21 Wale Corduroy Fabric
Our 21 Wale Corduroy Fabric shatters the common stereotype of corduroy as a thick, heavy, robust material reserved for winter outerwear and sofa upholstery. Corduroy is produced in numerous weights and rib specifications, and ultra-fine variants offer a totally unique, lightweight wearing experience. That’s the standout characteristic of this delicate fine-wale material.
If you’re after the classic corduroy texture but prefer a sleek, refined, modern finish, pinwale corduroy is the perfect upgrade. Also widely recognized as fine-wale or needlerib corduroy in global apparel markets, this fabric features ultra-thin, tightly set ridges that deliver a far more subtle and premium look than standard corduroy.
Description
Technical Parameters
210GSM / 150cm / Fine-Ribbed Lightweight Apparel & Craft Fabric
Our 21 Wale Corduroy Fabric shatters the common stereotype of corduroy as a thick, heavy, robust material reserved for winter outerwear and sofa upholstery. Corduroy is produced in numerous weights and rib specifications, and ultra-fine variants offer a totally unique, lightweight wearing experience. That's the standout characteristic of this delicate fine-wale material.
If you're after the classic corduroy texture but prefer a sleek, refined, modern finish, pinwale corduroy is the perfect upgrade. Also widely recognized as fine-wale or needlerib corduroy in global apparel markets, this fabric features ultra-thin, tightly set ridges that deliver a far more subtle and premium look than standard corduroy.
What truly sets it apart is its precise wale density. Regular everyday corduroy typically comes with 6 to 8 ridges per inch, creating a bold, thick ribbed texture that can look bulky on modern silhouettes. Pinwale corduroy takes the weaving craftsmanship a step further, packing 14 to 18 fine ridges per inch as its standard specification. Custom higher-density builds are also available for brands chasing an even smoother, almost muted ribbed effect.
The result is a lightweight, soft-handling corduroy that keeps the fabric's signature cozy feel without the heavy, rigid bulk of traditional styles. Its fine, neat surface works beautifully for casual apparel, tailored pieces and seasonal everyday wear, offering a clean, elevated aesthetic that fits modern minimalist and vintage-inspired designs equally well.
Its ridges are ultra-fine, leaving the fabric nearly smooth against skin, with only a faint subtle texture to feel. Compared to conventional corduroy, this material is far lighter and softer with better drape. That quality makes it a practical pick for items where standard corduroy would come off overly bulky or rigid.This is a woven corduroy made from 100% polyester. The fabric is 200-240 GSM - significantly lighter than our standard 280-300 GSM corduroy. The width is 150 cm, giving you good cutting yield for apparel and craft projects. It is dyed and brushed. The brushing raises a soft nap on the surface, but because the wales are so fine, the nap is more subtle than on wider-wale corduroys.
Currently, this fabric is available in 30 stock colors, with custom color matching available. The fine wale structure means the color reads more evenly than on wider-wale corduroys, which is why it is a popular choice for garment makers who want a solid, uniform look with just a hint of texture.
|
Attribute |
Detail |
|
Product Name |
21 Wale Corduroy Fabric |
|
Composition |
100% Polyester |
|
Weight |
200-240 GSM |
|
Width |
150 cm (customizable) |
|
Construction |
Woven / Dyeing & Brushed finish |
|
Wale Count |
14-21 wales per inch (fine, tightly packed ribs) |
|
Stretch |
None (stable, no stretch) |
|
Surface |
Fine ribbed texture with subtle brushed nap |
|
Color |
30 stock colors / Customized available |
|
Usage |
Apparel (shirts, blouses, lightweight dresses, skirts, children's wear), crafts (bags, accessories, patchwork), lightweight upholstery (cushions, headboards) |
|
Feature |
Lightweight, soft, fine texture, breathable, comfortable, anti-pilling |
|
MOQ |
500 meters per color |
|
Delivery |
15-20 working days after deposit |
|
Packing |
Roll with plastic bag or customized |
|
Port |
Shanghai / Ningbo |
|
Payment |
T/T |
Why This 21 Wale Corduroy Fabric Works
Let's break down exactly what sets this corduroy apart from ordinary styles, plus the scenarios where it'll be your best material pick.
