What is Denim?
Denim is a type of fabric typically used in blue jeans and other clothing. It is made using twill weave, creating a distinct diagonal ribbing pattern. The diagonal pattern is what makes denim different from other woven cotton fabric. Initially used for workmen’s clothing, denim has now entered the world of high fashion and is worn by people from all walks of life.
Denim originated in France, where it was discovered when French tried to imitate a corduroy trouser that had become very famous in Italy, but accidentally created denim. Modern all-cotton denim was first created in England and then further developed in America.
Selvedge Denim VS Raw Denim
There are so many different types of denim available on the market. Crushed denim, vintage denim, marble denim, reverse denim- you name it! In this section we’re going to take a look at some of the most common types you’re likey to encounter on high street as well as online. Selvedge Denim and Raw Denim are the most classic styles known for their durability and distinctive nature.
Selvedge Denim
Selvedge denim comes from the word “self-edge”. It is a type of distinct jeans construction method that differentiates various types of denim. What makes selvedge denim unique is that it forms a clean natural edge that does not unravel. It often comes in an unwashed or raw state and is said to be more durable than other types of denim. It is made on a shuttle loom which leads to fabric being narrower and associated with premium quality.
Raw Denim
The majority of jeans you see nowadays in high street shops have gone through series of modifications including shrinking, distressing, washing, dying etc. What makes Raw Denim special is that it is subjected to none of this dying/distressing process and is taken straight off the loom, sewn together and sold directly to the customer. Although a lot of selvedge denim jeans on the market are made of Raw Denim, not all of them are. Once the fabric has gone through any sort of cosmetic modification process, it’s not considered Raw Denim anymore.
LRF RC True Straight Fit Jeans
Rivet De Cru Mae Fit Jeans Raw
Cut and Fit
There a many types of denim jeans available on the market- from super skinny to baggy jeans. It is very important to choose the right style for you, taking into account your height, whether you’re skinny or not and your personal style preference.
The most common types of fit you see everywhere you go today are skinny, slim, straight and tapered. Slim, skinny and tapered jeans are normally worn just below the waist while straight jeans sit at the waist. As a general guideline, if you’re on the shorter side, it’s highly reccomended that you stay away from skinny or really baggy styles and try to go with straight-cut jeans. However if you’re tall, you can get away with more different looks. Tapered styles always work very well. If you’re skinny and tall, slim/ skinny jeans should do the job.
However, don’t let this affect your buying decision too much. If you feel like a certain style fits you regardless of your height and body structure, just go for it. At the end of the day people that go against the guides and set rules are more likely to make a unique fashion statement.
How To Clean Denim
There are lots of mixed opinions about the right way of washing your denim or whether you should wash it at all. Some people claim that laundering denim will cause the dye to fade and the denim to break down. In contrast, natural body oils, buildup of dirt and environmental grime are also known to cause the material to break down. Therefore, if you do choose to wash your denim, you should do it the right way.
The Right Way to Wash Your Denim
There are a couple of ways you can refresh your jeans without ruining the dye and making them last longer. One known method is soaking denim in vinegar. Just add one cup of white vinegar to cold water and let your jeans soak for about an hour. When your pants dry, the smell of vinegar goes away and you’re left with a refreshed pair of jeans.
Another common method is giving your jeans a light steam shower. It’s highly likely that your jeans aren’t super dirty unless you’ve been walking through mud every day. If this is the case, just hang your denim in the bathroom while taking a shower.
Got an important event coming up and your jeans don’t smell great? There’s a quick method to get rid of the odor in no time- FREEZE your denim! If you decided to go with raw denim, water is the last thing you want to touch your jeans. Freezing them for a short period of time is a guaranteed way to eliminate the cause of unpleasant odors and kill some bacteria.
Conclusion
Denim has come a long way from being used mainly by workers due to it’s long-lasting nature and high quality to now being seen everywhere on the high street, including luxury stores. Demin jeans are an absolute classic and come in all shapes and sizes to fit your personal needs. Two main types of denim are Selvedge and Raw Denim, both of which can be identified by their distinct features.
The most common jeans you can find are skinny, slim, straight and tapered. While straight jeans fit the majority of people, you should be careful when going for skinny or baggy styles as they don’t fit every individual the same way.
Once you have purchased your perfect pair of denim jeans, make sure you take care of them to maintain a long-lasting feel. There are several ways of cleaning your denim without breaking the fabric and ruining the colours. These include- light steam showers, soaking in vinegar and freezing your denim.
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