Denim Fabric Guide

Denim is a strong cotton twill fabric best known for jeans. Traditional denim uses indigo-dyed warp yarns and undyed weft yarns, which creates a blue face and lighter reverse.

Why denim changes with wear

Indigo sits largely on the surface of the yarn rather than penetrating it completely. Friction gradually removes colour from raised areas, creating the fades and creases associated with well-worn jeans.

Common denim terms

Raw denim: denim that has not been washed after manufacture and begins stiff and dark.
Washed denim: treated to soften the fabric and create a worn appearance.
Stretch denim: cotton denim blended with elastane for easier movement.
Selvedge denim: woven on narrower shuttle looms with a finished edge.

Denim in the Livingston range

How to wear denim

Dark, clean denim can be worn with a checked shirt, merino jumper, tweed jacket or Chelsea boots. Lighter and more heavily washed denim is more casual and works with polos, sweatshirts and walking footwear.

Care

Wash only when needed, turn jeans inside out and use a mild detergent. Wash dark denim separately at first because indigo can transfer. Avoid high heat, which can shrink cotton and damage stretch fibres.

Compare with Moleskin, Corduroy and Cotton, or return to the Fabrics, Weaves & Finishes Guide.