October 3, 2024
Carhartt Duck Fabric Guide: High Quality Fabric Made to Last
At the core of all our products is a commitment to build the highest quality clothing for the hardest-working people. From our latest innovations like Carhartt Force Sun Defender™ and other lightweight durable technologies to modern classics like the Carhartt K87 Pocket Tee and Carhartt K288 Hoodie, durability is in our DNA. And our commitment to engineering durable, dependable gear all starts with our cotton duck fabric.
Firm Duck
Our signature cotton duck fabric. This ultra-tough, ring-spun cotton material has stood the test of time being used everywhere from trainyards and construction sites to farms, manufacturing facilities, and anywhere else hard work gets done. Featuring a tight weave that naturally resists snags and water penetration, Carhartt duck jackets, overalls, and pants have earned their reputation on-and-off the jobsite over 120 years of use in the field.
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Washed Duck
Softer to the touch, but still Carhartt to the core, our washed duck is built to feel broken in for added comfort and versatility without sacrificing durability. Less stiff than firm duck thanks to a pre-washing process, washed duck gear takes less time to break in for when you need to get to work faster.
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Rugged Flex® Duck
For our Rugged Flex® duck, we added just enough stretch to enhance mobility without sacrificing durability. That means whether you’re bundled up in cotton duck outerwear or keeping it light and lean with single-layer duck jackets and work pants, you can bend, crouch, and reach without limitations.
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Inspired by Duck: The Next Generation of Durable Fabrics from Carhartt
Our latest durable fabric technologies are engineered to carry on the legacy of our traditional duck materials for a new generation of workers, doers, and makers. Lighter weight Carhartt Force® gear wicks sweat, breathes, and dries fast so you can stay cooler in the heat. Our Force Sun Defender™ gear goes even further by doubling down on UV protection for long days outdoors.
The Carhartt Built to Last Commitment
Whichever high quality clothing material from Carhartt is right for your next job, we stand behind the quality, craftsmanship, and performance of every product we make. If one of our products fails to meet your expectations, we’ll work to make it right through repair, replacement, or credit.
FAQ
Duck cloth has been produced in various forms for hundreds of years or more and was originally crafted from linen for use as boat sails. As access to cotton grew more common over time it became the preferred material for duck workwear thanks to its durability.
Carhartt began using cotton duck shortly after the company was founded in 1889 to outfit railroad workers and became so well known for its craftsmanship that the company was contracted to produce cotton duck uniforms and gear for the military in World War I and World War II.
Trusted for its tight weave, snag resistant surface, and versatility, cotton duck continues to be our most used and most popular durable fabric for crafting high quality clothing for workers in every industry.
Duck cloth is not waterproof, but it is water-resistant meaning that it will take longer to “wet out” than some other fabrics. When treated with Carhartt’s Rain Defender® technology, the water resistance is increased resulting in duck outerwear that helps to keep you drier longer.