NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Duck Head clothing is making a comeback with the full line being sold in the city where the brand originally got its start.
Duck Head began in 1865 when the O'Bryan Brothers in Nashville bought surplus Army tents made out of a heavy material called duck, which was used to make clothing.
In the beginning, the company was known for making durable work pants which later became the khaki of choice in many prep schools.
In the 1980's and 1990's, the brand became a college staple for fraternity brothers and sorority sisters throughout the south.
Through the years, the company has passed through many hands and eventually went away after its parent company went bankrupt.
However Duck Head has been revived and has returned to its roots.
"It's a Nashville institution and we're proud to have it back in our store," said Frank Friedman, owner of Friedman's Army Navy Surplus in Hillsboro Village.
Friedman's sells the full line of Duck Head clothing, including khakis, shorts, t-shirts, hats and other items.
"A couple of years ago, I was contacted by some people and they said we're going back into the Duck Head business and we know Friedman's has always been a big Duck Head store and we would like you to carry our goods," Friedman told Nashville's News 2.
Nashville Apparel Company re-introduced the brand to the retail market.
Friedman said customers of all ages are flocking to the store to buy it.
"People are very pleasantly surprised they can now wear the pants they wore when they worked as a child or went to school when they were younger," said Friedman. "They just love it. They like the fact that it's a local operation."
The company is expanding its wardrobe concepts to include more colors and styles for men and women.
The brand is sold online and in select stores, such as Friedman's.
