Denim

enim as used for blue jeans, with a copper rivet to strengthen the pocket.

A high-resolution image of black denim. Denim is a rugged cotton twill textile, in which the weft
passes under two (twi- "double") or more warp threads. This produces the familiar diagonal ribbing
identifiable on the reverse of the fabric, which distinguishes denim from cotton duck. Denim has been in
American usage since the late 18th century.[1] The word comes from the name of a sturdy fabric called
serge, originally made in Nîmes, France, by the André family. Originally called serge de Nîmes, the name
was soon shortened to denim.[2] Denim was traditionally colored blue with indigo dye to make blue "jeans",
though "jean" then denoted a different, lighter cotton textile; the contemporary use of jean comes from the
French word for Genoa, Italy (Gênes), where the first denim trousers were made.
Contents

• 1 Dry denim
• 2 Selvage denim
• 3 Stretch denim
• 4 Color denim
• 5 Uses
o 5.1 Jeans
o 5.2 Denim clothing
o 5.3 Denim jewelry
o 5.4 Denim remnant
o 5.5 Jeans vehicles
• 6 See also
• 7 Notes

• 8 External links

Dry denim
Dry denim can be identified by its lack of a wash, or "fade". It typically starts out as the dark blue color
pictured here.Dry or raw denim, as opposed to washed denim, is a denim fabric that is not washed after
being dyed during its production. Over time, denim will generally fade, which is often considered desirable.
During the process of wear, it is typical to see fading on areas that generally receive the most stress, which
includes the upper thighs (whiskers) and behind the knees (honey combs).

After being crafted into an article of clothing, most denim is washed to make it softer and to reduce or
eliminate shrinkage which could cause an item to not fit after the owner washes it. In addition to being
washed, non-dry denim is sometimes artificially "distressed" to achieve a worn look.Much of the appeal of
factory distressed denim is that it looks similar to dry denim that has, with time, faded. With dry denim,
however, such fading is affected by the body of the person who wears the jeans and the activities of his or
her daily life. This creates what many enthusiasts feel to be a more natural, unique look than pre-distressed
denim.To facilitate the natural distressing process, some wearers of dry denim will often abstain from
washing their jeans for more than six months,[3] though it is not a necessity for fading. Often, enthusiasts
will just hang their unwashed denim to help get rid of the smell.[citation needed] An overnight stay in a freezer is
also considered to kill off the smell unwashed denim accumulates.[citation needed].[edit] Selvage denim

Selvage on a pair of jeans

Selvage denim (also called selvedge denim) is a type of denim which forms a clean natural edge that does
not unravel. It is commonly presented in the unwashed or raw state. Typically, the selvage edges will be
located along the out-seam of the pants, making it visible when cuffs are worn.The word "selvage" comes
from the phrase "self-edge", the natural edge of a roll of fabric. As applied to denim, it means that which is
made on old-style shuttle looms. These looms weave fabric with one continuous cross thread (the weft) that
is passed back and forth all the way down the length of the bolt. As the weft loops back into the edge of the
denim it creates this “self-edge” or selvage. Selvage is desirable because the edge cannot fray like denim
made on a projectile loom that has separate wefts which leave an open edge that must be stitched. This
advantage is only realized on one edge of the fabric, however, as the fabric has to be cut to shape and
anywhere it is cut the self edge is lost.Shuttle looms weave a narrower piece of fabric, and thus a longer
piece of fabric is required to make a pair of jeans (approximately 3 yards). To maximize yield, traditional
jean makers use the fabric all the way to the selvage edge. When the cuff is turned up the two selvage
edges, where the denim is sewn together, can be seen. The selvage edge is usually stitched with colored
thread: green, white, brown, yellow, and red (red is the most common). Fabric mills used these colors to
differentiate between fabrics.Most selvage jeans today are dyed with synthetic indigo, but natural indigo
dye is available in some denim labels. Though they are supposed to have the same chemical makeup, there
are more impurities in the natural indigo dye. Loop dying machines feed a rope of cotton yarn through vats
of indigo dye and then back out. The dye is allowed to oxidize before the next dip. Multiple dips create a
deep dark indigo blue.In response to increased demand for jeans in the 1950s, American denim
manufacturers replaced the old shuttle style looms with modern projectile looms. The new looms produced
fabric faster and wider (60-inches or wider). Synthetic dyeing techniques along with post-dye treatments
were introduced to control shrink and twist.Selvedge denim is one of the more expensive denims because
of its durability, and self-edge that will never fray.

