CORDURA® is a family of branded performance fabrics, not one universal cloth. The name identifies a CORDURA® technology, while the exact fiber, yarn size, weave, coating, finish, width, and sales format identify the material you can actually buy.
What the CORDURA® name tells you
The CORDURA® Classic technical sheet describes that line as high-tenacity nylon 6,6 and lists several yarn sizes, including 500D and 1000D. Other CORDURA® technologies use different fibers and constructions. That is why the brand name alone is not a complete specification.
| Specification | What it changes | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | Abrasion behavior, moisture response, hand, and heat sensitivity | Nylon, polyester, or another listed fiber |
| Denier | Yarn mass; it often changes weight and hand | Use denier with weave, weight, and finish |
| Construction | Surface texture, flexibility, tear behavior, and appearance | Plain, basket, ripstop, or the listed construction |
| Coating or finish | Water behavior, stiffness, and the side used during fabrication | PU coating, DWR, laminate, or uncoated construction |
| Width and sales unit | Yield, pattern layout, and total order quantity | Usable width and whether the item is sold by the yard or as a bolt |
500D and 1000D are starting points
500D CORDURA® is the lighter denier route in the current NY Tarp catalog. 1000D CORDURA® uses heavier yarn. Neither number, by itself, proves the finished cloth is stronger, waterproof, or appropriate for a particular load. Compare the complete specification and the way the project is built.
Use the 500D vs 1000D comparison for the denier decision, then review the exact CORDURA® products for color, finish, width, and cut format.
What to confirm before ordering
- The exact product and color variant.
- The listed width and sales unit.
- Whether the fabric is coated, finished, laminated, or uncoated.
- Current availability and the roll being cut.
- Any documentation required by the project.
Primary sources
CORDURA® Classic Fabric technical sheet and CORDURA® HP Fabric overview.