A Guide to Different Types of Denim Fabric & Their Uses

What is Denim? 

Known for its use in jeans, denim is one of the most recognisable fabrics. This strong cotton twill fabric, originally from Nîmes, France, is where the name “denim” (“de Nîmes,” meaning “from Nîmes”) comes from.

Despite its French name, originating from Nîmes (“de Nîmes” meaning “from Nîmes”), similar textiles were already used across Europe and in India.

Denim’s key features are:

1. Durability: Known for its toughness, denim can withstand considerable wear and tear.
2. Distinctive wave: The fabric is unique, featuring a diagonal ribbing pattern.
3. Versatility: Denim is great for all sorts of things: jeans, jackets, skirts, bags... you name it.
4. Colour: These days, you can find denim in many colours, not just blue.
5. Cultural significance:Denim’s a worldwide symbol of American style, especially blue jeans.

Denim’s history goes way back, but it really took off in the 1870s when Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis patented those copper-riveted pockets. This is how we got the blue jeans we all know and love.

Denim’s everywhere now, with tons of different styles and ways to make it. People still love it because it’s durable, comfy, and always in style. 

In this article, we will explore more about denim and their various use cases.

What is Denim Made Of?

Most denim is made from cotton. Denim is made by spinning cotton into yarn and weaving it on a special loom. Denim is usually made from cotton, but other fibres such as polyester or elastane may be included.  This treatment can result in denim with properties like stretch or softness. But at its core, denim is all about that classic cotton!

How Many Types of Denim Fabrics?

You might be surprised to know there’s a wide range of denim fabrics. Differences exist in their thickness, colour, weaving style, and the type of fibre used.  This means denim can be used for many things, not just jeans! We’ll explore some of the most common types below.

100% Cotton Denim

100% cotton denim is a classic choice for jeans and other clothing, known for its strength, breathability, and ability to fade and soften over time, creating a unique, worn-in look.

Raw Denim

Raw denim is stiff and dark at first but softens and fades with wear, creating a unique, personalised look over time.

Washed Denim

Washed denim is pre-washed for softness and comes in various colours and finishes, offering comfort and a variety of styles right off the rack.

Stretch Denim

Stretch denim blends cotton with elastane for a comfortable, flexible fit that moves with you, ideal for skinny jeans or activewear.

Bull Denim Fabric

Bull denim is a strong, durable fabric, often used for workwear and sturdy items like backpacks, thanks to its tight weave and heavier weight.

Coloured Denim

Coloured denim comes in a rainbow of shades beyond classic blue, offering vibrant options for those who like to make a statement with their style.

Acid Wash Denim Fabric

Acid wash denim has a distinctive, bleached look with variations in colour, created by washing the denim with pumice stones soaked in chlorine.

Chambray Fabrics

Chambray fabric is lightweight and breathable with a plain weave, often mistaken for denim, making it ideal for shirts and summer clothing. Though it looks like denim, chambray has a distinct plain weave, making it lighter and more suitable for shirts and summer wear.

Denim Colours

Blue Denim Fabric

The most famous type of denim is blue denim fabric, which is usually dyed with indigo to make it that colour.

Indigo dyeing involves dipping the yarn more than once to get the level of blue you want. With blue on the front and white on the back, this makes the classic denim look. Today, synthetic indigo is most often used. However, some denim fans prefer natural indigo that comes from plants because it has a deeper, more nuanced blue colour.

Black Denim Fabric

Denim that is black is coloured with sulphur dyes to make it a deep colour. It is a stylish and versatile alternative to blue denim.

A chemical reaction in the sulphur dye process bonds the dye to the fabric. This makes a black colour that lasts longer and fades less easily than other dyeing methods. That's why black denim is a popular choice for people who want a stylish fabric that will last and keep its colour.

Red Denim Fabric

To get its bright colour, red denim fabric is usually dyed with sulphur dyes or reactive dyes.

Since sulphur dyes are cheap and keep their colour well, many people choose to use them to colour denim. But sometimes they can feel a little stiff in the hand. Reactive dyes, on the other hand, can be more expensive but give clothes more colour and a softer feel. Which dye to use depends on how good you want the final product to be and how much it will cost.

Red denim is a bold choice that adds a splash of colour to any closet. It's a fun and stylish alternative to blue denim.

White Denim Fabric

Most of the time, white denim fabric is made with cotton that hasn't been dyed at all. This shows off the natural creamy white colour of the fibres.

It looks nice and fresh, which is great for warm weather or a more dressed-up look. But bleaching or using special dyes to make the whiter can also make denim white. White denim can be a little more fragile than darker colours, so be more careful when washing it to keep it from turning yellow or getting stained.

Some white denim is made from cotton that hasn't been dyed, but most of the time, bleaching or special dyes are needed to make it bright white.

Conclusion

So now we know everything there is to know about denim, from where it came from to the many styles and colours that are available today. We hope you learned something new about denim, whether you are a denim fan or are just starting to appreciate it.

Ready to start your next denim project? Pound Fabrics has a lot of different colours, weights, and washes of high-quality denim fabrics. You can choose from blue jeans or coloured denim, so you will find the right fabric for you. 

Check out Pound Fabrics today, UK's best price guarantee. 

Denim Fabric - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What material is denim

Denim is a tough cotton fabric made with a special weave that creates diagonal lines. It’s a favourite for jeans and jackets since it’s so tough and lasts forever.

Where to buy denim fabric

You can buy denim fabric at fabric stores, online shops like here at Pound Fabrics, and some department stores. Check the fabric’s quality and weight to make sure it works for your project. 

Please look at our full line of denim material here.

How is denim produced

Denim is made by weaving cotton yarns using a special twill weave on a loom. This twill weave creates the diagonal ribbing pattern that makes the fabric strong and durable.

How much does denim fabric cost

Denim in the UK usually costs £4-£15 a metre, but the price depends on quality, shop, and special features.

How to buy denim fabric

To buy denim fabric, check out fabric stores, online shops, or even some department stores. Make sure to look at the fabric’s quality and how thick it is before buying it.

How to check denim fabric quality

A good denim should feel thick, tough, and tightly stitched. Find a deep indigo shade with a soft feel. Good quality denim will last longer and look better over time.

How to dye denim fabric

Dyeing denim, especially with indigo, is a multi-step process involving special dyes and techniques. It often requires repeated dipping and oxidation to achieve the desired colour.