Corduroy Stretch

Stretch corduroy takes the beloved autumn classic — those soft velvety ribs — and adds give, turning a traditionally stiff fabric into pinafores, trousers, skirts and children's clothes that move like modern clothing. Cord's cosy heritage character, none of its old rigidity.

It's the fabric of autumn wardrobes: warm-toned pinafore dresses, comfortable trousers, jackets and hardwearing kids' clothes that look storybook and survive playgrounds. The ribs (the wales, to give their proper name) add texture that plain fabrics envy.

Cord is a pile fabric, so the velvet rule applies: cut all pieces with the nap running the same direction — colour shifts with it. Press from the reverse on something soft, sew with a slightly longer stitch, and pre-wash for the cotton content.