Hi Avery, I loved this episode! I called my Hoosier grandma and she still has her high school senior cord skirt in her closet. She graduated in 1960. She sent pictures and it is AMAZING. I can send pics if you are interested! the cord skirt itself was hand sewn by my great grandma. She painted it with some pretty radical and cutting edge stuff, too. It was a great chance to connect with my grandma and hear stories of her youth so thank you!
This may be my favorite episode in this series yet. Loved the mystery and the payoff. And as a Hoosier, I loved that my home state featured in the episode! My wife has an old Kentucky FFA corduroy jacket from her grandpa stored in one of our closets.
Hi! My partner and I were inspired to continue the tradition of the corduroy appreciation club. We will be meeting this 11/11 in Sebastopol California for the 20th anniversary of the first meeting. We are asking people to wear at least two items of corduroy and included the podcast in our invitation so people do their homework before they come! We were wondering if we could learn the handshake and have it be part of our schedule?!
That is so cool!!!!! I love that! I wasn’t in the actual club so I’m so sorry I know the official handshake! but it’s all make up anyway so this is your tradition to take and run with!!!
We had 30 people show up yesterday! Including 3 people all wearing corduroy that just happened to be in the town square and were curious about what we were doing. Another person that came sewed corduroy pants while following around the Grateful Dead, he brought his sewing machine everywhere with him! We also came up with a great handshake and our slogan is “f*ck jeans, check out those seams.” We’ll do it again next year!
I was so inspired by senior cords, I went online and bought inexpensive yellow cords to try to make my own. Any chance you have recommendations on fabric markers that work on corduroy? Or any leads on who to ask? Thanks so much! -AJ
oh cool I'm so glad youre giving it a shot! I definitely don't know myself- but it seems like it was most normal fabric paint markers and a lot of practice!
I’m a graduate student at Indiana University (in Bloomington, Indiana) and had no idea about senior cords until this episode. I love the idea of them! I do have a different very deep connection to corduroy.
As a kid, I went to summer camp at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan. One of the funky things about it was that there are uniforms. The original 1920s uniform was navy blue corduroy pants for the men and “knickers” (like knickerbockers, or breeches) for women. These do get very hot in the summer. Back in the day each camper would get two pairs of pants for the whole summer. When I went, any navy bottom was allowed. However, for performances and special events - we would still wore the corduroys. The smell of sweaty corduroy is ingrained into my brain to this day. I also remember one counselor who had a pair of navy blue corduroy knicker overalls and I thought she was the coolest person on the planet as a tween.
My mom has a very specific corduroy story. She graduated high school in '72 so the story is from that time period. She had gotten a brand new pair of pristine Levi's. Wore them to school and was sent home cos no jeans were allowed (for women). So she went home and came back in her most worn out corduroy with holes. And that was totally acceptable pant material for women.
I wonder the popularity of corduroy correlates with women being allowed to wear denim in public spaces?
Ooh. The private school I went to in the 70s, girls were only allowed to wear pants from Thanksgiving to Easter (Chicago), but No Jeans. So we all wore cords. Also, ground zero for preppy (one of the Preppy Handbook authors was from my hometown).
I still love corduroy and wear it all winter because it's warmer than jeans ... my beloved makes fun of me (gently) as being Midwestern about my cords.
I loved this episode and love your show in general. I wanted to add a note about courdoroy history that might not be so well know in North America but is still alive and well in Germany and that I find fascinating. Corduroy is an integral Part of the traditional tradesmen’s clothing and worn by members of the traditional guilds or “Zunft” in Germany. Guilds used to be very powerful in Germany and the traditions are still strong and proud. Many people still follow the traditional apprentice, journeyman, master system of education ( to learn about the journeyman part of the education or the “Wanderschaft” is very interesting in and of itself). Members of the guild have a traditional uniform that they wear. It is slightly different for each trade but often include pants, a vest and a jacket made of corduroy. Black for woodworking trades and grey for stone. The clothing also have many details that are both practical and symbolic. I have been told that corduroy is both strong and also it is easier to brush dust and sawdust off the material. Traditional pants or “Zunfthosen” also had a bell bottom that was meant to go over your boot and keep sawdust from falling in. Carpenter and Roofers pants have two zippers at the front. This comes from the ships carpenters who needed to get out of their pants fast if they fell in the water (wet pants full of tools would pull them down). The vests traditionally have 6 shell buttons to signify 6-day work week and so on. I know many carpenters and tradesmen who love to wear their Zunfthosen (without bell bottoms) for work (not just for ceremonial events) and sometimes for leisure as well because they are so practical and also a source of pride in their trade.
This was, as usual, an excellent listen. I live in Bloomington, IN(sort of south central) and was born and raised in Evansville, IN (about as south as Southern Indiana one can get). I’ve never heard of senior cords. I’ll be asking my mom and others about them now!
