13:44 The Dungarees 14:02 The Shirt 14:19 The Car Coat 14:38 The Children's Rail 15:00 The Designers Came Later 15:17 The Label To Look For 15:37 The Whole Suit 15:56 The Waistcoat 16:15 Coordinates 16:36 The Cap And The Bag 16:54 What Happened In Seventy Three 17:12 Why That Touches Cloth 17:31 The Reputation Problem 17:49 The Catalogue That Year 18:08 A Year Of Shortage 18:29 What The Colours Tell You 18:47 What A Household Weighed 19:07 Corduroy Answered All Four 19:24 The Mills Were Ready 19:44 Then It Went 20:01 Reason One: It Wears 20:19 Where It Wears First 20:38 Reason Two: The Wash 20:55 Reason Three: The Joke 21:13 The Dryer Did Damage 21:31 What Took Its Place 21:51 What Was Lost With It 22:09 And Now It Is Back 22:26 Not A Costume Revival 22:45 Who Is Showing It 23:03 The Named Reason 23:23 The Second Reason 23:42 The Shapes Coming Back 24:02 The Colours Now 24:21 The Cloth Itself Changed 24:40 The Second Hand Market 24:58 How To Wear It Now 25:16 What To Buy Now 25:34 Washing It Properly 25:52 The Iron And The Brush 26:11 Buying An Original 26:30 So Why That Year 26:47 The Four Forces 27:08 The Third Force 27:27 Not One Reason 27:46 And Why It Is Back 28:03 Closing