I want to understand denim. What to do? Sports denim style. Japanese fabric - legend

May 20, 1873 Levi Strauss received a patent for his world-famous brainchild - trousers with metal rivets on the pockets. Twenty years earlier, with the founding of Levi Strauss & Co, the pants were made from a dense cotton twill weave, which was called "denim" in the place of its original production. So, the most popular item of modern wardrobe, jeans, saw the light.

The founder of the denim style is the modern casual style. However, the description of this style comes down to a simple "all the details of the image are made of denim." Is this really so and what are the distinctive features of the style worth paying attention to?

Having received its recognition not at once, denim began to appear in the fashion collections of the couturiers of the twentieth century. Sundresses, skirts, shirts and accessories made of cotton, rayon or linen in an amazing indigo color have delighted fashionistas all over the world season after season. Denim has become a classic style in clothing, and such a comfortable and sexy thing as jeans has firmly entered the modern women's wardrobe. Harmony when combined with clothing from other fabrics allows the style to stay in trend for many years in a row, only occasionally alternating between classic and unexpected combinations.

Types of denim

Thanks to such a long period of formation, both the fabric production technology itself and the style, today the color schemes for denima have a huge variety. The cotton base remains unchanged, dyed in a palette of indigo shades. Differences in the final version are formed due to the color of the main thread.

• Classic denim. Quite rough, characterized by a certain color and type of weaving of threads, as well as high cost. The bright blue color has become the hallmark of the style, and the unique whiteness of the wrong side, achieved by a special pile, makes classic denim a quality basis for a modern wardrobe.
• Shambry. The lightness and strength inherent in denim made this type of fabric an absolute favorite when creating romantic and concise models of dresses, shirts, sundresses that require sufficient mobility.
• Broken twill. Herringbone weave was used by Wrangler to create their denim designs. Atypical for denim, the way of forming the fabric has become the hallmark of one of the most famous brands of our time.
• Eikru. Denim, which has a natural cotton color, has taken its place in the denim market, bringing a light variety to the range of blue-gray shades.
• Gin. One of the cheapest and most concise types of denim. Once considered a disadvantage, simple diagonal weaving and uniform dyeing are now a feature of this type of fabric.

Modern trends in the use of denim

For a long time, denim, along with lace, was associated with poverty. Durable and wear-resistant fabrics were of no use to the wealthy classes, who did not bother themselves with physical exertion and had sufficient wealth not to monitor the state of their own robes.

The modern fashion industry has taken many steps to change society's views on denim. The classical approach to the manufacture of models of shirts, sundresses, skirts and trousers had as its logical continuation the use of this type of fabric in the modeling of evening dresses. In a dynamically developing society, the use of denim style when forming an image does not rise as an unequivocal ban. Casual or evening look is quite appropriate with style details. However, there are still codes of ethics and company rules regarding the integration of denim into office attire.

Denim is a completely independent style that has stood out from the familiar casual style. In order to characterize denim, a few words are enough - "clothing made of denim." However, this description does not fully cover the entire image.

Where did this style come from?

Fashion historians are ambiguous about the origin of the name, but the most popular version is that the name of the style comes from the French "serge de Nimes". In translation, this means "fabric from Nimes." In this case, Nîmes is the name of the French province, from where, presumably, this fabric of dense twill weaving originated. The first jeans were later sewn from this fabric.

Twill - a fabric with a dense diagonal weave, usually made of rayon, cotton or linen. It is known that the sails on the expedition of Christopher Columbus were made of such fabric.
In Europe of the 16th century, the fabric of the twill type "jean" became widespread. The fabric was produced in the French provinces, and it got its color thanks to the bright blue dye, which was re-dyed in Genoa. Initially, the fabric was considered the lot of the poor: robes were sewn from it, cowboys used it for their pants (dense fabric was poorly rubbed and served for years).

Far from immediately, the fabric received its recognition. Only in the twentieth century fashion designers paid attention to it, and skirts, sundresses, shirts and other items of clothing began to be sewn from denim.

Fashion has changed and developed, denim has become one of the classic styles, and jeans have tightly entered the everyday life of women, becoming a comfortable and sexy thing that, if desired, can emphasize anything. However, denim is not only classic jeans. You can create accessories, dresses and much more from denim, things from this fabric look harmonious and combined with other clothes.

