Denim is a classic staple in everyone’s wardrobe. Whether it’s a blue denim jacket, black skinny jeans, or your standard blue flares, denim can be paired with almost anything, making it a versatile option. You can even pair denim with denim if you want to.
While modern fashion has created a throw-away culture, denim is something that you can invest in and keep for years to come as a timeless classic. The key to preserving your denim is to look after it well in order to make sure it lasts.
Let’s take a look at exactly what denim is and how you can take care of your classic denim pieces to keep them looking almost new for years to come.
What is Denim?
Denim is made of strong cotton fibers that are spun into yarn and then dyed. It’s made using a twill weave method which creates the subtle diagonal ribbing pattern you can see if you look closely at your denim. This type of cotton weave makes denim one of the strongest materials when compared to Canvas or Cotton-duck.
While denim first became popular in the US during the 19th century at the time of the Gold Rush, it was originally crafted in the city of Nimes in France. The term denim is an English colloquial name that derives from the French term ‘de Nimes’ which simply means ‘of Nimes’.
The Different Types of Denim
There are a number of different types of denim that are made in different ways. The most common types of denim include:
- Indigo Denim
Indigo Denim is created when the warp threads of the cotton are dyed blue, creating the classic blue jeans look.
- Stretch Denim
Stretch Denim combines spandex or an alternate elastic material with the cotton threads, in order to achieve more flexibility in the material. It’s often used in skinny jeans.
- Crushed Denim
Crushed Denim is treated so that it has a wrinkled look.
- Acid Wash Denim
This type of denim is treated with chlorine and a pumice stone to create a marbled effect.
Tips For Caring for Your Denim
There are several simple tips you can follow to get more life out of your favorite denim products. Take a look at some of the easiest methods below.
Wash Your Denim Less
Ever had a pair of black jeans that seem to fade every time you wash them? Unlike other cotton products, denim isn’t designed to be washed as frequently as it can damage the warp threads, making the color and fit less optimal.
While you do need to wash them at some point, try to get a few wears out of them at least before demoting them to the laundry. You can also try spot cleaning in between washes by using a soft washcloth or a soft toothbrush with some detergent and vinegar. Vinegar is useful for removing any unwanted odors while the detergent should bring the stain right out.
Turn Them Inside Out When Washing
The modern-day washing machine can be pretty tough on your clothes, especially when it comes to denim. In order to keep the dreaded denim fade at bay, try washing your denim items inside out. This will help to protect the dyed fibers on the outside of the jeans, making them last a lot longer. You should also hang them out to dry inside out to prevent the sunlight from fading them too.
Avoid the Dryer
While the washing machine can wreak havoc on your denim, the dryer is even worse and can cause shrinking, warping, and general wear. To avoid this, opt for natural drying.
Overall, denim pieces are a staple in everyone’s wardrobe and should stay that way for years to come. The trick is to make sure you look after your denim, and they will look after you!
