What is Selvage Denim (or "Selvedge Denim"), and Why Should I Care?

Original (full) post: http://alphacityguides.com/articles/guide-to-selvage-denim

The term selvage (or "selvedge") is actually a mash-up of the term "self-edge" which has been kicking around for centuries.  If you have a background in fabric (and who doesn't?), you might know that every fabric has a selvage.   This refers to the finished edge of fabric that prevents it from unraveling once it has been woven or knit.  The selvage runs full length of the fabric on either side and is created by looping the threads back on themselves to create an edge that won't fray or unravel.  When looking at the fabric the selvage is the thin strip at the outer edge that is no wider than 3/4" wide.

The term selvage denim refers to the way the fabric is woven not the wash on the actual jean.  Selvage denims are woven with continuous thread and are created using very narrow loom called "shuttle looms," which are really the key to creating the selvage edge.  These looms are able to weave the fabric in narrow widths that way when the pattern is cut, the selvage can be included as the inner finish seam edge.  This process creates a stronger fabric overall and so selvage denims tend to be tougher and last longer than regular mass produced denims.  If you look at the inside seams of a pair of selvage denims compared to regular denims you'll be able to quickly spot the difference.  This photo will explain it a bit better.

Finished inseam of Japanese selvage denim.

Finished inseam of regular market denims.

You'll notice that the selvage pair has a red strip that runs along the seam edge.  It isn't always red (it can be brown, yellow, or green) but red seems to be the most frequently used color.  Selvage denims also have a specific stitch,.  In a lot of cases, selvage denim denotes a higher quality, but that's not to say every pair of selvage denims is of superior quality.  There are a few other factors that must be considered so it's important to ask questions and check the labels before you drop a months rent on some new blues.  Here are a few terms that you might come across.  "Sanforizing, Dry Denim, Weight, To wash or not to wash".

Check out Luigi Jeans (www.luigijeans.com) for a selection of high quality Selvage Jeans.

The Truth About Denim: An Inside Scoop For The Guys

By Paige Exell | Original Post: http://www.premierlife.ca/fashion/the-truth-about-denim-an-inside-scoop-for-the-guys/

Now that denim has finally earned its spot on the high-end and trendy side of the wardrobe spectrum, designers have an endless array of different styles and washes to offer that make getting caught up with the wrong pair of jeans that much easier. So boys, it’s time you begin to consider any pair of jeans you may purchase in the future as a potential partner, and separate the various different styles and washes from the good, the bad, and the ugly in order to avoid picking out a pair of jeans that are totally wrong for you or the occasion.

Don’t get me wrong, a light-wash or destroyed pair of jeans are perfect for casual hangouts or laidback walks on the beach, but when it comes to choosing the right pair of jeans that are acceptable to be shown off on a night out or more formal event, a classic pair of raw denim is key.

Here’s everything you need to know about raw denim, and why it has the power to keep you looking sharper than any other type of denim, in any situation:

Raw denim is all-natural – Unlike some types of denim that go through long processes and washes to acquire their aesthetic look, raw denim is denim that has been unwashed, untreated, and virtually untouched making it 100% pure. The beauty of denim that has been left completely untouched is that it holds its clean, crisp look and design while staying sturdy for extensive future use. It also carries a lot more weight than your average pair of jeans making for a more resistant garment that will never let you down. In other words, raw denim will never break up with or tear on you meaning you could always count on them for a clean and classic look.

Raw denim will stick with you until the end – As mentioned, raw denim carries a lot more weight than your average pair of jeans, making it more durable, crisp, and appropriate for more formal occasions. But aside from being way more sturdy and reliable, raw denim has a much better value than a pair of pre-washed jeans. Sure, you may be able to get your average pair of jeans for a cheaper price, but they surely won’t last too long and next thing you know, you’ll be on to the next pair. Unlike raw denim, which has the potential to withstand over 1000 wears before retirement.

It never goes out of style – It may be true that denim became a trendy and essential addition to closets everywhere during the ‘90s when everyone and their dog owned a pair of jeans or overalls. But in terms of raw denim, its first emergence came about during the 1800s and mid 1900s and had young people all over the world going through what was considered a “raw denim craze,” giving it truly vintage edge. If raw denim has been trending for this long, it’s quite unlikely that it will suddenly leave you in the near future making it a classic and reliable addition to your wardrobe.

They are more personal, friendlier, and more ethical – Believe it or not, raw denim jeans have a larger and wider scale impact than one may think. The low maintenance and general simplicity of raw denim not only makes for a classic, sophisticated look, but is also more labour friendly and less detrimental to the environment in the long run.

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Be sure to visit Luigi Jeans at www.luigijeans.com to see a great selection of Quality, Made in America jeans.