Military uniforms are in great demand in modern realities. And there are always many requirements for the materials used to create them. After all, the fabric must withstand mechanical loads and provide the uniform owner with maximum comfort and safety. A variety of textiles are used to make military equipment, but Cordura fabric deserves special attention.
If you have seen Cordura fabric at least once in your life, then you probably know that it is a super-strong nylon material that has a special thread structure, water-repellent impregnation and polyurethane coating. And if you delve a little into history, then initially this material was used exclusively for the needs of the US Army. However, due to its unique properties, it has become popular all over the world, and today it is used in various fields. Of course, in military equipment it occupies the main place!
The uniqueness of Cordura fabric
Cordura is a high-strength fabric that is ideal for creating military uniforms. And this is explained very easily, because it:
It has high wear resistance.
It has a long service life.
Able to withstand serious mechanical loads.
Suitable for extreme operation in military operations.
Cordura fabric is almost impossible to tear or cut, it does not lose its color even over time, and repels moisture well.
It is necessary to understand that the military are in their equipment for a long time, sometimes the tasks last several days, and it is simply physically impossible to replace it. Therefore, to ensure comfort, it is important that the uniform is light. And that is exactly what Cordura is. It is comfortable, provides mobility and freedom of movement, which is extremely important in combat conditions.
It is worth noting that this material is not only suitable for military uniforms. It is used to make backpacks, bags, various accessories, and even body armor and other equipment that requires high standards.
The history of Cordura fabric
The history of Cordura began back in 1929. This fabric was created by the now-famous Du Pont company, which actively experimented because it wanted to invent a high-quality and durable material. And it succeeded! By combining only 3 main components: water, ethyl alcohol and coal tar. And so nylon appeared. And only later did it become known about a super-strong thread of a special structure, which was called Cordura! You can often hear about this work of the Du Pont brand team as the discovery of the millennium. After all, it was this that made it possible to produce military equipment that is distinguished by durability and reliability.Today, you can hear from many manufacturers of tactical clothing that they use “original Du Pont Cordura” in their production. But this is not entirely true! After all, Du Pont patented his discovery and eventually sold the license to another well-known company, Invista.
It is Invista that spends millions every year developing new innovative Cordura fabrics and is actively working on improving the ones already produced. On the company's official website you can see dozens of types of this fabric for every taste. These are materials of different densities: from thin to extremely dense. Cordura is used today in many places: in furniture upholstery, in the production of shoes, hunting and fishing goods, work and sportswear, and, of course, most importantly - in sewing clothes for the military!
Cordura fabric properties
The unique properties of Cordura fabric are that it is created by twisting nylon threads and then combining them with a special weave. It is processed in several stages, and this is what allows you to get a high-quality fabric:
Density: 100-1000 Denier (for example, the label has the name: Cordura 600D).
Enhanced water resistance: 5000 mm water column.
Fire resistance: melting point 210-245 degrees Celsius (fabric ignition is almost impossible).
Vapor permeability: 500 g/m²/24 hours.
Wear resistance: over 7600 revolutions (StollTester test).
Strength: 4 times stronger than other similar fabrics.
Long period of operation (tens of years).
Resistance to ultraviolet rays.
During the manufacturing process, Cordura can have different textures. It can be thin or super strong, light or heavy, and also vary in color.
Types of Cordura fabric
There are quite a few varieties of Cordura fabric, which have different areas of application and their own unique features! But the most popular of them are 2, which differ in density and purpose. The first option is Cordura 500D. It is used in the manufacture of medium-strength clothing and accessories. This is a fairly popular option for those who are looking for the perfect balance between strength and lightness.
The second option is Cordura 1000D. This fabric is used to make military equipment, tactical backpacks, and tactical footwear . This is the gold standard that has no analogues or competitors. It is on the basis of these two varieties that other fabrics were created:
ColorLock. This fabric has a stable color that is not exposed to ultraviolet rays and does not fade in the sun.
Lycra. This is an elastic fabric that stretches well and is very resistant to tearing.
Natural. This fabric is characterized by its naturalness. It contains only cotton threads, it is well breathable and water-repellent.
Supplex. A fabric that allows the body to breathe and is also quick-drying.
Taslan. This is a more insulated material that reliably protects against cold and gusts of wind.
Cordura: how to care for the material
Caring for Cordura material is not difficult. It is enough to clean it from dirt in a timely manner with a damp soft cloth or wet wipes. If you need to wash the uniform completely, you can use a washing machine for this. But you need to pay attention to the label and follow all the manufacturer's recommendations. For washing, you should use gentle detergents, a gentle cycle and cool water to avoid deformation and preserve the color. All zippers and locks should be closed so as not to damage other items and not to disturb the shape of the product. It is also important: after washing or significant wetting, the fabric should be dried in a straightened form, avoiding direct sunlight. There is no need to iron this fabric, because it remains in excellent shape at any time.Also, to preserve all the properties of Cordura products, it is important to:
Store your clothes in a dry place away from sunlight. This will help keep them in perfect condition for as long as possible without fading or deformation.
Do not carry sharp objects in your pockets that could damage the material. To prevent premature wear, avoid intense friction.
If minimal damage is detected, for example, minor damage to the fabric (cut, etc.), it is recommended to repair it immediately to prevent further destruction of the fabric.
By following these simple recommendations, as well as the recommendations indicated on your specific Cordura product, you will be able to keep it in top condition for a long time!
Comparing Cordura to other materials
To compare Cordura with another material, you can take the well-known Oxford fabric as an example. Visually, they may seem similar, but Oxford is made of polyester, and Cordura is made of nylon. Accordingly, Cordura costs more, but is distinguished by greater strength and reliability, and looks much more solid.
Oxford is similar in properties to Cordura, but it is not as durable, not as moisture-resistant, and not as reliable.
Of course, Cordura will last much longer than any other analogue. This is especially important when it comes to military clothing . If you want real quality, choose Cordura without hesitation!
Disadvantages of Cordura fabric
Are there any disadvantages to Cordura fabric? Of course, there are no completely perfect things. And despite its numerous advantages, even this high-quality fabric can have certain disadvantages. The first is the long drying time after complete wetting. This should be taken into account when washing if the uniform is needed for tomorrow.Another disadvantage for some may be the cost. The quality and durability of the fabric affect pricing, so original Cordura costs more than all other fabrics, but it also lasts much longer!
How to distinguish an original from a fake
Since Cordura is a very popular and sought-after material today, many fakes appear on the market. They are often cheaper than the original, which is what attracts buyers. To avoid purchasing a low-quality product, you need to pay attention to the following:
Tactile sensations. Real Cordura has a rough texture, but it is very pleasant to the touch. Counterfeits, on the contrary, are either very smooth or very hard.
Appearance. The original always looks flawless: the fabric is dense, the weave is even, and there are no defects.
Water repellent properties. When purchasing Cordura gear in a physical store, you can test it for water resistance. Drops of water should not soak into the fabric, but should roll off its surface.
Of course, one of the main rules is to choose a reliable seller. Choose only trusted stores that cooperate with manufacturers and provide a guarantee for the offered goods!
Let's summarize
Cordura is more than just a fabric. It is strength, strength and strength again. It is a unique development, created to provide comfort and safety in the most difficult conditions.
When choosing a uniform or equipment for themselves, the military always take into account the conditions in which they will use it. Therefore, saving money and replacing it with analogues is not a solution. After all, only Cordura is able to withstand serious loads and tests that await the military during service or during combat missions. And this can sometimes save lives!
