We may have worshipped denim’s fade-ability every Friday for over a decade, but I firmly believe that duck canvas can offer an equally captivating patina if worn hard enough. Just think of how many amazingly faded and crocked duck canvas goods there are out there from the likes of Carhartt, Duxbak, L.L. Bean, and the like. But these bad boys aren’t from those brands. They’re from Canadian denim powerhouse, Naked & Famous.

When I pulled this submission from New Hampshire guy, Mike, out of my Fade Friday pigeon-hole, I was surprised to learn that they weren’t denim. But that’s the joy of Naked & Famous – they will make a five-pocket jean out of anything that looks great with wear. In this instance, the 10 oz. Japanese selvedge duck canvas has shaken off a shedload of its indigo dye thanks to 5 years of hard wear from our guy, Mike, who tells us these were his daily drivers pre-pandemic. They’ve since been demoted (or promoted, depending on your priorities) to yard work, which has seen the development of some gnarly knee holes that cap off the indigo wasteland with aplomb.

Up to 20 washes have kept Mike’s pants respectable. No dirty fades, here. And it looks like he’s so happy with how these turned out, he’s already got an icy pair ready to break out when ready.