Nothing Before Textile

Bag and luggage makers, heritage and outdoor brands

Cotton Fabric for Backpacks & Luggage — Manufacturer

Packs and cases need abrasion and tear resistance, a body that holds structure, and a face that takes a wax or water-repellent finish. Numbered duck and heavy canvas are the traditional choices; poly-cotton adds tear strength where weight is a concern.

What we recommend

Numbered Duck (Army Duck)No. 8 to No. 4 (10–15 oz) · 60 in

The classic heritage-pack cloth — 2-ply plain, holds a panel shape, ages well with a wax finish.

Finish: Wax or water-repellent, or RFD

Cotton Canvas340–470 g/m² (10–14 oz) · 60 in

When a single-number spec is not required and colour is dyed rather than printed.

Finish: Piece-dyed, water-repellent

Ordering

Minimum order
100 m greige · 1000 m per colour processed
Lead time
about 2 days greige · about 2 weeks processed
Incoterms
FOB Mundra / Nhava Sheva · CIF destination port
Price
Per metre or per kg, band on request

Payment 10% on order, 15% at production start, 50% on passing QC, 25% on dispatch. OEKO-TEX and GOTS applied for and in progress as of September 2026, not yet granted. Organic cotton available now. SMETA not pursued.

Common questions

What is the difference between the duck numbers for a pack?

Lower number is heavier. No. 10 is around 8 oz for daypacks, No. 8 around 10 oz for hiking packs, No. 4 around 15 oz for hard-use and luggage.

Can you apply a wax finish?

Wax and water-repellent finishes run through partner units. Tell us the hand you want and we will match it on a sample.

Request your free sample today