● "pinwale" actually means.
First, let's clear up what a wale means-it's simply the raised rib stripe that defines corduroy's texture. Regular everyday corduroy usually lands between 6 to 10 wales per inch. Our wide chunky version only has 3 to 5 wales within the same inch, creating far broader, bolder ridges.
On the flip side, pinwale corduroy hits 14 wales and above per inch. Its tiny ribs sit packed closely together, yielding an ultra-smooth, velvet-like hand feel. The name draws from pinstripe clothing; instead of printed thin lines, it features delicate raised texture. Glide your palm across pinwale material, and you'll barely catch its gentle ridges-they're far softer and understated compared to regular corduroy's obvious texture.
● Why lighter weight.
At 200-240 GSM, this is one of our lightest corduroy options. The finer wales mean less yarn is used to create the ribs, which reduces the overall weight. The lighter weight makes the fabric more breathable and more comfortable for year-round wear. It also drapes better than heavier corduroys - the fabric hangs softly instead of standing stiff. If you are making garments that need to move and flow, this is the corduroy you want.
● Why 100% polyester.
Polyester gives you stability, color fastness, and easy care. The fine wales hold their shape well in polyester - the ribs stay crisp and defined. The fabric also resists shrinking and wrinkling, which is important for lightweight fabrics that would otherwise show creases easily. We brush the fabric after dyeing to give it a soft finish, so the polyester does not feel slick or plastic-like.
● What the brushing does.
The brushing process raises a subtle nap on the surface. It is lighter than on heavier corduroys because the wales are so fine - too much brushing would blur the rib definition. The nap gives the fabric a soft, comfortable feel and a bit of warmth. And because we brush after dyeing, the color stays consistent across the surface.
● Anti-pilling - what it actually means.
We treat this 21 Wale Corduroy Fabric to resist pilling. The fine wale structure actually helps with pilling resistance - the tightly packed ribs support the surface fibers and prevent them from tangling up. Our treatment locks the fibers down further. The fabric stays clean-looking for longer, which is important for lightweight garments that are worn close to the skin.
● What our customers are actually using it for.
The range is distinct. Apparel brands use this fabric for shirts, blouses, and lightweight dresses - the fine texture gives the garment a subtle visual interest that plain cotton lacks. Children's wear makers use it for dresses and tops - it is soft, comfortable, and does not irritate sensitive skin. Crafters use it for bags, accessories, and patchwork - the fine wales mean the fabric cuts cleanly and sews well without bulk. We even have a few customers using it for lightweight upholstery - cushions and headboards where they want the corduroy look without the heavy feel.
Production & Ordering Details
● Stock colors.
We stock 30 ready-made colorways of this pinwale corduroy. Our lineup covers staple neutral tones like black, charcoal, navy, beige and brown, alongside plenty of trendy fashion hues.
Its slim ribs soak dye uniformly, unlike broad wale corduroy that often looks blotchy. This makes the fabric ideal for soft pastels and vivid bright shades alike.
● Custom colors.
We're able to create custom color matches for this pinwale corduroy. Just send over a Pantone code, fabric swatch, or clear reference photo of your target shade, and our dye lab will replicate it accurately. We'll produce trial dye lots for your sign-off before kicking off mass production.
● Custom width.
150 cm is our standard. The fine wale structure is stable across different widths, so we have some flexibility if you need a different width. Just tell us what you need and we will check the feasibility.
● MOQ and pricing.
Our baseline minimum order stands at 500 meters for each individual color of this pinwale corduroy. This fabric carries a mild price uplift compared to ordinary corduroy. Crafting its ultra-fine ribs calls for far more meticulous weaving work and extra yarn thread ends during production. Even so, its lightweight build and refined delicate texture make the slight price difference well worth it.
If your required yardage falls short of our standard MOQ, don't hesitate to get in touch. We regularly split bulk production lots to support clients running small test lines or trialing brand-new colorways.
● Delivery timeline.
Once your deposit is verified, we'll finish all production steps and ship out your pinwale corduroy within 15–20 working days on average. This fabric demands stricter in-line quality checks while weaving to keep its delicate fine wales uniform, yet we've streamlined our workflow to match the same steady lead time as regular corduroy styles.
