Canvas Vs Cordura: What’s the Difference?

Canvas and Cordura are two distinct types of fabrics that offer unique characteristics and advantages for various applications. Canvas, traditionally used in tents and boat sails, has expanded its usage to include sport gear, sneakers, and bags due to its durability.

On the other hand, Cordura was specifically developed for military and law enforcement clothing and gear, prioritizing exceptional durability and protection.

While canvas fabric showcases a classic aesthetic and moderate protection, Cordura fabric excels in ruggedness and offers high levels of tear strength and abrasion resistance.

Understanding the differences between canvas and Cordura can help in choosing the right fabric for specific needs.

Key Differences – Canvas Vs Cordura

Canvas and Cordura are two different types of fabrics, each with its unique characteristics. Here are the key differences between canvas and Cordura:

Fabric Type

• Canvas: Canvas is a heavy plain weave fabric primarily made with cotton fibers. It has a sturdy construction and offers good strength and durability. Canvas has a classic and timeless aesthetic, making it popular for various applications, including sport gear, bags, and sneakers.
• Cordura: Cordura is a nylon-based fabric known for its exceptional durability. It is specifically engineered to withstand rugged conditions and is highly resistant to abrasions, tears, and scuffs. Cordura fabrics are commonly used in military and law enforcement gear, outdoor equipment, backpacks, and footwear.

Durability

• Canvas: Canvas fabric is durable and reliable, suitable for everyday use. It can withstand moderate wear and tear and offers good longevity. Canvas’s durability makes it a preferred choice for products that require strength and resistance to damage.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric stands out for its outstanding durability. It is designed to excel in high-demanding environments and provides excellent resistance against abrasions, tears, and scuffs. Cordura fabrics are built to last, making them ideal for military and law enforcement applications where longevity is crucial.

Weight

• Canvas: Canvas fabric is generally heavier compared to Cordura. It has a substantial weight due to its dense weave and use of cotton fibers. While this added weight can contribute to the overall heft of products made with canvas, it also provides a sense of sturdiness and durability.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric offers a wide range of options when it comes to weight. It is available in various weights, including featherweight materials to heavier variants suitable for body armor. Despite its durability, Cordura is engineered to be lightweight, ensuring that it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk or weight to the gear or clothing it is used in.

Abrasion Resistance

• Canvas: Canvas fabric has a good level of abrasion resistance, providing reasonable protection against wear and tear. It can withstand moderate levels of abrasion, making it suitable for applications where durability is required but not subjected to extreme conditions.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric is renowned for its excellent abrasion resistance. It is specifically designed to withstand rigorous use and harsh environments. Cordura fabrics offer exceptional protection against abrasions, ensuring that the material remains intact and retains its integrity even under demanding conditions.

Tear Strength

• Canvas: Canvas fabric exhibits good tear strength, allowing it to withstand moderate levels of force before tearing. It provides reasonable resistance against tears, making it suitable for applications where durability is required but not necessarily in high-stress scenarios.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric boasts high tear strength, making it exceptionally resistant to tears. It is specifically engineered to withstand rugged conditions and can endure significant force without tearing. Cordura fabrics excel in applications that demand exceptional tear resistance, such as military and law enforcement gear, where protection and longevity are critical factors.

Scuff Resistance

• Canvas: Canvas fabric offers moderate scuff resistance, providing some protection against surface abrasion. While it can withstand a certain level of scuffing, canvas may show signs of wear and tear over time, especially in high-friction areas.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric demonstrates high scuff resistance, making it highly resilient to surface abrasion. It is designed to withstand repeated rubbing and contact with rough surfaces without showing significant signs of scuffing or damage. Cordura fabrics maintain their appearance and integrity even in demanding conditions.

Applications

• Canvas: Canvas fabric finds diverse applications beyond its traditional uses. It is commonly used in sport gear, bags, sneakers, and other lifestyle products. Its durability and classic aesthetic make it a popular choice for items where a balance of strength and style is desired.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric is primarily utilized in military and law enforcement gear, outdoor equipment, backpacks, and footwear. Its exceptional durability, abrasion resistance, and tear strength make it ideal for demanding environments that require long-lasting performance and protection.

Traditional Uses

• Canvas: Canvas fabric has a rich history of traditional uses. It has been traditionally employed in the construction of tents, boat sails, and other utilitarian products due to its durability and strength. Canvas’s ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide reliable shelter has made it a staple in outdoor settings.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric does not have specific traditional uses like canvas. It was developed as a specialized fabric for military and law enforcement applications, focusing on providing exceptional durability, protection, and longevity in demanding environments.

