Most often known for durable outdoor apparel and workwear, duck canvas has now made its way into the high-visibility (hi-vis) safety apparel industry. Duck canvas was initially made from linen and later transitioned to cotton in the 19th century due to its availability and lower cost. The term "duck" comes from the Dutch word "doek," referring to sturdy cloth. Historically, it was used for maritime purposes, such as sailcloth, because of its durability and resistance to harsh weather. Duck canvas also found widespread use in military tents, bags, and uniforms, and became popular in workwear during the 19th century for industries like mining and railroad construction due to its toughness. Today, it remains a versatile fabric used in workwear, outdoor gear, upholstery, and now hi-vis apparel.
Duck canvas is known for its tightly woven structure, which provides excellent strength and resistance to wear and tear. It is naturally water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use, and can be treated for enhanced waterproofing. Despite its toughness, duck canvas remains breathable. Its cost-effectiveness, comfort, and resistance to punctures and abrasions make it an ideal choice for heavy-duty applications. With the introduction of Reflective Apparel’s retail-inspired ProDuck™ Bomber Jacket made with hi-vis duck canvas, these benefits are now available to workers who wear hi-vis apparel.
Duck Canvas Designed to Meet ANSI Standards
While 100% cotton duck canvas does not meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for high visibility due to its poor color retention, low reflectivity, moisture absorption (which can impact visibility), duck canvas comprised of 80% polyester and 20% cotton provides the benefits of duck canvas, while still remaining ANSI-compliant. The ProDuck™ Bomber Jacket has been certified as ANSI Class 3 Type R, the highest visibility class in the United States, as well as Canada’s CSA Z96-15 (R2020).
Hi-Vis Duck Canvas Thermal Tested for -22°F
Hi-vis duck canvas, when combined with thermal insulation material, can provide a highly protective layer for outdoor workers even in extreme cold conditions. The ANSI-201 standard defines six levels of thermal insulation, measured in clo units, which represent the clothing's insulating value. Level 1 insulation is designed for moderately cold environments just above freezing, while the highest Level 6 insulation is rated for harsh, arctic-like conditions where temperatures are severely low, and there is little to no relief from cold exposure. The ProDuck™ Bomber Jacket earned a rating Level 5, which is suitable for environments where temperatures approach extreme cold or windchill becomes a significant factor. The ProDuck™ Bomber Jacket is lined with polyester pongee and sleeves with 210t polyester taffeta, and has been tested to withstand -22°F. If a base layer or fleece is added, it can withstand even lower temperatures. The hi-vis duck canvas is lightweight, but it is also breathable, allowing moisture to escape so workers stay dry and warm in cold conditions.
Features Adapted for Hi-Vis Workwear
For a duck canvas bomber jacket to be functional as hi-vis apparel, it must have additional features to support the work environment. The ProDuck™ Bomber Jacket is designed with two exterior slash pockets that are lined with brushed polyester tricot for warmth, an interior zipped cell phone pocket, and a right shoulder mic tab. The jacket’s snap-off hood is removable for added safety, and all seam are triple stitched for extra strength. The zipper is a heavy-duty #10 brass zipper. Segmented 2” tape with 360 degree reflective coverage is certified to meet the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 clause 9.1 and 9.2 for coefficient of retro reflection.
Duck canvas has come a long way since its inception. As textile technology continues to advance, hi-vis apparel will continue to adapt to ensure workers are not only more comfortable, but also safer.
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