Published on June 20, 2024.
Shipshape
Available from Tuesday, 25 of June at 10 am (CET)
Like every weekly Asphalte preorder, the Tough Trousers are available to preorder for 6 days only. If you think you might miss it, sign up here to get notified when the preorders kick-off. This will also give you early access so you’re first in line for delivery.
Let’s get one thing straight: nobody really knows where the term “Duck Canvas” comes from.
The Dutch might tell you it’s from their word “doek” meaning “cloth,” and the French will claim canvas comes from “canevach”. Others claim it harks back to the Latin “cannabis,” the ancestor of hemp used to craft ancient armour.
In other words, it’s all quite hazy.
But there’s one thing everyone agrees on: this fabric is insanely tough. Let’s take a closer look.
Foolproof Duck Canvas
When it comes to durability, Duck Canvas is easily in the top three fabrics. And it’s definitely not number three.
Originally, Duck Canvas wasn’t even used for clothing. It was the go-to material for ship sails and army tents. Pretty solid origins.
Advert for the American company Wellington Sears & Co, who supplied the sails for the frigate USS Constitution. 1921. Credits: Google Books
It wasn’t until the mid-19th century, during the Industrial Revolution, that someone had the bright idea to turn this indestructible fabric into workwear.
Duck Canvas was the denim of its day, before denim was invented of course. They loved it because it was durable, comfortable, and loose enough to move around in throughout the day. You could load up the pockets with tools, kneel, stand, crawl, and work without restriction.
Pioneers like Hamilton Carhartt and Levi Strauss made overalls and dungarees out of it for hardworking folks.
What’s it all about?
So, what makes a canvas a Duck Canvas? Two key things: the thread and the weave.
The thread has to be thick and strong, whether it’s linen, cotton, or hemp—it just needs to be tough.
As for the weave, it’s got to interlock two warp threads with two weft threads, creating a super strong Oxford weave.
Double the strong threads horizontally, double them vertically and woven together tightly. No wonder it’s tough, it’s nearly impossible to tear apart.
Asphalte’s Tough Trousers
As you can probably guess by now, we’ve used this legendary Duck Canvas to craft our Tough Trousers. Think of them as a true alternative to chinos or jeans—a unique variation that’s just as easy to wear.
But don’t worry, we didn’t go overboard. We took a page from 19th-century workwear but made sure you won’t look like you’re headed to a blacksmith’s convention.
We’ve gone for a modern, well-proportioned straight cut. It’s neither tight nor baggy, it respects heritage while gearing it for life away from the railways.
Sturdy seams, bartacks reinforcing stress points, and rivets at the pockets make sure these trousers won’t let you down. And thanks to the canvas’s natural patina, they’ll look even better with time.
And the Colours?
We’ve got something for everyone. For this launch, we’re offering four shades:
- A deep black for bikers, or electric scooters at least.
- A rich cognac, more than a splash for this intense hue.
- A military green, a nod to the fabric’s heritage.
- An indigo blue that promises an incredible fade.
6 Days to Preorder them
You can preorder these Tough Trousers starting Tuesday for just 89€.
You won’t find trousers like these, woven in France by Telatex and assembled in Portugal, for this price.
So, jump on it! The preorder starts Tuesday at 10 am CET and will be open for 6 days, and you can expect delivery somewhere around September 15. But as usual, the first come first served.
Miss out, and you might find them at a Stock Sale later, but expect to pay 119€ then, due to extra logistics costs.
Need to know anything else? Drop it in the comments below or check our international Instagram page for the answer. Possibly.
Thanks,
The Asphalte Team
Available from Tuesday, 25 of June at 10 am (CET)
Like every weekly Asphalte preorder, the Tough Trousers are available to preorder for 6 days only. If you think you might miss it, sign up here to get notified when the preorders kick-off. This will also give you early access so you’re first in line for delivery.