The fabric we now know as denim was first created in Nîmes, France, and was originally called serge de Nîmes. Over time, the name evolved into the English word "denim," a colloquialism of the French term "denim."
Denim is a durable cotton fabric created using a twill weave technique, resulting in a distinct diagonal ribbing pattern. This fabric has a warp-facing structure, where the weft threads are woven under two or more warp threads, making the warp yarns more noticeable on the right side. The diagonal ribbing sets denim apart from other sturdy cotton fabrics such as canvas or duck.
Nowadays, blue jeans are so widespread that they are often seen as a representation of American fashion. Originally designed for durability and practicality, they have now infiltrated the world of high-end fashion.
If you observe, jeans are a unique type of clothing in our wardrobe. When we first buy them, they can feel stiff and lifeless. But as we wear them over time, they become an essential part of our wardrobe. Many people advise against washing denim, especially "raw denim" that hasn't been washed after being dyed. The belief is that the jeans will mold to the owner's body as they wear them and a rough machine wash cycle could interfere with this process.
Frequent washing is not recommended by many manufacturers for jeans, with some suggesting only a few washes per year. Are there other ways to maintain your jeans and ensure they stay in top condition for years to come? Look no further, as we have compiled a list of different types of denim & how to take care of it.
Types of Denim
- - Indigo denim is a type of fabric where the warp threads are dyed with indigo, while the weft threads remain white. This creates a distinctive blue hue on the outer side of the fabric, while the interior appears lighter and almost white. This technique is commonly used in creating blue jeans, with the right side of the fabric being darker due to it being warp-facing.
- - To make stretch jeans, spandex or another elastic material is blended into stretch denim to provide the fabric with added flexibility and stretch. Skinny jeans are a popular style that often incorporates stretch denim.
- - Acid-washed denim undergoes treatment with chlorine and a pumice stone, resulting in a marbled appearance.
- - Sashiko denim, originally from Japan, has become a popular choice for various types of clothing. It first emerged as a method for repairing fabric with complex patterns and stitching, commonly used on clothing, bedding, and other objects. However, it has now evolved into creating fashionable pieces with a unique "pre-worn" appearance.
- Unwashed denim, also known as raw or dry denim, is a type of fabric that has not been washed after being dyed. This results in a rougher and stiffer texture, giving the material a unique look and feel.
- - The crushed denim has been processed to create a crushed appearance with wrinkles.
- - Sanforized denim has been treated to prevent shrinking when washed, making it suitable for most types of denim except for raw denim.
How is Denim made?
The process of making denim jeans involves harvesting cotton fibers, spinning them into yarn, and dyeing the yarn. The most common dye used is indigo, giving the classic blue color to denim. The woven fabric can be created using a shuttle loom or a projectile loom.
A shuttle loom is responsible for producing selvage denim, a highly sought-after type of fabric. The weft thread is continuously passed through the warp threads in an alternating motion, resulting in a seamless and durable edge.
In contrast, a projectile loom creates non-selvage denim by using a single weft thread for each row, resulting in a more fragile edge that must be stitched to prevent fraying.
How to care for Denim?
Frequent washing and wearing of denim can result in uneven fading. It is also common for the dye from denim to transfer onto other clothing items. Additionally, issues such as seam-twisting and bagging may occur.
Improper washing techniques can lead to unpleasant odors and a lack of freshness in denim - these are some of the downsides to owning this material. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your denim items.
Before washing any denim fabric or item, be sure to carefully read the care instructions. The indigo dye used on most denim can easily transfer in the wash, so it is best to wash with similar colors or alone for the first wash.
It is recommended to wash denim garments every 3 to 10 wears to maintain a perfect fit. This not only allows the denim to develop a unique and appealing wear pattern, but also helps conserve time, water, and energy.
It is reasonable to wash your jeans about once a month. In between washes, you can air them out by hanging them outside and spot treat any stains if necessary. The production process of jeans has significant environmental impacts, especially in growing the cotton for denim fabric with its high demand for water and chemicals.
Using the washing machine too frequently can also cause premature aging of jeans, so it's our responsibility to only wash them when necessary. Of course, certain situations may call for more frequent washing, such as if you have had stomach flu or foot fungal infections.
If your denim has a small stain, don't immediately toss it in the washing machine. Save time and energy by spot-cleaning with a gentle detergent on a damp cloth. This will effectively remove minor stains and keep your denim in better condition between washes. Just be cautious when spot-cleaning raw or unfinished denim, as this could cause fading or discoloration.
When washing your jeans, it's best to avoid using high temperatures, and ideally stick to a maximum of 30°C. However, if your jeans are particularly dirty, you may need to increase the temperature to 40°C for a more thorough clean and stain removal. Make sure the spin cycle for your denim is no higher than 800 RPM, and aim for a total washing time of 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish.
To hand wash your denim, first turn it inside out. Next, fill a large container with lukewarm water and add a gentle liquid detergent. Gently agitate the water to help get rid of any stains or bacteria on the garment. Let your jeans soak for a maximum of 45 minutes before thoroughly rinsing them with clean water. Finally, hang them up to dry until completely dry.
Avoid using dryers for your jeans! Instead, hang them up to dry. This method not only preserves the fit but also increases the lifespan of your denim by eliminating heat, friction, and the risk of shrinking.
Plus, it's a great way to save energy since tumble dryers consume a lot of electricity. After washing, flatten and reshape your jeans before hanging them in a dark and shady spot to air dry. Remember to turn them inside out to prevent fading and soggy pockets.
Remember to zip up and fasten all buttons on your denim. This not only helps the fabric maintain its shape but also prevents other items from getting caught in the laundry. And if your favourite denim piece happens to rip or tear, don't worry - we've got you covered! At BLANC, we strongly believe that clothes worth buying and wearing are worth repairing as well. That's why we offer a personalised tailoring and repair service. You can either use our online app to send in your items and instructions or visit one of our stores - repairing and reusing has never been easier!
When washing your jeans, be sure to separate light-wash denim from darker colours. The fact that they are made of the same fabric does not guarantee that the colour won't bleed onto other items. For example, dark indigo dyes can transfer onto lighter fabrics during the wash, resulting in a change of colour. To prevent this, it's important to keep different colours separated when doing laundry.
Cotton is the primary material used to make denim jeans, and it provides breathability. To keep your jeans fresh, it's best to hang them outside and allow them to air out after each wear. This will prevent any unpleasant odours from lingering or even remove them entirely.
There’s a modern myth that extremely cold temperatures can effectively kill bacteria and eliminate odours from jeans. However, the bacteria are simply in a dormant state when frozen and will become active again once the jeans warm up, bringing the odour back with them.
After you have completed the washing and drying process for your denim, it is important to store them carefully. Our suggestion is to hang them in your closet, folding them at the knee over a wooden hanger. Most of the wrinkles will naturally disappear after a short while of wearing, so there is no need for ironing!
By following these tips, your cherished denim items will remain in pristine condition for years to come! Your understanding of proper care will ensure their longevity and make them a staple in your wardrobe for life.