The peculiarity of the style lies in the fact that it has never left the fashion trend. Fashion designers return to it from time to time, delighting us with classics and unexpected combinations.

Types of denim

Since the fabric dates back to the sixteenth century, today there are many varieties. To obtain denim, cotton is taken, which is dyed indigo, and not all, but only the base fabric. To get other color options, just take the main thread, dyed in a different color.

So, today there are such types of fabrics:

• Classic denim. This fabric is quite coarse, expensive, and is characterized by a certain coloring and weaving of threads. On the one hand, the fabric has a bright blue color, and on the inside it is completely white. This is achieved through a special pile.
• Shambry. This denim is lightweight without sacrificing strength. Dresses, sundresses, shirts and other items of clothing that require lightness and mobility are sewn from this material.
• Broken twill - this type has become a hallmark of the well-known Wrangler denim company. Its distinguishing feature is the weaving of herringbone threads of fabrics.
• Eikru is a denim that has not been dyed and has its natural cotton color.
• Jean - This fabric is known for its cheapness, it is evenly dyed all over, and has a simple diagonal weave.

The use of denim in modern fashion

Denim, like lace, has long been considered a fabric that only the poor could afford. Agree, why did a rich person in those days need a fabric that does not tear or wear out? He did not engage in active physical work in order to monitor the condition of his clothes.

But now the fabric has been completely rehabilitated, and not only jackets, sundresses and shirts are made from denim - there are no limits to the imagination of fashion designers, even evening dresses are sewn from it. Denim can be used at parties, in everyday life, and only in a strict office style this fabric is still banned in many companies.

Denim is a truly versatile fabric, from which everything is made today, from clothing to accessories.

What's in store for denim in 2015? The trend is that designers are increasingly returning to the fashion of the seventies. This does not mean that fashion is rolling back - fashion designers have presented many modern trends for the next year, both for everyday and active use, and for going out to any event.

If last year denim items were not appreciated by fashion houses, now the situation has changed dramatically for the better for this fabric. Skirts, dresses, denim shorts, as well as overalls and jackets are in fashion.

Denim dresses are light and comfortable, can be embroidered and embellished with lace. Dresses with collars that can be removed from the product are also in fashion. Skirts can be either loose-fitting or strict classic, and even to the floor - it all depends on your preference.

But denim jackets should be worn carefully - it is very difficult to combine it, because everything should be in moderation. Wearing it with jeans or overalls means a little overdoing it, and with black trousers - not comme il faut. The ideal combination can be a leather skirt, loose, or a sun skirt with a colorful print.

Overalls are also back in fashion, and there are no restrictions on them, choose according to your taste. If you want to emphasize the fragility and femininity of your figure, you can purchase a loose jumpsuit. Fitted can be a great addition to a strict style.

How to take care of the fabric?

A denim item must be washed separately from other items and must be prepared before washing: fasten all buttons, clasps and other fasteners and turn inside out. It is impossible to take such a fabric to dry cleaning, only washing. Wash the thing with a powder without a bleaching effect, in water no more than forty degrees.

To prevent metal zippers and buttons from rusting and leaving a mark on the fabric, do not soak denim items for a long time. You can iron things both from the front side and from the wrong side. On the front side, it is recommended to do this through a thin rag so that the fabric does not shine later.

Jeans can be richly studded with rhinestones. In this case, they also need to be washed, turned inside out, but in a delicate mode, so as not to damage the fittings. Creases and creases can be avoided if, after washing, the fabric is not wrung out strongly, but simply shaken and allowed to drain, and then hung out to dry.

Today, denim is the most popular material. Any things are made of it and all of them are distinguished by durability, convenience and practicality. However, this is not always the case, the fact is that there are different types of jeans and good products can be sewn only from high-quality ones - those very rough trousers and jackets with a large pattern. But this is a slightly different raw material - denim fabric. What it is and what it is made of - we will tell in this article.

History of textiles

Denim is a dense, stiff twill weave with visible diagonal ribs and ridges. It was from it that the American industrialist Levi Strauss sewed the first denim pants in the 19th century, before that it was used as canvas on ship masts.

