How to choose the appropriate corduroy fabric for Wale Count to make clothes or household items

What is Wale Count?
Before explaining how to choose Wale Count's corduroy fabric, we first need to understand the basic concept of Wale Count. Wale Count refers to the number of stripes per inch (or centimeter) of corduroy fabric. Simply put, the higher the Wale Count, the finer the stripes on the fabric, and the lower the Wale Count, the thicker the stripes. The Wale Count of corduroy fabric is usually represented by a number, such as "21 Wale" or "14 Wale", which indicates how many "Wale" lines are in each inch of fabric.
High Wale Count: The stripes are dense, usually exceeding 20 per inch, with common ones being 30 Wale, 40 Wale, etc. This fabric has a smooth surface and is suitable for making high-end clothing.
Low Wale Count: The stripes are thicker, usually less than 15 per inch, such as 5 Wale, 6 Wale, etc. This fabric is relatively thick and suitable for making durable clothing or household items.
How to choose the appropriate Wale Count based on its intended use?
To choose the appropriate corduroy fabric for Wale Count, you first need to consider the purpose, style, and functional requirements of the clothing or household items you are making. The following are recommended selection criteria for several common uses:
1. Make clothes (jackets, pants, skirts, etc.)
High Wale Count (20 Wale or above): For clothing production, especially for those that want to present exquisite and smooth effects, choosing high Wale Count corduroy fabric will be more suitable. The higher Wale Count makes the stripes of the fabric more delicate, visually more refined, and the touch softer. This fabric is commonly used to make fashionable clothing such as jackets, pants, skirts, etc.
Applicable scenarios: high-end suits, fashionable jackets, delicate skirts, casual pants, shirts, etc.
Advantages: It has high comfort and softness, suitable for close fitting wear, giving people a high-end and elegant feeling.
Medium Wale Count (15-20 Wale): If you want to make clothing that is more casual but still has a certain design sense, you can choose corduroy fabric with medium Wale Count. Medium stripe density can present a more layered visual effect while maintaining comfort.
Applicable scenarios: casual pants, denim style jackets, sports pants, etc.
Advantages: Suitable for daily wear, combining comfort and fashion sense, suitable for mass consumers.
Low Wale Count (below 15 Wale): Corduroy fabrics with low Wale Count are thicker and more textured, with rough stripes that give a strong and sturdy impression. It is suitable for making durable, warm, and stylish clothing.
Applicable scenarios: winter jackets, coats, work pants, thick soled jackets, etc.
Advantages: The fabric is thick and suitable for severe cold weather, and it is also more durable, with a certain retro or workwear style.
2. Making household items (curtains, sofa covers, bedding, etc.)
Corduroy fabric is also widely used in household items. Choosing the appropriate Wale Count is equally important based on the functional and decorative needs of home products.
High Wale Count (20 Wale or above): For beautifully crafted home decor items such as sofa cushions and curtains, you can choose corduroy fabric with high Wale Count. Its stripes are delicate and smooth, not only providing a comfortable touch, but also giving it a high-end feel. Especially suitable for places that require high visual effects and tactile experience, such as living rooms or bedrooms.
Applicable scenarios: sofa covers, curtains, cushions, etc.
Advantages: The surface of the fabric is smooth, durable, and not easily faded, making it suitable for high-end home decoration.
Medium Wale Count (15-20 Wale): If you want household items to have both comfort and durability, you can choose corduroy fabric with a medium Wale Count. The stripes of this fabric are moderate, and the visual effect is not too complicated, suitable for various home styles.
Applicable scenarios: Bedding (such as bed sheets, duvet covers), mid-range sofa covers, dining chair cushions, etc.
Advantages: Durable and decorative, suitable for various home environments.
Low Wale Count (less than 15 Wale): Corduroy fabric with low Wale Count is thick and durable, suitable for making stronger and more durable household items, especially those that require frequent cleaning and use. It can provide better warmth and comfort, suitable for use in cold seasons.
Applicable scenarios: carpets, heavy sofas, mattress coverings, etc.
Advantages: The fabric is durable, suitable for large-scale coverage and frequent use, providing good warmth and comfort.
3. Consider seasonal factors
In addition to functionality and purpose, seasonality is also an important factor in choosing a Wale Count. Usually, high Wale Count corduroy fabric is more suitable for spring and autumn seasons because it is lighter and more comfortable to wear. Low Wale Count fabrics are more suitable for cold winters because of their thickness and warmth retention.
4. Match with other fabrics and styles
When choosing corduroy fabric, it is also necessary to consider its combination with other fabrics. For example, when paired with fabrics such as leather and wool, low Wale Count corduroy fabric can bring a stronger contrast effect; When paired with natural fabrics such as cotton and linen, high Wale Count corduroy fabric can showcase exquisite craftsmanship.