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Un-Denier-Able: All About Cordura®

We look at Cordura®, the seriously strong nylon fiber that helps to make some of the world's most robust products.

Daniel Rockburn

If you’re unfamiliar with the CORDURA® fabric name, chances are good that you’ve handled these chainmail-esque fibers before. The fabric most likely houses some goods and gear you’ve got lying around the house right now.

While it might be found primarily on bags and gear requiring high levels of performance, CORDURA®’s elevated itself above mere generic everyday carry, and is now found in designer fashion in almost every niche you can think of. This primer takes a dive into CORDURA®, the rugged fabric that litters our everyday lives, and a symbol of quality for many.

What is CORDURA®?

CORDURA® is a synthetic fabric made specifically from highly durable INVISTA® nylon and polyester yarns which are woven together to create a fabric that is scratch and abrasion-resistant. CORDURA® is available in varying weights and thicknesses. These weights are measured by yarn thickness, also known as Denier. The higher the number of Denier or D, the heavier and thicker the yarn utilized in the fabric is – with 500D and 1000D being most commonly used in bags.

The underside of CORDURA® is treated with polyurethane and the fabric’s grain has a water-repellant finish, making the fabric ideal for performing outdoors. The highly durable nylon and polyester yarns

Despite CORDURA® being intended as a ‘bag fabric’, you can find this hard-wearing, versatile fabric applied in many different ways. Luggage, wallets, outerwear, outdoor cushioning, and equipment from the military are some of the various ways that CORDURA® is used.

/ In Partnership with Devium /

Devium - Wholly Made in USA

Devium USA is a brand that cuts through the bunkum by making 100% of its products in the USA with no compromise.

Underpinning this mantra is the Berry Amendment, a federal law that protects US manufacturing pertaining to U.S. military products. Does Devium make products for the U.S. Military? No. But it holds itself to the same meticulous federal standard that was put in place to sure up U.S. manufacturing in the dawn of WWII.

Check out their full line, including the Boca Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt you see above, at Devium.

Brief History of CORDURA®

Delaware-based company DuPont, who invented nylon in the late 1930s, created the synthetic INVISTA® yarns that compose CORDURA® fabric in their labs during WWII to reinforce rubber tires for the military.

It wasn’t until 1967 that CORDURA® went to market, and it’s been protecting outdoor gear and goods from scuffs, abrasions, rips, and tears ever since.

Through the decades since then, CORDURA®’s been protecting skiers, hikers, soldiers, and anyone in need of solid protective gear for the outdoors. New forms of CORDURA® have come onto the market, as well, for all kinds of applications.

Soft, malleable, and fully dyeable CORDURA®, lower weight and equally durable 500D CORDURA® Plus fabric, CORDURA® 1000D Textured Nylon crafted for boots, CORDURA® Ballistic fabrics, and more iterations to improve durability, weight-carrying capabilities, textures, and ease of wear.

Common CORDURA® Applications

CORDURA®’s chief application is, and most likely always will be – bags. The durable, scratch and abrasion-resistant nature of the fabric makes it perfect for daily carry. We all sling our bag on the floor, into storage compartments on trains, or in the back of our cars, and CORDURA®’s military-grade technology makes all that possible without having to worry about tarnishing or damaging your bag.

Nowadays, you can find CORDURA® fabrics implemented into everything from luggage and bags to shoes, jeans, and outerwear. Brands like Carhartt, Goldwin, Iron Heart, Vans, Supreme, and more are offering CORDURA® fabrics in their line-up. CORDURA®’s many versatile fabric offerings intersect the needs of sleek and indestructible techwear, rugged workwear, and undeniably cool streetwear in one place.

Examples of CORDURA®

Filson Dryden Nylon Backpack – 25L

Weiss Cordura Canvas Strap

Pras x My Loads Are light Shellcap Sneaker

Unique Garment Cordura Bird View Mountain Parka