Denimu

Denimu, commonly known as denim, is a sturdy cotton twill fabric characterized by a diagonal woven pattern and a blue exterior produced by indigo dye. It is most widely used in jeans and other durable apparel, including jackets and workwear.

The term denimu reflects the wide use of denim fabrics in various languages, and the word itself is often linked to the traditional fabric known as denim or serge de Nîmes. The modern material originated from twill fabrics produced in Europe, with the United States playing a key role in popularizing denim for everyday wear in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Denim is woven in a twill weave, where the weft passes under two or more warp threads to create a diagonal rib. The warp yarns are typically indigo-dyed, while the weft is usually undyed cotton, producing a blue exterior and a lighter interior. Variants include selvage denim, raw or dry denim, and a range of fabric weights, commonly from about 8 to 16 ounces per square yard.

Production involves cotton fiber processing, spinning, dyeing, and weaving, followed by finishing steps such as preshrinking and washing. Finishing can range from untreated raw denim to heavily finished, pre-washed varieties.

Uses extend beyond jeans to jackets, shirts, bags, and occasional upholstery applications. Denim has a strong cultural presence in fashion and workwear, associated with durability, practicality, and various subcultures.

Sustainability concerns focus on cotton cultivation, water use, and dyeing chemicals. Industry responses include improved water management, low-impact or natural dyes, and recycling programs. Care guidelines typically advise infrequent washing, cold water, and air drying; raw denim may shrink if not properly preshrunk.