Hi long time listener, first time commenter. I loved the Senior Cords story and was reminded of two examples of similar expressions of clothing, uniformity and self expression in schools (in nordic countries) that I think might be worth checking out.
I lived in Norway for a year and the spring time was full of roaming bands of high school students wearing matching coveralls and partying across town. It’s a tradition called Russ: https://www.lifeinnorway.net/norwegian-russ/
Latecomer to the podcast (and big fan) so this one was in the archives to me, but I wanted to leave a note re: the Corduroy Appreciation Society. That story was an interesting way into the corduroy story, but it wasn't really unique in the way the ep intimated - this sort of serious-but-tongue-in-cheek playful social club/activity thing was going on throughout NYC in the '00s. I was a member of 4 different groups I'd classify as "mischief societies" - 20somethings looking for community in the same way the CASers were. Some of them went on to be now-professional groups that still run (i.e. Gotham Roller Derby), others fizzled out after a few meetings / public art stunts / happenings. But there were a ton of them, always ostensibly centered around one interest or action, but all really just folks trying to make friends.
I'm way, way late to the comment party, but needed to share a piece of serendipity. Over the weekend listened to Paisley and Corduroy back to back, loving them both. Once home I started cleaning bicycles in the shop and what came to the top of the rag bag was a hunk of one of my favorite old shirts. A 1980 - 82 green paisley pin-whale corduroy button down that I loved, and wore, WELL into the 90's. That shirt, and it's purply-pink twin, were retired when my bride simply shook her head at the frayed collar and mismatched buttons every time it came up in rotation. It may have been broken down into component parts but is still in rotation. Nothing beats good, 100% cotton, corduroy for flossing a cassette.
Thank you so much for such a brilliant series, I recommend you every chance I get.
Did you buy that skirt vintage, or have it made? I ask because Alpha Delta Pi is my sorority! Your skirt is from another chapter, at another school, but it’s always exciting to see letters out in the wild. And if you are also an ADPi, I wanted to say hello. 🔹
Hi Avery, I loved this episode! I called my Hoosier grandma and she still has her high school senior cord skirt in her closet. She graduated in 1960. She sent pictures and it is AMAZING. I can send pics if you are interested! the cord skirt itself was hand sewn by my great grandma. She painted it with some pretty radical and cutting edge stuff, too. It was a great chance to connect with my grandma and hear stories of her youth so thank you!
I love that!!! that's so amazing she kept them. May I see?
Definitely! I don’t know the best way to get your photos to you (I’m new-ish to sub stack) but I’d love to share somehow.
I wanna see too! You should post on Instagram and hashtag #seniorcords please 😎
This may be my favorite episode in this series yet. Loved the mystery and the payoff. And as a Hoosier, I loved that my home state featured in the episode! My wife has an old Kentucky FFA corduroy jacket from her grandpa stored in one of our closets.
Corduroy forever!
Oooh was not expecting the Bowling Alone closer! Excellent episode
Hi! My partner and I were inspired to continue the tradition of the corduroy appreciation club. We will be meeting this 11/11 in Sebastopol California for the 20th anniversary of the first meeting. We are asking people to wear at least two items of corduroy and included the podcast in our invitation so people do their homework before they come! We were wondering if we could learn the handshake and have it be part of our schedule?!
That is so cool!!!!! I love that! I wasn’t in the actual club so I’m so sorry I know the official handshake! but it’s all make up anyway so this is your tradition to take and run with!!!
We had 30 people show up yesterday! Including 3 people all wearing corduroy that just happened to be in the town square and were curious about what we were doing. Another person that came sewed corduroy pants while following around the Grateful Dead, he brought his sewing machine everywhere with him! We also came up with a great handshake and our slogan is “f*ck jeans, check out those seams.” We’ll do it again next year!
Omg HELL YES HAIL THE WHALE
Hi Avery,
I was so inspired by senior cords, I went online and bought inexpensive yellow cords to try to make my own. Any chance you have recommendations on fabric markers that work on corduroy? Or any leads on who to ask? Thanks so much! -AJ
oh cool I'm so glad youre giving it a shot! I definitely don't know myself- but it seems like it was most normal fabric paint markers and a lot of practice!
I’m a graduate student at Indiana University (in Bloomington, Indiana) and had no idea about senior cords until this episode. I love the idea of them! I do have a different very deep connection to corduroy.
As a kid, I went to summer camp at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan. One of the funky things about it was that there are uniforms. The original 1920s uniform was navy blue corduroy pants for the men and “knickers” (like knickerbockers, or breeches) for women. These do get very hot in the summer. Back in the day each camper would get two pairs of pants for the whole summer. When I went, any navy bottom was allowed. However, for performances and special events - we would still wore the corduroys. The smell of sweaty corduroy is ingrained into my brain to this day. I also remember one counselor who had a pair of navy blue corduroy knicker overalls and I thought she was the coolest person on the planet as a tween.