[edit] Stretch denim

Stretch denim usually incorporates an elastic component (such as elastane) into the fabric to allow a degree
of give in garments. Only a small percentage is required within the fabric (approx 3%) to allow a
significant stretch capacity of around 15%.

[edit] Color denim

Denim fabric dyeing is divided into two categories; indigo dyeing and sulphur dyeing.

Indigo dyeing is traditional blue colors or shades similar to blue colors.

Sulfur dyeing (also called color denim) is done for specially black colors and other colors like pink, grey,
rust, mustard, green, and red.

[edit] Uses

[edit] Jeans

Main article: Jeans

[edit] Denim clothing

Besides trousers, denim can also be made into:

• Bags
• Capri pants
• Cut offs
• Daisy Dukes
• Denim skirts
• Dresses
• Hats
• Jackets
• Overalls
• Shirts
• Shoes
• Shorts
• Socks[citation needed]

[edit] Denim jewelry

 • Denim jewelry — Silver Jewelry with accents of denim

[edit] Denim remnant

• Bonded Logic UltraTouch is a home insulation, intended to replace fiberglass, made from the
remnants of fabric used in making blue jeans.

[edit] Jeans vehicles

Between 1973 and 1975 Volkswagen produced the Jeans Beetle which had all-denim trim. They also
repeated this concept in some later models.[4] AMC offered a Levi's trim package for its Gremlin, which
was actually spun nylon to imitate denim. Jeep has also offered Levi's trim packages.

Denim Fabric

Products - 132

• Products
• Description
• Supplier Information

•
• Stretch Denims

» In OE X OE, RS X OE and RS X RS from 7.5 oz to 12.25 oz per sq. yd » Width from 140 cm. to
150 cm.

• Denim

We exports 100% cotton fabric, denim cotton fabric, pure cotton fabric, cotton blended fabric
and Poly viscose fabric from India.
Denim Fabric
All kinds of indigo rope dyed denim fabric including : more...
•
• Cross Dyed Denim

Width = 62" Weight = 11 Oz . This denim is mainly used for manufacture of kids-wear garments .
It's tarde name is Mercerized denim . Any color can be produced as per order . The fabric has a
dual colour effect ,front side looks black and the back side has a shining surface in color as shown
in picture . We have 3 colors at present more...

•
• Denim Fabrics

Leveraging on our expertise and technical facilities, we are enabled to manufacture and export an
extensive array of denim fabrics. These high quality denim fabrics are offered with exclusive
designs and patterns. Along with the standardized array, we can also customize them as per the
specifications on print ability and dye. Some of the features of our denim fabrics are: more...

•
• Stretch Denims

With the help of an effective R&D unit, we have developed an expansive range of denim fabrics,
including basic indigo blue, ring, flat finish, silky and stretch. These are manufactured using mix
color wraps, attractive designs and distinct dyeing recipes. Our team of experts designs this range
in conformity with the latest fashion trends to ensure its high demand in the global market. Also,
we assure that these are of optimum quality, and possess color fastness. Suitable for slacks and
jackets, these fabrics are offered to the clients in various color combinations, such as normal
indigo blue, dark indigo blue, blue black, tinted blues, yarn dyed clack, yarn dyed other colors and
over-dyed colors.
The specifications of the Stretch Denims offered by us are as follows: more...
•
• Denim

Leveraging on our expertise and technical facilities, we supply an extensive array of denim. These
high quality denim are offered with exclusive designs and patterns.

•
• Spandex Fabric

We have in store for our customers a quality range of Spandex Fabrics, which is widely used as
fashion fabric. The unique property of spandex fabric is that it bounce back to its original shape
even after stretching up to 600 times. Appreciated for high tear strength and colour fastness, these
fabrics are demanded for making different attires. more...

•
• Denim Pintuck Fabrics

We offer Denim Pintuck Fabrics. These fabrics are ideal to be used for home furnishings and
upholstery. We offer our pintuck fabrics in a variety of colours and are proficient at customizing
the entire range. more...