Aesthetic

• Canvas: Canvas fabric offers a classic and timeless aesthetic. Its natural, woven texture and earthy appearance lend a rustic charm to products. Canvas is often appreciated for its simple and versatile appeal, making it suitable for both casual and fashion-oriented items.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric emphasizes functionality over aesthetics. It is designed to prioritize performance and durability rather than visual appeal. While Cordura fabrics may come in various colors and finishes, their primary focus is on providing ruggedness and protection rather than a specific aesthetic style.

Protection

• Canvas: Canvas fabric provides moderate protection, particularly against moderate weather conditions and light abrasions. It offers a certain level of shielding but may not be designed for high-impact or extreme conditions where enhanced protection is necessary.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric excels in providing high levels of protection. Its exceptional durability, tear strength, and abrasion resistance make it ideal for applications that require robust protection. Cordura fabrics are often used in military and law enforcement gear, where reliable protection is paramount.

Ruggedness

• Canvas: Canvas fabric exhibits a moderate level of ruggedness. It is designed to withstand everyday use and offers reasonable resistance against wear and tear. Canvas is well-suited for applications that require durability without extreme ruggedness.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric is renowned for its ruggedness. It is specifically engineered to withstand rugged conditions, harsh environments, and high-stress scenarios. Cordura fabrics are built to endure rigorous use and provide exceptional performance in demanding applications.

Flexibility

• Canvas: Canvas fabric has a moderate level of flexibility. While it can bend and conform to a certain extent, it may not offer high elasticity or stretchability. The stiffness of canvas fabric can provide structure and support to products, making it suitable for items that require stability.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric offers a higher level of flexibility compared to canvas. It is engineered to provide flexibility and freedom of movement, allowing for comfortable wear and ease of use. This flexibility is beneficial in applications that require mobility and flexibility, such as outdoor gear and performance apparel.

Breathability

• Canvas: Canvas fabric is relatively breathable due to its natural fiber composition, allowing air circulation and moisture evaporation. It provides good breathability, making it suitable for products that require ventilation and airflow, such as tents or bags.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric’s breathability can vary depending on the specific construction and treatments applied to the fabric. While it may not be as inherently breathable as canvas, Cordura fabrics can be engineered with moisture-wicking properties and enhanced breathability, ensuring comfort in active and high-intensity activities.

Water Resistance

• Canvas: Canvas fabric is not inherently water-resistant. It can absorb water and become heavy when exposed to moisture. However, some canvas fabrics can be treated with water-repellent coatings or wax finishes to provide a certain level of water resistance.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric can be engineered to be water-resistant or waterproof depending on the specific variant and treatments applied. It offers better water resistance compared to canvas, making it suitable for outdoor gear and apparel that require protection against wet conditions.

Uv Resistance

• Canvas: Canvas fabric offers moderate UV resistance. While it provides some protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading and deterioration of the fabric over time. Additional UV-resistant treatments can be applied to enhance its sun protection properties.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric is known for its high UV resistance. It is designed to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without significant fading or degradation. Cordura fabrics maintain their integrity and colorfastness even in harsh UV environments, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Color Options

• Canvas: Canvas fabric offers a wide range of color options. It can be dyed in various colors, allowing for customization and versatility in product design. Natural canvas often comes in earthy tones, but it can also be found in vibrant or muted shades depending on the desired aesthetic.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric also provides a diverse selection of color options. It can be dyed in a wide range of colors, including bold and vibrant hues. Cordura fabrics offer flexibility in color choices, allowing for customization and creative design in various applications.

Cost

• Canvas: Canvas fabric is generally more affordable compared to Cordura. The use of cotton fibers, which are more readily available and cost-effective, contributes to the lower price point of canvas fabrics. This affordability makes canvas a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric tends to have a higher cost compared to canvas. The advanced engineering, durability, and performance characteristics of Cordura fabrics contribute to their higher price tag. The investment in Cordura is justified by its exceptional durability and longevity, making it a cost-effective option in the long run for applications that demand high performance.

Customizability

• Canvas: Canvas fabric offers good customizability. It can be easily printed on or dyed, allowing for personalized designs, patterns, or branding. This versatility in customization makes canvas a favored choice for products that require unique aesthetics or individualization.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric also offers customizability through printing or dyeing processes. It can be easily customized to incorporate logos, patterns, or specific color schemes. Cordura’s customizability allows for personalization while retaining its exceptional durability and performance.

Environmental Impact

• Canvas: Canvas fabric, being primarily made from natural cotton fibers, has a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fabrics like Cordura. Cotton is a renewable resource, and canvas can be biodegradable under the right conditions. However, the environmental impact of canvas production can vary depending on factors such as water usage and chemical treatments.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric, being a synthetic nylon-based material, has a higher environmental impact compared to canvas. The production of nylon involves energy-intensive processes and the use of non-renewable resources. However, Cordura’s exceptional durability and longevity contribute to its sustainability by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Moisture Absorption

• Canvas: Canvas fabric has high moisture absorption properties. It can absorb and hold a significant amount of moisture, which can lead to a heavier and slower drying fabric. This characteristic can be advantageous in certain applications where moisture management is desired, such as tents or outdoor clothing.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric has low moisture absorption properties. Its synthetic nature makes it less prone to absorbing moisture, allowing it to remain lighter and quick-drying. This moisture resistance is beneficial in applications where moisture management and quick drying are important, such as backpacks or performance apparel.

