Hi all, me again! I realize I start just about every new post with a statement about how long ago it’s been since I posted last, but what can I say? It’s been an interesting few years for all of us, and life tends to take its turns. I’ve definitely been getting my feet back on the ground with work and all kinds of new ventures, but my interest in blogging and supporting ethical premium denim, or ethical and sustainable apparel in general, hasn’t waned one bit, despite my long break from the writing element. I’m back again now with something new, from a brand I’ve been working with for quite some time now. Most of my denim reviews have to do with, well…denim, but this time I have had a chance to finally check out the corduroy side of the industry. I’m excited to share another piece from Porter Blue Apparel, in the form of a Wanderer High Rise Corduroy Flare in Cream review.
While driving up California’s Highway 1 for a mini solo road trip a few weeks ago, I stopped in San Simeon to snap some photos of these super cute and comfortable cords! The scenery was totally fitting, as Porter Blue Apparel was embracing the beach aesthetic for many years after they were established. I’ve done three other reviews from the brand: the Rebel Straight, Heart Breaker Skinny and the Wanderer Flare in Gracie. I know corduroy pants have been a staple alongside its denim counterparts in the collections of premium brands across the industry for a long time, but I never had the chance to actually try the style until now.
As a refresher, before I get into these beautiful corduroy flares themselves, as all of you must know by now I’m HUGE on ethical premium denim and I am thoroughly impressed by Porter Blue Apparel’s sustainable efforts! The brand uses the Better Cotton Initiative to reduce water consumption by 40% and improve soil health by eliminating toxic pesticides and fertilizers, as well as helping educate farmers to use more improve the environmental impact of producing cotton. The brand uses laser finishing technologies to reduce water, energy and chemical usage in the wash process (which gives denim that desired worn-in look and feel), and also chose a factory with an impressive wastewater treatment process to revert waste back to its original quality—good enough to drink! All metal hardware on Porter Blue Apparel’s jeans are made from post-consumer recycled materials, and even packaging is made from 100% recycled content. All denim labels are made from vegan faux leathers as well. Read about this brand’s sustainability efforts in more detail here!
Like the Wanderer Flare in Gracie, the Wanderer High Rise Corduroy Flare in Cream offers a super curve-hugging, flattering fit and stays in place so comfortably with a rise of 11.25″, inseam of 32″ and a groovy 20″ wide leg opening. It’s made from a 97% Cotton 3% Spandex OEKO TEX 100 certified fabric blend and is oh so soft without losing shape! I’m usually between a 25 and a 26, but I found in the Porter Blue flares I best fit a 24. I wore a 26 in the straight and skinny styles but although they fit, I could also have sized down to a 25 as I was between sizes. These flares, like the denim version, were slightly snug at first but softened up so perfectly after a few jumps and lunges and just walking around in them for awhile. Porter Blue Apparel does recommend sizing down in the corduroy styles due to the stretch factor. The only issue with corduroy is it does tend to collect lint, but other than that I absolutely love this new and different addition to my closet and look forward to pairing them with other pieces in my closet for just about any occasion!
Grab a pair of the Wanderer High Rise Corduroy Flare in Cream HERE. There’s also a beautiful golden brown version, the Wanderer High Rise Corduroy Flare in Whiskey, which can be found HERE.