Sampling Policy
● Standard samples.
A4-size cuttings of existing stock colors are free. You just pay the shipping cost. If you have your own courier account with FedEx, DHL, or TNT, we can ship using your account.
● Custom samples.
Should you need custom color swatches to approve ahead of bulk manufacturing, a small sampling fee will apply. This cost offsets the dye tank setup and materials we use to make test fabric runs for you.The full sample fee gets subtracted directly from your final invoice once you confirm and place the full production order.
FAQ
These are actual questions buyers have asked us about this 21 Wale Corduroy Fabric.
Q1: What does "pinwale" mean?
A1: When textile people talk about pinwale, they're referencing the thinness of corduroy's raised ridges. Basic regular corduroy only has 6–10 ribs across one inch of cloth. Pinwale corduroy ups that figure to a minimum of 14 ribs per inch, some styles hitting 18 ribs or extra. These compact, delicate ribs give the material a far lighter feel, smoother surface and greater drape than conventional corduroy varieties. The moniker "pinwale" originates from the rib's slim dimension, matching the narrow thickness of a metal pin.
Q2: How is 21 Wale Corduroy Fabric different from regular corduroy?
A2: Three main differences. First, the wales are finer and more tightly packed. Second, the fabric is lighter - our pinwale is 240 GSM compared to 280-300 GSM for standard corduroy. Third, the fabric is more flexible and drapes better. Regular corduroy is heavier, stiffer, and has more pronounced ribs. Pinwale is more refined and subtle.
Q3: Is this fabric suitable for shirts and blouses?
A3: That's totally right-apparel tops are among its most common end uses. With a light base weight and ultra-fine wale structure, pinwale corduroy is a top choice for men's shirts, women's blouses and flowy lightweight dresses. The fabric boasts great draping performance and an incredibly soft hand feel against bare skin. It keeps a neat, sharp shape without wrinkling easily, so countless fashion manufacturers favor this material for structured tailored shirts and blouses.
Q4: What is the MOQ for this fabric?
A4: Our regular MOQ is 500 meters per color. That is the standard for production runs. But we keep stock on the more popular colors, and for those, we can sometimes accept orders from 100 meters upward. For sampling, we send A4 cuttings free of charge.
Q5: Can I order a physical color card?
A5: We highly recommend getting a physical fabric swatch first. This subtle thin fine-wale texture doesn't translate well on any screen, which can never show you exactly how the cloth appears in reality. Small details like rib depth, brushed soft hand feel and true color tone can only be seen and touched in person. We have full swatch books for all our 30 in-stock shades with no cost for the samples themselves; you just cover the delivery cost.
Q6: Can I get a custom color matched?
A6: Custom color matching is a regular service we provide. Simply share your color reference with us - a Pantone number, physical fabric swatch, or clear, properly lit photo all work fine. Our internal dyeing factory will recreate your target color with high accuracy. A modest sample fee applies for custom color development, but this charge will be completely deducted from your bulk order bill after you confirm mass production.
Q7: Is this fabric suitable for children's clothing?
A7: Yes, especially dresses and tops. The fabric is lightweight, soft, and comfortable against the skin. The fine wales do not irritate sensitive skin the way heavier corduroys sometimes can. We also carry OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification for this fabric, so it is safe for close-to-skin contact.
Q8: Does the fine wale structure affect the color?
A8: Yes, in a positive way. The finer wales mean the surface is more uniform, so the color reads more evenly. On wider-wale corduroys, dark colors can look patchy because the ribs create shadows and highlights. On pinwale, the color is more consistent. This makes pinwale a better choice for lighter and brighter colors.
Hot Tags: 21 wale corduroy fabric, China 21 wale corduroy fabric manufacturers, suppliers, factory, 21 Wale Corduroy Fabric, Corduroy By The Yard, Stretch Corduroy Fabric By The Yard, Stretch Needlecord Fabric, Wale Corduroy, Wide Wale Corduroys
Previous
Stretch Corduroy Fabric By The YardNext
No InformationSend Inquiry
