What is Selvedge Denim? Unveiling its Making, and Traits

What is Selvedge Denim?

Selvedge, the ‘self-edged’ spelled is the most produced, sold, and worn unwashed type of denim in the fashion industry. But this high-quality denim comes at a great price. Behind this enriched and expensive material are the manufacturing process, features, and uses. Let us explore the realm of denim in this article.

What is Selvedge Denim?

Selvedge denim refers to the fabric with self-finished edges on each side of the fabric with woven and shuttle looms. These edges hardly get frayed and unraveled. This denim uses the self-edge in the construction of jeans. The denim uses an old-fashioned weaving theme made on older machines. The weaving does not necessarily make the fabric a better quality, but most people appreciate its historical authenticity.

Image: What is Selvedge Denim
Image: Selvedge Denim

What is Selvedge Denim made of?

Selvedge denim is 00% cotton material fabric. It is high in quality using long-staple cotton fibers. These fibers are strong and durable. Usually, these cotton yarns get dyed with indigo dyes. After that, it is woven into the traditional sort of shuttle looms. The method ends with a finished edge without additional hemming.

Image: Selvedge Denim Swatches
Image: Selvedge Denim Swatches

Besides, selvage denim goes through two ways to be weaved. One is with the shuttle, and another is without a shuttle. Shuttle has the task of threading the weft through the shed of the warp. The weft gets continuously passed back and forth, meanwhile, the fabric edges are self-finished. The tightly woven edge gets included in the garment without any additional process.

Selvedge Denim Characteristics

Selvedge denim has some unique properties. For instance:

  • Durable: Selvedge denim is naturally woven. It is more durable than most of the denim types. It gets secured into the fabric itself, naturally fades, and conforms to the body. 
  • Distinct Edges: Selvedge denim has self-finished edges and these edges prevent the fabric from being unraveled. Edge seems to be highlighted in the jean design with enough visibility.
  • Unique Fading: This type of denim tends to be raw, unwashed, and available in a faded pattern. The fabric reflects the activities and body shape of the wearer. 
  • Cost: Selvedge requires more labor at the time of manufacturing. Besides, the entire process needs human involvement to operate. Besides, shuttle looms used in selvedge denim tend to be old. The fabric requires a lot of care and maintenance. 

What is Selvedge Denim Used for?

Selvedge denim is used for the following aspects:

  • Premium Jeans manufacturing
  • Clothing: Jackets, outerwear, workwear, uniform
  • Accessories: Bags, Belts, Hats

Conclusion

Selvedge denim possesses certain features that make it notable in the denim industry. Be it tight weave or self-finished edges, the way the denim develops a unique fade pattern makes the wearer comfortable with the activities. Over time, the denim ensures its durability, quality, and smooth finishing, maintaining its efficiency and authenticity.

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