Why am I obsessed with Duck Cloth?!?

A durable jacket was IMPOSSIBLE to find

For as long as I have been old enough to take myself to op shops, I have been looking for a sturdy cotton jacket to call my own. I’ve hit the jackpot once or twice, finding a massive men’s heavy weight duck cloth coat, that I have literally drowned in - but also loved to death and worn on every worksite, pub, winters beach and backyard BBQ.

I always wondered if one day I would grow up and buy a women’s version that actually fit me… But when I finally did grow up – I found it IMPOSSIBLE. There was no jackets that was durable and simple enough to work AND play in. In fact, I was flat out finding one at all...

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We built upon bad reviews

Fast forward to 2024 and I own a workwear label (🤯). We make great workwear, predominantly from a heavier weight cotton drill. But many of our customers have asked us to make something more hardwearing. Finally, I thought this might be my chance to rustle up some serious material and make that dream jacket.

And I knew that duck cloth would be the name of the game! A hardwearing option for our community that work in abrasive situations or live that rough and tumble life. It was important to me that we create a durable option that only uses 100% Fairtrade natural fibers.

We say no to poly-cotton

Poly-cottons, whilst durable, don’t age or breathe well, and don’t break down when they hit landfill. I avoid them wherever possible. This is not surprising when you consider that poly-cottons contain lots of plastic (polyester).

So I started to hunt for the perfect heavy weight canvas. It took me years, but I finally got there.

Why I'm obsessed with Duck Canvas 

Now let’s get nerdy – What is cotton duck? Cotton Duck - commonly called "canvas" — is a weighty, plain-but-strong woven material. It’s also got a great texture and is sturdy as heck. Check out its common uses as proof:

• Ship sails
• Shoes and sneakers
• Tents
• Sandbags
• Backpacks
• Duffel bags
• Handbags
• Window treatments
• Baby carriers

CANVAS is the real deal and exactly what you need if you are into abrasive work or just want an item of clothing that will last you a really, really long time. Despite its name, this serious material has nothing to do with the waterfowl or their feathers. The term "duck" comes from the Dutch word ‘doek’, which refers to a linen canvas once used for sailors' white trousers and outerwear. I also couldn’t believe that duck canvas is also related to another type of work-ready duck - Duct tape. Often called "duck tape," it was originally manufactured by adding an adhesive backing to regular cotton canvas! No wonder that stuff goes the distance 💪. What I particularly love about cotton canvas, is the way it wears and ages. Especially heavy weight canvas like ours. It crumples beautifully and moulds to your body 🤤. This particular drop has a slight peach finish (no I won’t shut up about it) that gives the whole thing this incredibly lush feel.

The prefect hard-wearing, durable solution

We’ve also ensured that all our canvas styles fit well, are true to size and a little femme. FINALLYyyyyYyyyy – hardwearing, classic options for women to look good in! The jackets fits and the pants pop.

We’ve also added a new style, possibly our most femme yet - ‘The Switch’. ‘The Switch’ is a fully reversible work-dress-apron >> This is a unique style that is extra handy and a little bit red hot, just how we like it. I’ve always thought of it as a little like a shield ☔. There’s a cosy and protective element to it, and when you layer it over a pair of sturdy pants or overalls you really feel like you could walk through fire.

We’ve also made sure the colours are the real deal. The Dingo & Hunter Green are rich and satisfying and the black is slick and solid as a rock.

You're welcome 😉

You’d think it would be a simple thing to make good looking women’s clothing that wear well and last a really long time. It’s strange to me that it’s alluded us all for so long. But that just makes it all the more exciting to bring it to life.

This is our second drop of canvas, so we’ve ensured it’s quite literally perfect, please enjoy and adventure in it and be sure to send us pics!

~ Mimosa x