Denim

Yet, not many people actually know what it is.

Denim is cotton.

It’s true. Denim is made from a tightly-woven cotton fabric. The yarns that run lengthwise through the fabric are dyed with a coloured dye, usually blue or indigo. The yarns that run side to side are not dyed and remain white. The interweaving of the blue and white yarns gives denim its distinctive look, while the tightness of the weave makes the fabric durable.

Denim History

Even though denim is popular worldwide, it is difficult to trace its history. There are some who suggest that the roots of today’s denim lie in a sturdy fabric called “serge de Nimes,” originally made in Nimes, France. There are others who believe we owe denim to the twill worn by Genoese sailors. But regardless of its geographical origins, most fashion historians agree that denim was in widespread use in Europe as early as the 16th Century.

Over the decades, denim has taken over a large chunk of our wardrobes. From a durable garment for workers, it has grown into a wardrobe staple and more. It is great for play and for work as well, and thanks to the persistence of creative designers, denim is a fashion force on the ramp too. Be it the invention of the five-pocket blue jean or the use of embroidery or expensive stones, denim suits every mood and every occasion.

Prewashed & Unwashed Denim

Most jeans bought today are prewashed (sometimes referred to as distressed or preshrunk) before they are sold in stores. Basically, this means that they have been “broken in” for you through industrial bleaching and other processes. Unwashed denim is just that, and is stronger and more durable because of it. 

Denim Maintenance Tips

Denim may look rough and tough but like other forms of cotton, it too needs tender, loving care. It is also important that you know that even pre-washed jeans can fade or shrink over time as the fabric goes through the wash. However, there are a few easy things you can do to keep your favourite pair of jeans just that – your favourite pair of jeans. 

1. Read the care label. Always turn jeans inside-out before washing; it keeps rivets, buttons or zippers from snagging other clothes and from grazing the side of the washing machine. Also, if you use powdered detergent, turning the jeans inside out keeps the powder from making unwanted whisker effects on the fabric.
2. Wash in cold water to prevent colour-loss and to control shrinkage. 
3. Don’t use bleach.
4. The best way to store denim is the way you see them in the store: fold one leg over the other so the zipper or buttons are inside the fold, and then fold them in half lengthwise, then half again.

Denim - The Fashion Statement

Denim is a fashion constant. Ever at its disreputable faded, ripped, unwashed best, it is a style statement and it isn't that hard to see why. It’s cotton, tough, versatile, and so very trend-friendly.

Denim is a part of our wardrobes in many forms – jackets, shirts, skirts etc. but it’s passionately loved as a pair of jeans.

1. Mid-rise styles: The perfect way to accentuate your body and hide your flaws is to wear mid-rise styles, which will keep your belly from bulging.
2. Tapered look: Tapered denim accentuates the width of the hips and adds weight just where needed.
3. Slim Trim: If you have long legs then get a pair of skinny jeans that are tucked into a pair of hot boots for the sexy look!
4. Flares: For women who are short and on the heavier side, boot-cut is a definite no-no! Go for the straighter look. Boot-cut looks best on people of medium height and average girth.