Denim Fabric

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.