•
• Indigo Denim Knitted Fabric

We present a rich collection of knitted denim fabric, which is in immense demand in the markets.
These fabrics are almost identical to woven denim but also possess the desirable knit properties of
natural stretch and breathe-ability. Developed from high-quality yarn, these indigo denim knitted
fabrics last long & can be availed from us in different sizes as per the specifications laid down by
our clients.
 Our company presently developing Knitted Denim Fabric which is almost identical to woven
denim but also have the desirable knit properties of natural stretch and breathabaility. more...

•
• Denim Fabric

We manufacture and offer medium weight denim fabric which are suitable for slacks and jackets,
suits and other garments. Our denim fabric is available in various combinations and our range of
denim fabric includes : more...

•
• Job works corduroy cutting and brushing

We are also doing job works for the cutting and brushing of this all kinds of fabrics like 100%
polyester corduroy, 100% cotton corduroy, lycra corduroy and shutting and shurting. more...

•
• Indigo Blue Denim

We offer indigo blue Denim,100% cotton,polyster cotton ,RHT ,LHT ,twill weave ,plain weave
,satin weave width 60" to 66" ,slub denim ,cross hatch ,IBST ,lycra denim ,stretch denim ,spandex
denim.

•
• Denim Fabric
 We manufacture Denim fabric of multiple designs and appearances. The fabrics are in conformity
with latest quality norms and thus have found wide appreciation from clients across the textile and
fashion industry. With the use of innovative manufacturing techniques, we deliver denim fabrics
which are odor free, excellent resistant to de-coloration, superwash treated etc. We usually provide
denim fabrics which are colored with Indigo Dye as this is the color, we often seen Denim Fabrics
in, however, if required with a beforehand made agreement, we do supply Denim fabrics including
Jeans, fabricated as per the customize specifications of clients.

•
• Denim FabricDenim Fabric : Denims are known for their longevity and they are never out of
fashion. So, we manufacture quality Denim Fabric stock loads and cater for the customized
requirements of the client. Suitable for every occasion, the range of Denim Fabric is shrink free
and is available in different colors.

•
• fleeceWe are engaged in manufacturing and supplying a Eco-friendly range of fleece fabric.
Fabricated using different blends of cotton and polyster 80/20 50/50 52/48, these fabrics are
widely used for making trach suits,pants and other winter products. Our customized range
of fleece is widely appreciated and demanded by clients across the globe. Other details: more...

• Carbon Denim Fabrics

Our Sulphur Black Denim is ranked best in the industry. Even after washing our carbon denim
fabrics retain the depth and glaze. We can offer Regular Black, Jet Black and Super Black Fabric.
We are specialist in offering black on black denim fabric. more...
•
• Yarn Dyed Check Fabric

We bring to our customers a range of yarn dyed madras check fabric that look appealing in their
striking color combinations. Our vertically integrated production facility helps us in making large
scale production at unbeatable prices. more...

•
• Denim Fabric

We are working as dealer for Nandan Denim. Manufacture of a wide range of Denim Fabrics that
is firm, twill woven cotton fabric. Durable fabric and available in different kinds like smooth and
rugged finish, Nandan Denim's Fabrics available in different colors are used for making jeans and
jackets for men and ladies.

•
• Denim Fabric

We are one of the leading traders and suppliers of denim fabric that is 100% cotton and machine
wash. Our range is offered with different designs and different quality . The range we offer is
offers enchanting designs and is widely acclaimed for high quality. The unique feature of our
range is 100% cotton composition with dyed and printed fabric. These can be tailored according to
customers' designs and specifications. more...

•
• Suiting Fabrics(Bottom Weight)
 We supply high quality Suiting Fabrics that are available in aesthetic designs and innovative
patterns. The designer collection of suiting fabrics, available with us, is utilized for making formal
suits and garments. Men's Suiting Fabrics, available with us, are appreciated for their comfort,
softness and color-fastness. We provide availability of Check Suiting Fabric in varying sizes,
colors and mesmerizing patterns in accordance to the demands of customers. In addition to this,
superior finishing makes our suiting fabrics widely recommended by our valuable patrons. Our
suitings are available at pocket-friendly prices.

•
• Denim DSC03898-

We hold expertise in manufacturing and supplying an extensive range of Girl Denim Jeans. Our
range can be availed in a variety of sizes, colors and designs. Being a client centric organization,
DSC03898 more...

