Cotton canvas

Canvas is a coarse, densely woven cotton fabric in plain weave, with a typical area weight of 200–500 gsm. In the US the heavy variant is called “cotton duck”. Historically canvas was the classic sailcloth before synthetic fibres took over.

Today cotton canvas is a key material for backpacks, tote bags, tents, sneakers, painting canvases and workwear trousers and jackets. The surface is hard-wearing, shape-retaining and is often impregnated with wax or water-repellent finishes. Without finishing, canvas can crease and shrink easily.

• Plain weave, very dense
• Robust, shape-retaining, durable
• Often waxed or impregnated
• Basis for bags, sneakers and workwear