This story began in 1848, when the young businessman Strauss traded in textiles, which were made by his brothers. During the gold rush, a flood of miners poured onto the West Coast of America, and Strauss came after them to sell his goods.

Gold miners liked his products so much that they were sold out even before the ship entered the port and only sails remained on board. A smart businessman ordered a tailor to sew pants from them, which were subsequently successfully sold out.

After that, Strauss opened a haberdashery shop and set up a large-scale production of durable, comfortable trousers with metal studs, but made of softer textiles than the canvas, which he bought in the French town of Nimes. This is how the name “denim” appeared, that is, brought from Nîmes (serge de Nîmes).

What is denim in clothes?

So, this is a type of jeans made from pure cotton, the front side of which is blue or blue, the wrong side is white.

The density and quality of the material depends on the manufacturer, more precisely on the country supplying raw materials. For example, American cotton is considered the most durable and things from it are good for cold weather, softer products are obtained from African.

Positive qualities of things:

1. They look simple but elegant. You can go out in them, attend any party or theater;
2. They are durable, thanks to the dense weaving they are difficult to tear and frequent washing is not terrible;
3. Do not lose their shape even after drying and ironing;
4. They sit well on any figure due to elasticity and rigidity, hide flaws and show advantages.

Thus, clothing made from the above-mentioned fabric is a top-class product, but of course it also costs a lot. However, the price is justified by the quality, having bought a thing, you do not demolish it, but rather give it away because you are tired.

Denim jeans: what is it?

In stores on the shelves there are stretch denim jeans or light summer options, is this possible given the roughness of the material? Yes, maybe it's the impurities. Thanks to the addition of threads, different types of textiles are obtained:

• Chaumbra- lightweight version, made of thinner threads of different shades. This is a real paradise for fashion designers, as chambray is easily processed and has a delicate soft texture; not only trousers are sewn from it, but also shirts, sundresses and even bed linen;
• Stretch- obtained by adding elastane fibers, such pants tightly fit the figure, emphasizing its harmony, and if necessary, slightly correct;
• Gin- a budget option, here part of the cotton fiber is replaced with polyester and viscose;
• And for tailoring summer clothes, silk is added to coarse threads, “breathable” pants and shorts, skirts and blouses are obtained.

So, if you want to buy denim pants, and they say that they are stretch - this can be, but it is better to buy them in trusted stores that deal specifically in jeans, for example, Levi's or Wrangler.

How to take care of the fabric?

This material is wear-resistant, but in any case care is needed, it depends on how long the thing will last, including:

• The fabric tends to shrink, do not wash it in hot water, a suitable temperature is 40 degrees;
• When choosing a detergent, make sure that it does not contain bleach, otherwise you will irrevocably ruin the color, it will blur in spots;
• Do not overdry, when you need to dry a thing, put it on a towel in the room or hang it, refuse to tumble dry. Dry - become even rougher, they are difficult to smooth out;
• You need to iron inside out, if ironing from the outside, use a damp cloth;
• Since the clothing contains a large number of metal fasteners and buttons, do not soak it for a long time otherwise rust marks will remain.

And of course, care information can always be found on the label, and incomprehensible values ​​on it can be deciphered.

Selvedge denim: what is it?

According to professional terminology " selvage"- the edges of a textile fabric treated with a special thread from unraveling ("own edges", if we translate the concept literally into Russian).

Pants made using selvedge technology can be distinguished by the inseam, tuck them at the bottom and look, all edges should be neatly hemmed, tucked and stitched with colored thread. It is pleasant to look at the inside of such a product, it immediately gives the impression that you are holding a quality thing in your hands.

And this is true, selvedge is the best quality material, because it is made on shuttle looms, the edges are tightly overcast and will not bloom. But ordinary denim is sewn from textiles made on microshuttle looms, which are able to work with greater productivity, but with worse quality. Such machines cannot process the edges, so over time they become loose and begin to bloom.

But not necessarily jeans made on microshuttle looms will quickly lose their appearance. Recently, many brands have appeared that produce denim items without “own edges”, but very solid ones. Thus, any buyer can buy good jeans for himself, because selvedge is not available to everyone.

