Shoutout to our guy Tad in Portland for noticing that we call these features “Fade Of The Day” not “Jeans Of The Day.”  And additional bigups for sending in pics of his sweet Carhartt J-140, a.k.a. their Cotton Duck Active Jacket.

Tad has worn his quilted flannel-lined J-140 for over 10 (!) years while carrying and delivering doors and doing millwork. All that long-term abuse has led to non-stop points of wear, with fades at every stretch of the jacket. At this stage, you could almost say it’s just become one big patina. Really nice honeycombs are easily seen at the sleeves (no easy feat with duck), there’s some greasy darkening around the opening of the hood, scratches everywhere, paint drips and drabs at the chest, frayed and lightly torn edges and even a key ring used in place of a busted zipper tab. Still, this tired old dog of a beat-up jacket manages to look like it still has plenty of bark in its bite.

Tad, how about sending us an update in 2027?

Carhartt J-140 Flannel-lined Cotton Duck Active Jacket

• Fabric: Cotton duck
• Fabric weight: 12 oz.
• Fabric source: Unknown
• Made in: USA
• Additional Details:
  • Quilted flannel body lining
  • Quilted nylon sleeve lining
  • Inside welt pocket
  • Water resistant
• Available at: Gempler’s for $89.99