Last week I had one foot in summer and the other in fall. This week there is no looking back. I opened up my closet to examine my fall line-up and what I found was a need for a new pair of cords. I jumped online and found a few corduroy options to share.
Lands’ End has rolled out there fall cords ($79). They have a 18-wale and a 14-wale, but more importantly they offer a tradly 10-wale cord (see here) as well. They are available in both their tailored and traditional fit. I will be interested in hearing how this year’s trousers fit. They offer the traditional tan, but also have a nice color called Brown Umber. I have a pair in this color and I have found it very versatile (pictured above). On the downside my previous pairs of LE cords have had an extremely short self life (Worn out wales). Tread lightly.
Corduroys pants have also surfaced over at Brooks Brothers ($108 – See here). Brooks offer 14-wale and an 8-wale. They come in the Clark and Milano fit. I don’t have much experience with Brooks trousers, but I do know that most trads prefer the fuller Clark fit, but as we all know fit is different for everyone. Brooks also has a very nice green color. On top of that it was nice to see the tassel loafers paired with them on the website (see image above).
O’Connell’s (O’Connell’s Cords) has there cords out too, but thats no suprise because they always offer their cords! I have heard nothing but good things about O’Connell’s corduroy trousers, but like most things at OC they are not cheap. The prices range from $100-200. Sizes are limited, but they do have the best offering in terms of color.
Corduroy trousers are invaluable in the fall/winter. They have a great texture, they are warm, and you can dress them up with tweed or down with a Shetland. As you can see there are already a few corduroy options available. If you see a pair that you like I would order them sooner than later. I have learned the hard way that cords tend to sell fast which is why I am posting about them now!
I just purchased a pair of the 10 wale tailored fit Land’s End cords in “rich forest”… They were on sale, so I took a chance. I really liked the looks of the Brooks 8 wale ones you posted, but at full price plus the exchange rate to $CAD, they were too far out of my budget. I know the Clark fit works on me, so I’ll see if they go on sale later in the season.
Don’t rule out the old stanby LL Bean. I swear by mine in the classic fit, however their standard fit is a little slimmer. Not as good as Brooks or Press but for the outlet price I pay a very good deal. I have also paid full price and am still very satisfied. I live in Bean tan chords, tarts td and Bean Shetlands all fall and winter.
Meant to day “tartan” shirts.
Fred – Thanks for the reminder! Bean doesn’t fit so well. It seems to run large so I often forget about them, but I am sure that they would work well for many readers. Thanks again!
Craig – I hope that they work out for you!
Jerrod — Thanks for the heads up. I just ordered a pair of the umber number from LE. The pics all look good too. I especially like the gray tweed, and tan cords. Is that an ancient madder tie? Looks great with the coat and cords.
Might also try Uncle Ralph, always full of surprises and Ben Silver if you win the Lottery.
Charlottesville – I think that you will enjoy the color. The tie is actually wool, but I am looking forward of branching out from stripes to more fall-ish madders with foulard prints!
Jerrod,
Are those vintage Bass weejun tassels in the top photo? Man, I sure miss mine and have no clue why I got rid of them decades ago. (I think they had been resoled the “max times” -ie-around twice since not Goodyear welted.)
Joe – They aren’t vintage (I bought them a few years back), but they are Bass. Good eye! The quality on these is surprisingly nice. I hope to have them for quite a while.