•
• Woven Fabrics

Our clients can avail from us a wide range of Woven fabrics, which is color-fast, smooth, and
made using two sets of yarns that are a crosswise set called the filling or weft and a lengthwise set
called the warp. known for color fastness, these fabrics are used for making various items. We
offer these fabrics in various designs to cater to diverse requirements of our clients. Our range of
Woven fabrics includes: more...

•
• Denim Fabric

Denim fabric is a rugged cotton twill. In denim fabric the weft passes under two or more than two
warp fibers that produces the common diagonal ribbing which is identifiable on the back of the
fabric. The diagonal ribbing separates the existence of denim fabric from cotton duck. The denim
fabric is generally colored with indigo dye to create blue jeans though jean denoted a distinct
lighter cotton textile. more...
•
• Fabric & Apparels

all types of denim fabric including variety of value added fabrics: -

* denim fabrics
* bottom weights
* shirting & suiting,
* knitwear
* bottom weight
* casual wear,
* ladies dress material
* towels
* home textiles
* curtains & upholstery. more...

• Denim Fabric

We make all kind of denim fabrics with most modern infrastructure and machinery

• Denim-Jeans-Fabric

Click on picture to see full catalogues Denim Fabrics - Premium Range, Excellent Quality. more...

• Woven & Denim Fabrics

 We offer high quality woven & denim fabrics

• Denim

We offer high quality denim

• Denim Fabrics

slub,ring,lycra,poly mercarize,cotton mercarize etc. more...

• Denim

Malwa made a foray into cotton denims almost a decade ago in 1997. Since then, there has been
no looking back and Malwa's presence in denims has gone from strength to strength. Being
situated in the heart of the cotton producing belt in India, Malwa has access to a consistent and
uninterrupted supply of best quality raw material thereby ensuring finest cotton Denim fabrics to
its valued customers. In sync with the emerging trends in Denim, Malwa's in-house Design team
works closely with leading International Design Consultants to come out with an array of
breathtaking designs & finishes in denim a year ahead for every season. Through its state-of-the-
art denim plant in India , Malwa rolls out premium and basic denim fabrics employing - Ring
yarns , - Open-end yarns , - Slubs , - Mixed Warps , - Multi-count yarns & - Colored yarns in weft
as well as in warp . From classical to contemporary, basic twills to fil-a-fils , cross-hatches to
stripes and from vintage to raw, Malwa more...

•
• Denim Fabric
 Denim Fabric

• Denim Cloths

Denim cloths dc (03)

• Denim Fabric

We are working as dealer for NANDAN DENIM.

Manufacture of a wide range of denim fabrics that is firm, twill woven cotton fabric. Durable
fabric and available in different kinds like smooth and rugged finish, NANDAN DENIM'S fabrics
available in different colors are used for making jeans and jackets for men and ladies.

•
• Denim Fabrics

Our supplied range of Denim Fabrics is regarded for its premium quality. These fabrics are
composed of 100% cotton, cotton spandex, cotton poly, cotton poly spandex, cotton modal, cotton
tencel etc. Our stretch denim fabrics are very popular for the comfort and skin-friendly nature.
These fabrics are highly resilient and have a long life.

•
• Denims & Khakis
 the cotton fabrics for bottom weights and shirtings are manufactured in 100% cotton with
flexibility of man made fibres. The company manufactures a variety of products in different
weaves, blends, plies, yarn types and weights. more...

•
• Denim Fabric

Cross Fire denim is the latest to be developed recently.

This has a structured weaving of lines on both the sides with slubs, which gives it a trendy look.
At 10.5oz, this is perfect for jeans, capris and jackets.
Pre-Washed, Enzymed and Shrunked this fabric is soft and perfect for any occassion, trouser's can
also be made out of this jeans material. more...

• Fabrics And Denim

We exports 100% cotton fabric, denim cotton fabric, pure cotton fabric, cotton blended fabric and
poly viscose fabric from india.

denim fabric

all kind of indigo rope dyed denim fabric including :

* basic denim
* stretch denim
* poly denim
*and other fancy varieties with slub etc.
these are available in various qualities, constructions, widths & weight as desired.
poly viscose fabric
synthetic blended suiting mainly poly viscose fabric for suiting & shirting in a wide variety of:
weaves - twills , satins, cords, etc.
finishes - peach finish, wrinkle more...

