Denim fabric is very popular worldwide. Denim jeans or jackets are always in trend and are incorporated into every fashion, right? Despite their popularity, many people are not well aware of this fabric. So, they ask: What is denim fabric, and how is it made?
Denim fabric mainly consists of cotton and is known for its durability. In the past, only denim jeans were available. However, manufacturers now produce denim jackets, jeans, and shirts. Why? Because this fabric looks beautiful and lasts for years. In this article, I’ll discuss denim fabrics in detail. So, let’s get started!
Overview of Denim Fabric
Denim fabric is made of cotton using a twill weave method. It is lightweight, durable, and beautiful. Generally, denim fabrics come in blue with a white underside. However, manufacturers have started making denim in different colors. Denim is used to make jeans, jackets, skirts, and shirts.
Denim is not something that came into existence just now. Instead, it has been in use for the last two centuries. Denim is a French word, and this fabric was first used in France in the 16th century. However, it was not very popular, but people used to appreciate its durability.
Workers used to wear this denim fabric due to its resistance to wear and tear. Farmers, miners, and other employees wore this stuff. However, in 1873, Jacob Davis was the first tailor to use denim fabric to make metal rivet-based pants. His denim pants quickly became popular. Blue pants with a white underside looked very aesthetically pleasing.
In the 1950s, many heroes in Hollywood movies wore these denim-based jeans. This further increased the popularity of these fabrics. Since the 1970s, denim has been considered the core of every fashion trend. From girls to boys – this fabric has impressed everyone. In the past, only denim jeans were available and popular.
However, manufacturers have expanded the range of denim fabric products. Different types of denim fabric are now available. Some use elastic material (like spandex) along with cotton. This material enhances the elasticity of denim-made pants or jackets. It is no mistake that denim-made jackets and jeans are ruling fashion.
How is Denim Fabric Made?
In the above section, I provided a basic overview of denim fabric. However, the question remains: How is this fabric made? Its unique pattern, color, and durability make everyone think about its manufacturing process. In the section below, I’ll discuss its making process.
1- Raw Material
As I said above, denim fabric mainly consists of cotton. This cotton is of high quality, and its yarn is used in weaving. Remember, cotton yarn is the primary and most prominent ingredient used to make the denim fabric. The other raw material that you’ll see is the indigo dye. This plant-based dye is used to give off a blue color to the denim fabric. Have you ever noticed that denim jeans are usually blue? That’s because of the indigo dye.
2- Twill Weaving Process
As I said above, denim fabric is made from cotton yarn through a process known as Twill weaving. During its processing, denim creates a unique diagonal pattern. Two types of thread are used to make denim. The first one is called wrap thread.
This thread is generally dyed with indigo and looks blue. It goes in a vertical direction and remains on the front side. Due to this wrap thread, the denim jacket or jeans look blue. Another thread used to make denim is called the weft thread. These weft threads are not dyed with indigo and look white. During weaving, these weft threads go in a horizontal direction.
They remain underneath the fabric. So they don’t impact the color of the fabric. Have you noticed that the underside of the denim fabric looks more whitish? That’s because of the white color of these weft threads. These weaving processes create a rugged sequence of threads joined together. As a result, the denim fabric offers excellent durability.
3- Dyeing the Fabric
As I said above, indigo dye plays a key role in coloring denim fabric. Remember, denim fabrics come in different colors. For example, the most popular denim fabric color is blue, right? For this color, the denim fabric is dyed with indigo. However, some modern denim fabric comes in black, too.
Different colors are used to dye the denim fabric. Remember, dyeing the fabric is not a straightforward process. Excessive or inaccurate dying would result in uneven and too-bold color. Special techniques and equipment are used for dying. Only the upper fabric gets the color, and the downside fabric remains colorless.
Quick Highlight: Have you seen an old denim fabric? Does it look more white than blue? Why is it so? This is because the indigo dye remains on the upper threads. When the blue color from the upper surface fades, a white thread shows up. As they don’t get indigo dye, they look more white than blue.
4- Sanforization and Final Look
The denim fabric also undergoes the process of sanforization. This process ensures that the fabric doesn’t shrink once customers use it. This process puts the fabric under extreme steam, heat, and pressure. These elements shrink the fabric and ensure it doesn’t shrink anymore when customers wash it.
Have you ever seen denim fabric shrink during use? It will never be, thanks to the process of sanforization. The denim fabric that doesn’t undergo sanforization can shrink and become loose. As a result, it won’t perfectly fit the wearer. Have you seen denim jeans with holes, rips, or fades? These are added once the denim jeans are ready.
