Named after hemp

The word canvas comes, through Old French, from cannabis, the Latin name for hemp, which was the original fibre. Hemp canvas powered sailing ships and sheltered armies for centuries. As cotton became cheap in the 19th century it took over, giving us the canvas of sneakers, tents and workwear.

How it's woven

Canvas uses a simple over-one, under-one plain weave, but with thick yarns packed tightly together. That density makes it stiff, wind-resistant and hard-wearing, and it softens and fades beautifully with age.

How it feels

Firm and structured at first, softening with wear into a lived-in hand.

Where it works

Workwear jackets, trousers, bags, totes, aprons and footwear.

Caring for it

Wash cold and line dry; canvas can shrink and crease in a hot dryer.