While new, fancy synthetics have come a long way, the simplest solution for staying warming the winter is as old as duck.
Cotton or Linen duck is the fabric your grandparents’, grandparents’, grandparents wore. In fact, they may have worn duck made from hemp. Duck is like canvas. It implies a weave, in this case, a plain weave, and medium. Polyester duck isn’t a thing.
Think of duck as canvas’ tougher, more dedicated sibling. Canvas is good for making paintings, but duck has been keeping workers comfortable since the turn of the century.
In 1920, the Cotton Duck Association (yes, there is such an organization) and the U.S. Department of Commerce laid down the law regarding duck. They classified 12 weights for the material, of which workwear spans four categories.
The heaviest duck is 14-ounces, but some light workwear may weigh only nine. There’s heavier duck out there, but you don’t want to wear it, not if you plan to move comfortably.
Red Kap Blended Duck Chore Coat
Some coats look tough. This one is tough. Red Kap’s Blended Duck Chore Coat is built for work, and it won’t quit before you do. It’s got that classic, no-nonsense look—rugged 10-ounce blended duck fabric (65% polyester, 35% cotton) that shrugs off wear and tear like it’s nothing.
Don’t let the durability fool you—inside, 100% polyester insulation keeps you warm when the job gets cold. And that black quilt lining? Smooth and comfortable, so you don’t feel like you’re wrapped in cardboard.
The matching corduroy collar gives it an old-school, broken-in feel, while the biswing back gives you room to move—no stiff shoulders here. The double snap cuffs keep things secure, and the snap front with a concealed storm flap keeps the wind where it belongs—outside.
Pockets? Plenty. Four large external patch pockets, a right chest pocket with a concealed snap, plus two lower pockets with hidden snaps and side hand-warmer slots—room for tools, nails, phone, whatever you need to stash.
Tough Duck Washed Duck Pant
When it comes to work pants, you need gear that’s as tough as the job. Enter the Tough Duck Washed Duck Pant. Made from 100% premium 12 oz cotton duck, these pants are built to withstand the daily grind without sacrificing comfort.
The washed duck fabric gives them that broken-in feel right off the shelf—no need to spend weeks softening them up. With five standard pockets, a hammer loop, a back ruler pocket, and both a media pocket and an inside security pocket, there’s a place for every tool and gadget you need on the job.
Triple stitching and rivets at stress points mean these pants are reinforced where it counts, ensuring they hold up under pressure. The gusset crotch reinforcement provides extra durability and freedom of movement, so you can bend, squat, and climb without restriction.
For those who are hard on their gear, the back hem is reinforced with a double layer of duck fabric, adding longevity where pants typically wear out the fastest. Seven belt loops keep your belt—and your pants—securely in place, no matter how loaded your pockets get.
Bulwark FR Duck Insulated Bib Overall HRC4
When the job demands serious protection, you need gear that stands up to the challenge. The Bulwark FR Duck Insulated Bib Overall is built for those who face hazardous conditions head-on. Crafted from heavyweight 13 oz. flame-resistant cotton duck, these overalls are designed to provide both durability and safety.
Inside, a 5.5 oz. quilted lining offers insulation to keep you warm without adding unnecessary bulk. The heavy-duty, two-way front zipper is concealed beneath a storm flap, keeping the elements out and your body heat in.
Adjustable elasticized straps ensure a comfortable fit, while the zippered legs make it easy to pull these overalls on and off over your work boots. Reinforced knees add an extra layer of durability where you need it most, standing up to the wear and tear of demanding tasks.
CornerStone® Duck Bonded Soft Shell Vest
When you need a vest that works as hard as you do, the CornerStone® Duck Bonded Soft Shell Vest steps up. Combining the rugged durability of duck cloth with modern soft shell technology, this vest is built to withstand the demands of the job site while keeping you comfortable.
The exterior is made from 100% cotton canvas treated with a Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish, bonded to a water-resistant film insert. This means it shrugs off light rain and resists stains, keeping you looking professional no matter the conditions.
Inside, the 100% polyester microfleece lining provides a layer of warmth without adding bulk, making it ideal for layering over a hoodie or under a heavier coat. The metal front zipper ensures durability and smooth operation, even with gloved hands.
Storage is ample, with a zippered chest pocket and zippered hand pockets to secure your essentials. Additionally, three interior pockets offer extra space for tools, notebooks, or personal items, keeping them safe and accessible.
Bulwark FR Excel FR ComforTouch Brown Duck Hooded Jacket HRC3
If you must have everything match, this hooded jacket from Bulwark may fit the bill for the overalls.
Like fire resistant the duck pair from Bulwark, this jacket can go in the regular laundry. Also, like the overalls, it features Nomex.
It’s a lighter duck than the Carhartt hoodie, at 11 ounces, but offers a unique feature in the duck weave.
Remember when we said there is no such thing as polyester duck? It’s still true, but Bulwark has figured out how to create a cotton-blend duck. They wove enough Nylon, about 12 percent, into the mostly cotton duck to make this jacket super waterproof.
Keeping water and melted snow off your coat will go a long way to keeping you warm.
Tough Duck Insulated Duck Coverall
No more playing around. This could be the last winter workwear piece you ever need, no joke.
he Tough Duck Insulated Duck Coverall is built to withstand the harshest conditions, ensuring you stay comfortable and protected throughout your workday.
Crafted from 100% premium 12 oz cotton duck with a water-repellent finish, this coverall resists the elements while offering exceptional durability. Inside, 6 oz quilted polyester insulation provides the warmth you need without adding unnecessary bulk.
The design features a full chap double front, enhancing durability in high-wear areas, and triple-stitched seams to prevent tearing under stress. Brass rivets at stress points and brass zippers add to the coverall’s rugged construction.
For added convenience, the coverall includes a detachable hood with snaps, allowing you to adjust your coverage based on the weather. The waterproof seat and knees, complete with knee pad pockets, ensure you stay dry and comfortable, even when working in wet conditions.
Functional features like a hammer loop, ruler pocket, and multiple utility pockets keep your essential tools within easy reach. The back elastic waist and knit storm cuffs provide a snug fit, keeping out drafts and retaining warmth.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with synthetic, non-duck solutions for battling the elements, but duck is a classic. It’s been around long enough that you can bet it’ll be around for your grandkids’ grandkids.
Treat these garments well and you can leave them for those kids to wear when they get big enough. Don’t scoff. Vintage workwear is a big seller online.
To think something you wore to keep warm could fetch ten-times the value in a hundred years might make you think twice next time you put on your workwear.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.