The holes worn on the jeans create a more modern and stylish look. Remember, some denim fabric is stretchy. Such fabric is made by using some elastic material along with cotton. The elastic material creates stretchiness in the fabric. But it also doesn’t shrink when you wash because of the sanforization process.
Different Types of Denim
If you go back to the 20th century, you’ll only find denim without any of its types. However, things have changed regarding this fabric. There are different types of denim fabrics. Each of those denim has its unique properties and characteristics. In the section below, I’ll discuss various types of denim fabric.
1- Acid-Washed Denim
As the name suggests, this type of denim is washed with bleach. As a result, they get a faded pattern on their surface. Some manufacturers also treat them with chlorine instead of bleach. The color fades look not bad but more modern and trendy.
2- Distressed Denim
This denim type has become very popular recently. It consists of intentional holes, rips, and worms on the fabric. These rips make the denim look more casual. Distressed jeans that have holes in the knee or thighs are also available.
3- Selvedge Denim
This type of denim is made through a specialized weaving machine known as shuttle looms. These machines weave the yarn very tight to increase the strength of the denim. They look more smooth and cleaner and don’t fray quickly. They are generally used to make jackets.
4- Crushed Denim
This type of denim is crushed so that it gets wrinkled. These wrinkles are intentional and look very stylish. Generally, this denim is used to make jeans for kids. The jeans, jackets, or shirts with crushed denim look more messy. But that messy look is intentional and makes you feel more modern.
5- Stretch Denim
Such denim fabric is stretchy. Jeans made with these fabrics feel very comfortable due to their elasticity. Manufacturers add a small amount of spandex along with cotton during their manufacturing. Skinny or tighter jeans are generally made with this denim.
6- Indigo Denim
As I said, indigo is a plant-based dye. It is used to color the denim fabric. The wrap threads are colored with indigo. The weft threads are colorless as they don’t get indigo. So, the denim fabric looks blue from the front. However, from the interior, it looks more white than bluish.
7- Sanforized & Raw Denim
These two are different denim fabric types. Sanforized denims undergo steaming and pressure. As a result, they don’t shrink when it is used or upon washing. The raw denim is inexpensive and doesn’t undergo the sanforization process. It means that they can shrink when you wash them carelessly.
How is Denim Fabric Used?
Denim usability was very limited in the past. Manufacturers used it to make jeans. However, things have shifted dramatically, and we now see many denim-made products. Every fashion looks incomplete without a denim-made appraisal. Denim fabric is used to make appraisals, accessories, and more.
From loose casual jeans to light shirts, denim is a prominent fabric in every outfit. However, the trend of leather jackets is on the boom. You’ll see both boys and girls wearing those jackets in winter or cozy weather. Denim jackets offer excellent warmth and last for many years. Additionally, their fading style keeps them evergreen no matter how old they are.
How can we forget denim skirts and blouses for girls? Denim fabric was initially popular among men, and its jeans were more trendy for boys. However, their denim has become girls’ favorite stuff. You’ll see every one of the three girls wearing denim skirts when attending any event in summer. Its usability is very diverse and versatile, supported by modern fashion.
Quick Highlight: Apart from denim apparel, this fabric is used to make many accessories. Examples include belts, purses, and hats. Some modern homes also use denim homewares. Examples of those include drapes, upholstery, Blankets, and pillows. However, these homewares are less popular than denim apparel or accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fabric is denim?
Denim is a fabric that is made through the weaving of a cotton yard. The yarn is weaved using different weaving methods. The fabric then undergoes a dying process for coloring. It is lightweight yet very durable and resistant to wear.
Is denim a summer or hot weather fabric?
Yes, some lightweight denim fabric that feels comfortable in summer is available. However, you will also wear denim jeans and jackets for winter. Remember, some denim fabrics are heavy, which offers excellent warmth.
Is denim 100% cotton?
Yes, denim can be 100% cotton. However, it depends on the type of denim fabric. Some denim is blended and uses some other material, such as polyester with cotton.
Is denim better than cotton?
Denim itself is a cotton fabric. In simple words, cotton makes denim. There is no comparison between denim and cotton.
Is denim fabric expensive?
It depends on the type of denim fabric you’re buying. For example, raw denim fabric is very inexpensive. On the other hand, sanforized or stretch denim fabrics are expensive. You can choose the best option according to your budget.
What is the difference between jeans and denim?
Jeans and denim are different things. Jeans are garments, while denim is a fabric used to make jeans. There is no comparison between these two.
Conclusion
The denim fabric has become one of the most popular items in recent decades. It is used to make jeans, jackets, shirts, and skirts. However, many people are unaware of how this fabric is made. In this article, I explain the manufacturing process of this fabric in detail. Moreover, denim fabric has different types that vary in many aspects.