•
• Fabric & Denium

We deal and export 100% cotton Fabric, Denim Cotton Fabric, cotton blended Fabric, Bed sheets,
Terry Towels and Poly viscose fabric from India. DENIM All kinds of Indigo rope dyed denim
fabric including : Basic Denim Stretch Denim Poly Denim and Other Fancy varieties with Slub
etc. These are available in various qualities, constructions, widths & weight as desired. POLY
VISCOSE FABRIC Synthetic blended suiting mainly poly viscose fabric for suiting & shirting in
a wide variety of: Weaves - Twills, Satins, Cords, etc. Finishes - Peach Finish, Wrinkle Free
Design - Checks, Strips, Plain, Dobby Uniform, Casual and Regular wears
•
• Organic & Herbal Dyed Indi Blue Denim

100% Organic & Herbal Dyed Denim processed through Indigo Plant and other natural
ingredients. more...

• Denim Fabrics

The Denim Fabrics of our company is regarded for its premium quality. The composition of these
fabrics consists of 100% cotton, cotton spandex, cotton poly, cotton poly spandex, cotton modal,
cotton tencel etc. The Stretch Denim Fabric of our company is very popular for the comfort that
one gets while wearing it. With stunning colors, these cotton fabrics are popular among the people
of all ages. We stand top among the Stretch Denim Fabric Manufacturers in India. We are also
among the major Suppliers of Denim Fabrics.

State of the Art Machinery / Processes

• Denim

rswm ventured into denim fabric manufacturing business in line with strategy to move to higher
value-added segments for wider based growth in the future. The company has plant to focus on
producing high-end speciality denim fabric which has better realization and demand in the
international market. Keeping pace with the changing time, the company is working closely with
leading international consultants to manufacture the finest products. more...

•
• Jeans Fabrics

The company brings forth optimal quality jeans fabrics in the market. The denim jeans fabrics
made available by us are very endurable and are variedly used for the production of denim jeans
 and trousers. The jeans made of these high quality fabrics are not only durable but also very
comfortable to wear. Further, we offer these fabrics at much discounted rates at our company.
Apart from the above, we are considered to be one of the most reputed cotton jeans fabrics
exporters as well as suppliers from India.

•
• Denim Fabrics

The Denim Fabrics of our company is regarded for its premium quality. The composition of these
fabrics consists of 100PERCENT cotton, cotton spandex, cotton poly, cotton poly spandex, cotton
modal, cotton tencel etc. The Stretch Denim Fabric of our company is very popular for the
comfort that one gets while wearing it. With stunning colors, these cotton fabrics are popular
among the people of all ages. We stand top among the Stretch Denim Fabric Manufacturers in
India. We are also among the major Suppliers of Denim Fabrics. more...

• Silky Denims

Silky denims more...

Denim Fabrics

Every season, our Denim collection boasts of a premium range that is unlimited and diverse. The
evergreen comprehensive product line includes. Silky Denims (made of fine 2 ply yarns) Slub &
Streaky Denims Poly Denim Stretch Denim and Exotic Denims (made of dobby designs and
weave patterns).

•
• Fabricsthe concern develops jersey,woven and denim fabrics etc under its own supervision at each
stage of knitting and processing after procurement of yarn from reputed mills. The concern has
total quality and environmental controls to timely execute its assignments. more...

•
• Denim Fabrics

We have tie-up with all good manufacturers of denim fabrics who make quality fabrics. We
supply denim from 4.5oz to 14.5oz in different finishes and designs like Slub denim, Cross-fire
denim, Streaky denim, Over-dyed denim, Silky denim and Mix-slub denim.
 •
• Denimsthe denim fabrics of our company is regarded for its premium quality. The composition of
these fabrics consists of 100% cotton, cotton spandex, cotton poly, cotton poly spandex, cotton
modal, cotton tencel etc. The stretch denim fabric of our company is very popular for the comfort
that one gets while wearing it. With stunning colors, these cotton fabrics are popular among the
people of all ages. We stand top among the stretch denim fabric manufacturers in india. We are
also among the major suppliers of denim fabrics. state of the art machinery / processes

•
• Denims

Leveraging on our expertise and technical facilities, we are enabled to manufacture and export an
extensive array of denim fabrics. These high quality denim fabrics are offered with exclusive
designs and patterns. Along with the standardized array, we can also customize them as per the
specifications on print ability and dye. more...