So, we talked about the fabric that is popular today - denim, described what characteristics it has, how to care for it, and even sorted out its types and production technologies. This information will be quite enough for you to buy clothes to your taste and good quality.

Video about making denim

In this video, technologist Boris Sokolov will show the process of making denim denim, how the process goes:

Denim is a well-known fabric from which not only super-stylish trousers are made, but also skirts, dresses, sundresses, shirts, in general, a lot of things. Sometimes it is this denim variety that prevents you from making the right choice in favor of one or another thing. Especially when a new season comes, and after it new trends.

So that you don’t get confused and, having cast aside all doubts, go to buy what really suits you, what is stylish and relevant, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with a guide to fashionable denim clothes.

Spring is a time for renewal. It is foolish to repeat this over and over again, but this sentence is the whole point. In the spring, you need to try something new, unusual, something that will refresh not only your style, but also your attitude towards it. Therefore, discard all your habits and start choosing in a new way.

Denim trends

For example, instead of the usual skinny jeans, try wide leg jeans. Allow yourself to relax and be at ease. Buy jeans with comfortable pockets. In the end, copy the look created by the professionals of the fashion house Celine: wear oversized trousers with a simple top or borrow the idea of ​​Sienna Miller's rolled-up legs to create a casual look.

If you are used to wearing denim skirts, drop this business immediately. Denim dresses are on trend. Comfortable and really cool. A shirt dress is a strong accent in your entire outfit, so you don't even have to worry about accessorizing. For the office, opt for a feminine dress in shiny denim, just like at the Valentino show. For a sun-kissed day out, try the Isabel Marant boho-inspired tunic dress, just like Jessica Alba wore.

Tuck into the darkest corner of your closet those oversized, dangling masculine-cut jeans, swapping them shamelessly for 70s-style high-waisted jeans. They will accentuate your beautiful waist. I'm inspired by Derek Lam's show, which turned out to be an elegant look complemented by an interesting white shirt. Or check out Miranda Kerr's denim creation with a low-cut top and structured blazer.

If you have been a fan of classic straight jeans, be sure to pay attention to cropped jeans this spring-summer season. Dress up in sassy Balmain style. Or give preference to the calm and well-groomed image of January Jones.

If earlier you preferred dark shades of jeans, change yourself, buy light ones. The 70s are in full swing this season, so light up your wardrobe with Thakoon-inspired jeans right away. Or go for the style of the equally popular 80s, play with light jeans, modern accessories and tops, like Kate Bosworth.

Turn your attention to denim blazers instead of buying another denim jacket. Blazers are much more practical - you can wear them to work and for a walk. The main thing is to find the perfect balance of what will accompany the jeans. For inspiration, I can advise you to wear a belt over a blazer with shorts. The Elie Tahari show perfectly demonstrates the result. Or pair a two-button denim creation with dark skinny. Christine Cavallari did a good job in my opinion.

Frequently asked questions about denim.

Can two denim items be worn at the same time?

If they are the same color or a very close shade, keep them away from each other. How to wear two denim items in one outfit, you can read in my post.

What shades of jeans are best for the office?

A vintage shade, a simple solid, a dark shade of distressed jeans, these colors look simpler than the rest of the denim shades, so they are quite acceptable for the office.

How to make a denim shirt feminine?

First, when buying such a shirt, choose the size that suits you. The shirt should fit. Then there will be no problems with it. If you're wearing a men's shirt and want to give it a feminine touch, then the simplest tip is to use a belt so that your figure doesn't get rubbed in the huge size of the shirt.

How should white jeans be worn?

Straight white denim trousers visually lengthen the legs and make them slimmer. BUT. Any emphasis on the sirloin will increase it, even if there is absolutely nothing to increase. Therefore, avoid white jeans with embroidery, studs and other "charms" on the back pockets. No, it would be better if there were no patch pockets at all. Pay attention to the fact that the legs are neatly trimmed, no jagged edges. For a top, choose simple tops or blouses just below the waist so that they draw attention away from your butt.

