12oz duck canvas: what that means in practice
Also read: Best BIFL Merino Wool Base Layer: Icebreaker vs Smartwool vs Patagonia and Best BIFL Wool Socks: Darn Tough vs Smartwool vs Icebreaker
Duck canvas is a tightly woven cotton fabric. The 12-ounce weight means the material is significantly thicker than most denim trousers (7 to 9oz). New, the trousers feel stiff — that is normal. After ten washes and a few weeks of wear, they have moulded to your movements and become comfortable without losing the protective properties. Sandpaper scuffs them; a nail catches denim.
The double knee
The B01 has two layers of duck canvas at the knee, with the reinforcing seam turned to the outside so it does not cut into your leg. Laying tiles, welding, digging trenches — the knees last roughly twice as long as a standard work trouser. There is also space for knee pads if you work exclusively on hard floors.
Fit and washing
Carhartt describes the fit as relaxed — that is accurate. There is room for movement and for a thermal underlayer. The trousers shrink slightly after the first wash and then stabilise. Buy your normal size or one up if you are layering underneath. Washing at 60°C accelerates wear; 40°C is sufficient.
The hammer loop
There is a metal loop on the right thigh for a hammer. In construction, that is useful; for lighter outdoor use, it catches on things. If you want the durability without the tradesman's hardware, the Carhartt Rugged Flex is a better choice — similar material, more stretch, no hammer loop.