My mom has a very specific corduroy story. She graduated high school in '72 so the story is from that time period. She had gotten a brand new pair of pristine Levi's. Wore them to school and was sent home cos no jeans were allowed (for women). So she went home and came back in her most worn out corduroy with holes. And that was totally acceptable pant material for women.
I wonder the popularity of corduroy correlates with women being allowed to wear denim in public spaces?
Great episode!
Ooh. The private school I went to in the 70s, girls were only allowed to wear pants from Thanksgiving to Easter (Chicago), but No Jeans. So we all wore cords. Also, ground zero for preppy (one of the Preppy Handbook authors was from my hometown).
I still love corduroy and wear it all winter because it's warmer than jeans ... my beloved makes fun of me (gently) as being Midwestern about my cords.
I loved this episode and love your show in general. I wanted to add a note about courdoroy history that might not be so well know in North America but is still alive and well in Germany and that I find fascinating. Corduroy is an integral Part of the traditional tradesmen’s clothing and worn by members of the traditional guilds or “Zunft” in Germany. Guilds used to be very powerful in Germany and the traditions are still strong and proud. Many people still follow the traditional apprentice, journeyman, master system of education ( to learn about the journeyman part of the education or the “Wanderschaft” is very interesting in and of itself). Members of the guild have a traditional uniform that they wear. It is slightly different for each trade but often include pants, a vest and a jacket made of corduroy. Black for woodworking trades and grey for stone. The clothing also have many details that are both practical and symbolic. I have been told that corduroy is both strong and also it is easier to brush dust and sawdust off the material. Traditional pants or “Zunfthosen” also had a bell bottom that was meant to go over your boot and keep sawdust from falling in. Carpenter and Roofers pants have two zippers at the front. This comes from the ships carpenters who needed to get out of their pants fast if they fell in the water (wet pants full of tools would pull them down). The vests traditionally have 6 shell buttons to signify 6-day work week and so on. I know many carpenters and tradesmen who love to wear their Zunfthosen (without bell bottoms) for work (not just for ceremonial events) and sometimes for leisure as well because they are so practical and also a source of pride in their trade.
Hope you find this interesting! Love your show!
This was, as usual, an excellent listen. I live in Bloomington, IN(sort of south central) and was born and raised in Evansville, IN (about as south as Southern Indiana one can get). I’ve never heard of senior cords. I’ll be asking my mom and others about them now!
Thank you for these excellent stories!
Hi long time listener, first time commenter. I loved the Senior Cords story and was reminded of two examples of similar expressions of clothing, uniformity and self expression in schools (in nordic countries) that I think might be worth checking out.
I lived in Norway for a year and the spring time was full of roaming bands of high school students wearing matching coveralls and partying across town. It’s a tradition called Russ: https://www.lifeinnorway.net/norwegian-russ/
The other example is from a Finnish classmate who described how in undergrad, Finnish students wore coveralls based on their major and would wear them for four years customizing them along the way. https://finland.fi/life-society/whats-the-deal-with-the-overalls-you-see-university-students-wearing-in-finland/
The Venture Bros. has an aquatic themed villain named Wide Wale who also happens to dress in corduroy. https://venturebrothers.fandom.com/wiki/Wide_Wale
Latecomer to the podcast (and big fan) so this one was in the archives to me, but I wanted to leave a note re: the Corduroy Appreciation Society. That story was an interesting way into the corduroy story, but it wasn't really unique in the way the ep intimated - this sort of serious-but-tongue-in-cheek playful social club/activity thing was going on throughout NYC in the '00s. I was a member of 4 different groups I'd classify as "mischief societies" - 20somethings looking for community in the same way the CASers were. Some of them went on to be now-professional groups that still run (i.e. Gotham Roller Derby), others fizzled out after a few meetings / public art stunts / happenings. But there were a ton of them, always ostensibly centered around one interest or action, but all really just folks trying to make friends.
I'm way, way late to the comment party, but needed to share a piece of serendipity. Over the weekend listened to Paisley and Corduroy back to back, loving them both. Once home I started cleaning bicycles in the shop and what came to the top of the rag bag was a hunk of one of my favorite old shirts. A 1980 - 82 green paisley pin-whale corduroy button down that I loved, and wore, WELL into the 90's. That shirt, and it's purply-pink twin, were retired when my bride simply shook her head at the frayed collar and mismatched buttons every time it came up in rotation. It may have been broken down into component parts but is still in rotation. Nothing beats good, 100% cotton, corduroy for flossing a cassette.
Thank you so much for such a brilliant series, I recommend you every chance I get.
Did you buy that skirt vintage, or have it made? I ask because Alpha Delta Pi is my sorority! Your skirt is from another chapter, at another school, but it’s always exciting to see letters out in the wild. And if you are also an ADPi, I wanted to say hello. 🔹
its vintage from the 50s! thats so cool!
Avery, I just loved this episode, and I love all you do. I love listening to you on other podcasts too!