Choose your jeans

boyish figure


Choose low-rise jeans with a straight leg that hugs your loin.
Avoid flared jeans, which are more suitable for curvy girls.
Don't forget that…
- Men's style baggy jeans can look chic with feminine shoes.
- Large belts with numerous details will suit your figure.
A shirt tucked into jeans will add a feminine touch to your figure.

low stature


Choose classic-style jeans with a waist exactly where you have it. These jeans will not overload your small, fragile figure.
Avoid wide-leg jeans and low-rise jeans.
Don't forget that…
- You should wear jeans with long straight legs, combining them with high-heeled shoes.
- Darker denim will visually lengthen your legs.
- The legs of skinny jeans should also be long, this is important.

Big booty


Choose dark jeans. A good option is dark jeans that look old. Slightly flared and long.
Avoid very tight jeans, high-waisted jeans, and very wide legs.
Don't forget that…
- Jeans with a not very high fit will suit you. This will put your ass in the best possible light.
Mid heel jeans are perfect for you, they will balance the body.
- You should avoid jeans with back pockets, do not focus on what you want to hide.

full figure


Choose jeans with long, straight legs.
Avoid low-rise jeans. Also, do not buy skinny jeans.
Don't forget that…
- In order for the jeans to fit, it is better to buy trousers one size larger and take them to the tailor so that he cuts them the way you need.
- Darker shades of jeans visually slim you more than others.
- A minimum of details and accessories is the key to a successful look with your body type. No embroidery or back pockets on your jeans.

Short waist


Choose low-rise jeans with very long legs.
Avoid high-waisted jeans and details at the top.
Don't forget that…
- Belts should be in harmony with the image, choose thin, neutral shades.
- Baggy low-rise men's style jeans are a great option for a casual outfit.
- Skinny jeans with a long, untucked top hide your figure flaws.

Short legs


Choose jeans with a natural fit, that is, ones that fit perfectly on your hips. Legs are straight or slightly flared.
Avoid hip-hugging jeans with cropped legs and baggy jeans.
Don't forget that…
- Trouser-cut jeans with a tucked-in shirt will visually reduce the waist.
- Flared jeans should be elegant, not rough.
- Jeans worn with a cropped jacket will balance your figure.

Natural cotton fabric, which is used to create comfortable, practical elements of the wardrobe, shoes, accessories, is called denim. The original purpose of the material is the manufacture of clothing for ordinary workers. Later, the fabric gained popularity, and now denim jeans can be found on almost every person - trousers, skirts, jackets, sundresses or sneakers. Levi's and Wrangler are the leaders in clothing sales.

What is denim

Dense coarse twill weave, on which you can see the scars and tubercles, is called denim. A feature of the material is the appearance: the “face” is light blue or light blue, and the inside is white. Popular belief: denim and denim are the same material with different names, but they are not. The first option is made from twill. Denim is created on a natural cotton basis with the addition of stretch threads.

Denim style

Comfort and practicality are the main features of the denim style. A denim outfit is suitable for a walk, date, picnic, going to the beach. The main thing is to choose the right length, color, other elements of the image, accessories. Flared jeans, pipes help hide figure flaws, riding breeches are suitable for owners of ideal proportions. If in doubt, you can choose an option that fits any build - this is a classic style with a straight cut. The color of denim depends on the season: in summer and spring - light shades, for winter and spring - discreet dark colors.

When choosing elements of jeanswear, the main thing is not to overdo it: a lot of the same type of materials does not make the image harmonious. The choice of a denim jacket depends on the style and the rest of the clothes: short models are worn on a dress, with small patterns all over the fabric (bananas) or in one place (flowers on the shoulders) for a street fashionista, a denim jacket with many locks, rivets and a large pattern on the back for biker style. The shirt should be loose, you can tuck it into trousers for a casual look. Dresses are better to choose a free cut.

Not only denim jeans are made from fabric, but also shorts, dresses, shirts, vests, jackets. The advantage of style is versatility: denim trousers can be combined with tops, blouses, T-shirts and shirts. Any shoes will do: sneakers, heeled pumps, sandals, boots. Accessories are selected depending on the idea of ​​the image: these are bright belts, scarves tied around the hips or neck, chains. The fabric is decorated by applying acrylic paint, embroidering patterns, patches or inserts from another material.

