Cordura is a collection of synthetic fiber-based fabric technologies used in a wide array of products including luggage, backpacks, trousers, military wear and performance apparel.[1]
Originally developed and registered as a trademark by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) in 1929, it is now the property of Invista, a fully owned subsidiary of Koch Industries.[2] Cordura fabrics are usually made of nylon, but can be a blend of nylon with cotton or other natural fibers.
Overview
DuPont originally introduced the fabric as a type of rayon.[3][4] The product was further developed during World War II and used by the military in tires. In 1966, when new formulations of nylon proved superior, the Cordura brand name was transferred to the nylon product instead. In 1977 researchers discovered a process for dyeing Cordura, which opened a wide variety of commercial applications. By 1979 soft-sided Cordura luggage had captured about 40 percent of the luggage market.
Several classic brands that remain popular today continue to use Cordura fabric in their products. Eastpak was the first brand to use Cordura fabric in their packs,[5] and JanSport used the canvas-like nylon in their original daypacks in the 1970s, and uses polyester cordura exclusively today.[6] In the 1980s, Manhattan Portage began using 1000 denier (D) Cordura nylon in their bags.[7] In the 1990s, European workwear clothing brands adopted the 1000D and 500D fabric for reinforcements. Clothing brands such as F. Engel, Fristads Kansas, Snickers and Scruffs use the fabric.
Cordura is also used today in most mid- to high-quality textile motorcycle jackets and pants for its high abrasion resistance. It is found in motorcycle gear made by companies such as Klim, Rukka, MotoPort, Rev'It, Olympia, AeroStich, and Dainese.[8]
Cordura fabrics are available in a wide range of constructions, weights and aesthetics, including versions designed primarily for tear resistance and color retention. There are also base layer, denim and canvas fabrics that contain blends of Invista 420 D nylon 6,6 fiber and cotton, known as "Cordura Baselayer", "Cordura Denim", and "Cordura Duck", respectively.[9]
Some Cordura fabrics have been designed specifically for military[10] and extended outdoor use.[11] Cordura fabrics have been used in military applications for over 45 years, and many US military fabric specifications are based on Cordura brand fabrics.
Invista is still developing new fabrics under the Cordura brand.