•
• Denim Fabrics

Open end, ring indigos, over dyed denims, cotton blended with other fibres, like polyester, lycra,
Tencel, bamboo, linen etc in different interesting weaves, and, weights & latest finishes.

Facts About Denim Fabric

'Jeans have become an American tradition, symbolizing the vitality of the West to people all over the
world.'

Printed on the pocket inside Levi's® jeans

Denim Fabric Trivia • A Bit of History

About Denim Fabric • Denim & the Wild West
Denim Fabric Trivia The word denim is an Americanization of the French name "serge de Nimes," a fabric
which originated in Nimes, France during the Middle Ages. In 1864, Webster's dictionary listed the
shortened English version: DENIM. 1

Italian sailors from Genoa wear cotton trousers and the French call Genoa and the people who live there,
"Genes." The name "jeans" was applied to the pants as well.

The word dungarees (usually plural) is one of the few mainstream English words to have come from Hindi,
one of the major languages of India. The source word in Hindi is dungr?, and refers to a type of coarse
cloth.

In English, dungaree is usually used to refer specifically to blue denim fabric, and in plural to refer to
clothes, especially trousers, made of such material.

Archaeologists found cotton fabric 5000 years old in west Pakistan. 2

48% of the world's trade in fabric is in cotton, from which denim is made. 2

At least 225 pair of denim jeans can be made from one bale of cotton. 2

Authentic blue denim takes its characteristic color from interweaving indigo (blue) and white threads. The
term "bull denim" refers to colored/dyed denim.

The orange thread traditionally used to sew Levi Strauss blue jeans was intentionally selected to match the
copper rivets that doubled the durability of the jeans. 3

The Last Chance Mine (1882).

Men working on coal mines in their Levi's? durable pants. 3

19th Century America - The difference between Denim and Jean Fabric

Denim fabric seems to have been reserved for work clothes, when both durability and comfort were
needed. Common uses included overalls made of blue denim, worn by mechanics and painters.Jean fabric
was a sturdy fabric, but it did not offer the added benefits of denim, such as durability and comfort.
Common uses included topcoats, vests or short jackets, and fine trousers in chestnut, olive, black, white and
blue jean.The U.S. Navy introduced the bell-bottomed trouser in 1817 to permit men to roll their pants
above the knee when washing down the decks, and to make it easier to remove them in a hurry when forced
to abandon ship or when washed overboard. In 1901 regulations authorized the first use of denim jumpers
and trousers, and the 1913 regulations originally permitted the dungaree outfit to be used by both officers
and enlisted with the hat of the day. 4 Jacob Davis, a Nevada tailor, designed denim jeans with copper
rivets at the picket corners to prevent seam tears. Unfortunately, Davis didn't have the money to apply for a
patent to trademark his invention. 3Bavarian-born businessman Levi Strauss had started a wholesale
business in 1853 in California, supplying clothing to goldrush miners. Jacob Davis wrote him, asking him
to pay for the paperwork. On May 20, 1873, they received a patent for the invention which included the
ingenious pocket-rivet idea. Strauss and Davis began producing copper riveted "waist overalls" in blue
denim fabric. 3In 1936, Levi Strauss sews a little red flag next to the back pocket of its jeans. It is the first
label sewn on the outside of a piece of clothing. 3Denim became popular with young people in the 1950's
as a symbol of teenage rebellion, notably in movies such as Rebel Without a Cause and The Wild One.
Some schools in the U.S. banned students from wearing denim fabric. Until 1960, "waist overalls" was the
traditional term used for denim pants. By the late 1950s, however, teenage wearers were calling them jeans,
so Levi Strauss officially began using the name, too. 3Denim has made a comeback in recent years and in
every possible form. Studded denim jackets, jeans, long skirts, pleated minis and even shirts were heavily
featured on the runways of Dolce and Gabbana, John Galliano, Mui Mui and Prada to name but a few.

About Denim Fabric

Denim fabric is unique in it's connection with one color - blue.

