THE DENIM ENCYCLOPEDIA FAQ
On this page you’ll find quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about denim and jeans. Click on the questions for more in-depth answers.
Q: What is denim?
A: Denim is a type of woven twill fabric, usually made from cotton.
Q: What is raw denim?
A: Raw denim that hasn’t been washed or treated (in other words, it’s not pre-washed).
Q: What is indigo?
A: Indigo the colour that makes blue jeans blue.
Q: Why does denim fade?
A: Denim fades because the colour doesn’t reach the core of the yarn. As the dye slowly wears and washes off, the undyed core appears.
Q: What is ‘ounce’?
A: The weight of denim is important because it influences how the garment feels to wear and fades as well as its durability. Denim weight is measured in ounces per square yard.
Light-, Mid- or Heavyweight Denim?
Raw denim has turned weight watching on it’s heads. Heavyweight denim is a hit, and for some it’s become all about how heavy you can go.
But heavyweight denim isn’t for everyone. A nice pair of midweight denim jeans will be the perfect middle ground for most. In warmer weather, a lightweight denim will also do wonders.
Q: What is heavyweight denim?
A: Heavyweight denim is denim that is heavier than 16 oz. per square yard.
Q: What is a denimhead?
A: A denimhead is someone who’s extraordinarily passionate about denim.
Q: Who invented jeans?
A: Riveted blue jeans were invented by Jacob W. Davis.
Q: Why are they called ‘jeans’?
A: The name ‘jeans’ is believed to have derived from the anglicised word for Genes, the demonym for people from Genoa in Italy.
Q: Why do the legs twist?
A: Denim naturally skews in the direction of the twill line. That means right hand twill skews to the right while left hand twill skews to the left.
Q: How old are these vintage jeans I found?
A: If you’ve got your hands on an old denim garment, you might want to know how old (and valuable) it is. Consult these resources:
- Vintage Clothing: Your Ultimate Guide (Off The Cuff – Levi’s)
- Vintage Levi’s 501 Jeans – The Ultimate Collector’s Guide (Heddels)
- How To Determine Production Date of Vintage Levi’s 501 Jeans (Rope Dye)
- Learn The 7 Key Details From Levi’s Jeans Back Pocket (Lonh John)
Slim, Regular or Loose? Find Your Favourite Fit!
There’s no such thing as “fits all” when it comes to jeans. You need a fit that fits your body type. And you start by finding a leg shape that works for you:
