Denim is a very strong and hardwearing fabric. It is used for longer wear
and is very durable. The fabric is stiff and unyielding but softens with
wear. It has twill weave with un-dyed weft yarn and colored warp, usually
indigo dyed. Denim looks better when it fades to whitish patches at creases,
points of strain or hem edges.
The word 'Denim' is believed to be derived from the French phrase "serge
de Nimes", a serge fabric from the town named Nimes in France. In the
18
th century, denim or jean was worn by slave labours or cotton
plantation workers because of its strength and did not wear out easily.
Denim is also known as blue jeans, dungarees, or levi's. A writer for
American Fabrics magazine wrote in the year 1969 "denim is one of the
world's oldest fabrics, yet it remains eternally young." Today, Denim
is made all over the world but few major producers are United States,
Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, Greece, Japan, China, Thailand, Pakistan,
India and Australia.
Characteristics of Denim Fabric
- It is for long wearing.
- It is hard wearing.
- It is very strong and durable.
- It resists snags and tears.
- It creases easily.
Uses of Denim Fabric
Denim fabric is used in numerous ways because of its hard wearing and
durability. In apparel, it is used as jeans, skirts, shorts, light-weight
jackets and suits, uniforms, work-cloths, overalls, sportswear, caps,
evening wear and children's cloth.
In home furnishings, it is used as bedspreads, slipcovers, draperies,
upholstery, etc.