Flame Resistance

• Canvas: Canvas fabric is not inherently flame-resistant. It is a natural fiber-based material and can be susceptible to ignition and combustion. Untreated canvas fabric will burn and sustain a flame, making it less suitable for applications that require flame resistance.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric can be engineered to provide flame resistance. Specialized treatments and coatings can be applied to enhance its flame resistance properties. Flame-resistant Cordura fabrics are often used in industries where protection against fire hazards is crucial, such as firefighting gear or industrial workwear.

Chemical Resistance

• Canvas: Canvas fabric has limited chemical resistance. It can be susceptible to damage or staining when exposed to certain chemicals, solvents, or harsh cleaning agents. Canvas may not provide adequate protection against chemical spills or exposures.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric offers better chemical resistance compared to canvas. It is designed to withstand a wider range of chemicals, oils, and solvents without significant damage or deterioration. Cordura fabrics provide enhanced protection in environments where chemical resistance is required, such as industrial or hazardous work settings.

Stretch

• Canvas: Canvas fabric has limited stretchability. Its dense and woven construction restricts its ability to stretch or provide elasticity. Canvas products may have little to no stretch, making them less suitable for applications that require flexibility or freedom of movement.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric can offer varying degrees of stretch depending on the specific variant. Some Cordura fabrics incorporate stretch fibers or elastane blends to provide flexibility and stretchability. Stretch Cordura fabrics are commonly used in performance apparel or gear that requires ease of movement.

Cleaning

• Canvas: Canvas fabric is relatively easy to clean. It can often be machine washed or hand washed with mild detergent. However, care should be taken to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent shrinkage or damage. Stains on canvas can sometimes be challenging to remove, requiring spot cleaning or specialized stain removers.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric is also generally easy to clean. It can often be machine washed or hand washed with mild detergent. Cordura’s synthetic nature makes it more resistant to stains, and dirt and debris can be easily wiped off. It is important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to maintain the fabric’s integrity and longevity.

Longevity

• Canvas: Canvas fabric is known for its durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, canvas products can withstand years of use. However, canvas fabric may be prone to wear and tear over time, especially in high-friction areas or when exposed to harsh conditions. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and occasional treatments can help extend the longevity of canvas items.
• Cordura: Cordura fabric is specifically engineered for durability and longevity. It is designed to withstand rigorous use and maintain its performance properties over time. Cordura’s high abrasion resistance and tear strength contribute to its longevity, making it an excellent choice for products that require long-lasting durability. With proper care, Cordura products can endure extensive use and provide reliable performance for an extended period.

Canvas Vs Cordura: Comparison Table

Key Factors	Canvas	Cordura
Fabric Type	Heavy plain weave cotton	Nylon-based
Durability	Durable	Exceptionally durable
Weight	Relatively heavy	Lightweight
Abrasion Resistance	Good	Excellent
Tear Strength	Good	High
Scuff Resistance	Moderate	High
Applications	Sport gear, bags, sneakers	Military & law enforcement gear, outdoor equipment, backpacks, footwear
Traditional Uses	Tents, boat sails	–
Aesthetic	Classic	Functional
Protection	Moderate	High
Ruggedness	Moderate	High
Flexibility	Moderate	High
Breathability	Good	Good
Water Resistance	Limited	Can be water-resistant
UV Resistance	Moderate	High
Color Options	Wide range available	Wide range available
Cost	Affordable	Generally higher cost
Customizability	Can be printed on or dyed	Can be printed on or dyed
Environmental Impact	Natural fabric	Synthetic fabric
Moisture Absorption	High	Low
Flame Resistance	Generally low	Can be flame-resistant
Chemical Resistance	Limited	Good
Stretch	Limited	Can have stretch options
Cleaning	Machine washable	Machine washable
Longevity	Good	Excellent

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

Both canvas and Cordura fabrics have their unique strengths and qualities. Canvas fabric appeals to those seeking a traditional aesthetic and moderate protection, while Cordura fabric is favored for its ruggedness, tear strength, and abrasion resistance.

The choice between canvas and Cordura depends on the specific requirements of the application. Canvas is versatile and cost-effective, making it suitable for a range of products.

On the other hand, Cordura excels in high-performance gear and demanding environments. Whether it’s for outdoor gear, apparel, or accessories, understanding the characteristics of canvas and Cordura can guide individuals in making informed decisions.