History of appearance

Denim begins its history in 19th century America. Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis (entrepreneurs) during the Gold Rush in the country imported material for making canvas and used it for rough trousers for American workers. Later, entrepreneurs set up the production of pants, while using soft textiles from the French town of Nîmes. After that, the name of the fabric "denim" appeared, which means "brought from Nîmes".

The composition and properties of the fabric

Denim is made from natural cotton called Gossypiumbarbadense and is made in the USA, Egypt and Turkmenistan because it requires special farming practices. The highest quality technology for creating fabric is selvedge (on shuttle machines, where it is processed, and the seam). Denim can be composed of different types of cotton, additives and have the appropriate properties:

• Cotton from Mexico, Uplandcotton, is used to make smooth jeans. This is due to the length of the fibers (up to 2.5 cm).
• Cheap cotton from Zimbabwe is a substitute for raw materials, which provides an opportunity to offer products to customers at different prices.
• Cotton from India and Asia is among the most inexpensive products.
• US ExtraLongStaple cotton (Memphis, St. Josim Valley, Mississippi, St. Louis) is used to make premium denim.
• Cellulose is used for the strength of cheap fabrics.
• To give color, the material is dried at least 10 times and dipped into the dye.

Varieties of material

Denim comes in its pure form (coarse fabric) or with additives used for specific purposes (to make a thing warmer so that it fits to the body). The admixtures of the canvas determine what kind of textile the result will be:

• Chambray (chambray). The fiber is made of thin threads, intended for summer clothes, shirts and dresses.
• Gin. Budget plain fabric made from polyester, viscose, replaces most of the cotton. The weaving of gin threads is diagonal.
• Stretch. The fabric is obtained by adding elastane and serves to fit the denim to the body and adjust the silhouette.
• Heated variant. Demi-season denim fabric is obtained by attaching a baize, fleece, or other dense fabric to the wrong side. Combines materials dublerin or interlining.
• Summer "breathable" things are obtained by adding silk.

What is sewn from denim

Trousers remain a common product made from denim fabric. At the same time, the versatility of the material allows you to create many wardrobe items:

• jackets;
• vests;
• shirts;
• shoulder products;
• skirts;
• shorts;
• shoes (sneakers);
• bed sheets;
• hats;
• bags;
• other accessories (shawls, belts).

Advantages and disadvantages

Denim fabric can be found in the wardrobe of almost every modern person. This is understandable: things made of material have a number of advantages:

• versatility - with the right combination, you can wear a denim item for any occasion;
• wear resistance, strength - properly selected material can be worn for more than one year, denim is durable;
• the breathable properties of the fabric allow air to pass to the body, but do not allow to freeze or penetrate dust, the material is hygroscopic;
• the fabric is not electrified;
• multiple variations in the use of fabric - manufacturers make trousers, shorts, skirts, dresses, shoes, accessories, and other wardrobe items from denim;
• comfortable comfortable clothes.

There are also disadvantages to fabric products. They are explained by the natural composition of the material:

• slow drying after washing;
• after improper washing, the fabric shrinks and becomes stiff;
• fading of the material over time.

Caring for denim

Denim material can shrink after washing, deteriorate when ironing, fade. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you need to follow the rules for caring for the fabric:

• Before washing, you need to fasten buttons, locks, rivets, everything metal, turn the thing itself inside out.
• You can wash denim by hand or with a machine, while the powder should be without a bleaching effect (there will be blue granules in the white mass).
• Before washing, you need to soak the clothes for no more than half an hour, while diluting the powder in water, and not sprinkle it on the thing.
• If there are clumps of dirt on the fabric, it is better not to use a scrubbing brush. After soaking, you can wipe off the dirt with your hand.
• The temperature regime for real denim is 60 degrees, and for fiber with additives - 40.
• After washing, when squeezing, do not twist the fabric - this can form creases. It is better to let the water drain by itself, hanging the clothes over the edge or squeezing the fabric, holding it on both sides with your palms.
• When drying, it is better to protect a denim item from the sun, batteries, radiators, otherwise it may burn out.
• Dry the product inside out using a damp cloth, gauze and an iron in steam mode.
• Wet denim should not be worn: this will lead to elongated fabric at the knees and other protruding places.
• Denim items should only be washed at home, and not dry-cleaned. Substances that are used in a special institution can adversely affect the appearance of clothing.