Carhartt Shell and Lining Guide

Cotton duck is the most popular and versatile shell fabric for Carhartt outerwear.The cotton-poly blend of the QuickDuck canvas is a lightweight option. And, as the name implies, the Cordura nylon of the Extremes series is well-suited for severe conditions.

Carhartt's duck line is made from heavyweight, 12-oz., 100% cotton duck fabric that is tightly woven with no gaps where the yarns interlace—a feature that makes it wind and snag resistant. Cotton duck is known for its quality, durability and comfort. The cotton duck Carhartt uses in its outerwear has several different finishes, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Made from unwashed and untreated cotton duck with double-plied yarn for extra durability. Features a stiff, non-broken-in feel. This hard-wearing, traditional canvas resists snags and tears.

Micro-sanded for a brushed appearance, then washed with detergent and softeners for a comfortable broken-in feel. Because it is pre-washed, there is less shrinkage than canvas that has not been prewashed.

Made from cotton duck fabric that has been washed with detergent and softeners (but not micro-sanded) and has a broken-in feel. Like sandstone duck, it shrinks less than non-prewashed canvas.

60% cotton duck and 40% polyester canvas blend that creates a lightweight and water-repellent finish. This material is 30% lighter than sandstone duck, but just as tough.

Garments in the Extremes line have shells made from 1000 denier Cordura Plus nylon by DuPont. The Extremes fabric is 10x more durable than Carhartt's traditional cotton duck. The material is tough and abrasion resistant, and it will stand up to repeated contact with sharp metal edges, stone blocks or barbed wire. When paired with the Arctic-quilt lining, Carhartt Extremes outerwear is the ultimate choice for the harshest conditions.

Softshell garments have a durable nylon shell with a water-repellent finish and are lined with polyester fleece. It's a combination that makes the lightweight clothing both windproof and breathable.

Durable 1.75-ounce 100% nylon CORDURA® fabric shell is lighter than most t-shirts. Features a water-repellent coating that shrugs off light rain and snow. CORDURA® fabric offers resistance to tears, scuffs, and abrasions

Carhartt offers multiple linings for its outerwear, but best lining for you depends on the weather conditions and activity.

Thermal lining features a warm and lightweight, 100% polyester weave with about the same thickness as a flannel shirt. It is Carhartt's thinnest insulation. Garments with a thermal lining are good choices for three-season wear and layering with other garments.

Fleece lining is a lightweight, 100% polyester insulation, slightly thicker than a thermal lining and a good choice for active work. Clothing with a fleece lining is perfect for cool outdoor temperatures. Can also be used for layering. Shop Fleece Lining Garments

Blanket lining is a medium-weight acrylic-polyester blend insulation in stripes or plaid with the texture and feel of a blanket. It is slightly thicker than fleece lining. Garments with a blanket lining are ideal for outside work in cooler conditions.

Nylon quilt lining is either red or black quilted nylon taffeta with a lightweight polyester fill. It is thicker than the blanket lining but not bulky. Garments with a nylon quilt lining are an excellent for outdoor chores in colder temperatures.

Sherpa lining is a thick, soft pile lining made from 100% polyester high-loft fleece. It is warm but lightweight and thicker than the nylon quilt lining. It also helps wick moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable, making clothes with a Sherpa lining a good choice for strenuous outside work.

Quilt flannel lining features brushed polyester tricot quilted to a medium-weight polyester insulation. With the feel of a soft flannel shirt, it is thicker than the Sherpa lining. Garments with the quilt flannel lining good option for cold outdoor jobs.

Arctic-grade quilt lining is nylon taffeta quilted to heavy, high-loft polyester insulation to make it Carhartt's warmest and thickest lining. Outerwear with the Arctic-grade quilt lining is a popular choice for outdoor work in the frigid winters of the northern climates.

Rain Defender outerwear has a durable, water-repellent finish that makes it resistant to rain, mist and snow. Moisture simply beads up and rolls off the outer material of your jacket, sweatshirt, overalls, pants and other apparel, keeping you dry and comfortable. Rain Defender clothing is made to last and retains 70% of its water-repellent strength, even after 20 washings.

Rugged and lightweight Storm Defender rainwear combines a waterproof, breathable membrane with watertight seams to protect you from the rain on the outside and keep you comfortable on the inside. Storm Defender technology stops precipitation but allows sweat to escape.

Carhartt's PVC rainwear is more than waterproof—it's weatherproof. These jackets, pants and bibs are made to handle everything from light rain to fierce storms. PVC fabric is designed to keep you dry regardless of the conditions you have to deal with outside.