The warp yarn is traditionally dyed with the blue pigment obtained from indigo dye. Indigo was the most
significant natural dye known to mankind until the introduction of synthetic dyes, at the end of the 19th
century. The durability of indigo as a color and it's darkness of tone made it a good choice, when frequent
washing was not possible. In 1894, indigo was no longer needed - a synthetic dye process was perfected.In
a twill weave (used in denim), the fabric is constructed by interlacing warp and filling yarns in a
progressive alternation which creates a diagonal effect on the face, or right side, of the fabric and has a
surface of diagonal parallel ridges. In some twill weave fabrics, the diagonal effect may also be seen clearly
on the back side of the fabric. Due to the denim's right-hand twill construction, one color predominates on
the fabric surface. Also, because of this way of weaving the threads to make the fabric, the fabric is very
strong and durable. Over the years, many different denim fabric treatments have been introduced, including
pre-washed, stone-washed, sandblasted,and vintage/dirty.

Denim & the Wild West

Blue jeans accommodated the lifestyle of the hard-workers such as miners, rancher, farmers, railroad
workers, and teachers. Life out west was tough, work was hard, and days were long. Jeans were not made
to be stylish. They were made to be durable. 5

Denim and buckskin clothing and shapes associated with frontiersmen and cowboys have continuously
influenced public perceptions of the West and Westerners. 5

Movie star cowboys remained enormously popular from the 1930s through the 1960s. The new medium of
television also adopted Western themes as mainstays of programming. Added into the mix were a host of
singing cowboys, honky-tonk heroes, and country music superstars, all riding the trendy cowboy image to
new heights of fame and fortune. Real cowboys became increasingly rare during the period. 5
High-profile figures such as Buffalo Bill's touring Wild West show in the 1880s, as well as Tom Mix and
other movie idols of the 1920s and 1930s spawned a prosperous western wear industry that produced fancy
inlaid boots and heavily embroidered shirts with western yokes, arrow pockets and whipcord piping. After
World War II, fashion elements like pearl snap buttons, bolo ties, tooled belts and engraved buckles spread
across the West. Today, clothing worn by rodeo champions and western music stars continues to influence
contemporary fashion. 5

Western fashion has become the symbolic national folk costume of the United States, distinguishing
America and Americans around the world. The cowboy image is rooted in the "rugged individualism,"
western wear and the pioneers. They made this style fashionable and are the source of inspiration for those
shaping American identity at home and abroad. 5

Bibliography

• www.keepingyouinstitches.com/sp9.htm
• www.cottonaustralia.com.au
• www.levistrauss.com
• www.goatlocker.org/trivia.htm
• www.museumoftheamericanwest.org/explore/
exhibits/archive/westworn.htm

Denim, in American usage since the late 18th century, denotes a rugged cotton twill textile, in which the
weft passes under two (twi- "double") or more warp fibers, producing the familiar diagonal ribbing
identifiable on the reverse of the fabric, which distinguishes denim from cotton duck. Denim was
traditionally colored blue with indigo dye to make blue "jeans," though "jean" denoted a different, lighter
cotton textile. In 1789 George Washington toured a Massachusetts factory producing machine-woven
cotton denim. In the mid-19th century the durability of hemp cloth, of Cannabis sativa fibers, processed as
in making linen, temporarily competed with cotton.A similarly-woven traditional American cotton textile is
the diagonal warp-striped hickory cloth that was once associated with railroadmen's overalls, in which blue
or black contrasting with undyed white threads form the woven pattern. Hickory cloth was as rugged as
hickory timber and was worn by "hicks." Records of a group of New Yorkers headed for the California
gold fields in 1849 show that they took along four "Hickory shirts" apiece. Hickory cloth later furnished
some "fatigue" pantaloons and shirts in the American Civil War.A popular etymology of the word denim is
a contraction of serge de N
mes in France. Serge weave, with a distinctly-twilled diagonal rib, is now more usually associated with
sturdy woollen textiles.

Denim and modern fashion

• Denim jeans have consistently been fashionable in American culture, but have changed style
significantly throughout the years.
o In the 1980s, tight stone-washed and acid-washed jeans were very fashionable
o In the 1990s, very baggy jeans were in fashion, as part of the grunge movement
• Denim jackets (or jean jackets) have wafted in and out of fashion since the 1950s. Many pop-
culture icons are closely associated with the denim jacket, including:
o James Dean
o Deborah Gibson
o George Michael