Different Styles of Denim
Denim fabric was first used in blue jeans by the Levi Strauss in 1873, but the fabric has been around for centuries and is documented as being used by the Genoa Army as far back as the Middle Ages. Denim is a rugged, versatile fabric made primarily of cotton; it is often mixed with other fabrics to create a variety of finished and styles, which add to the numerous ways it can be used.
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Raw Denim
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Raw denim is made from 100% cotton fabric that, unlike most denim, is left completely unwashed through the production process. Because of this, raw denim products appear stiff and darkly colored at first. With wear and washing, the raw denim becomes soft and, if it is an apparel item such as jeans, conforms to your body.
Selvage Denim
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Selvage denim uses thick denim threads and a fine weave to produce a tightly woven fabric that resists raveling and fraying. Due to the fine weaving process and extra attention to detail called for in the production process of this fabric, it is usually much more expensive than other types of denim.
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Stretch Denim
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Stretch denim is standard cotton denim fabric infused with a small amount of spandex -- usually one to three percent. The spandex gives the cotton some stretch, making it a go-to choice for legging-type jeans and other types of apparel. Many other types of jeans contain a small amount of spandex to help the jeans retain their shape after initial wear.
Ramie Denim
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Ramie denim is cotton denim fabric mixed with ramie fiber -- which comes from natural plant sources -- in addition to polyester and spandex fibers. Ramie fibers make the denim naturally resistant to mildew and bacteria, and the combination of fibers makes the fabric absorbent and stain-resistant. Ramie denim is absorbent, and is commonly seen in the warmer months.
Organic Denim
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Organic denim is made from cotton grown without pesticides or fertilizers. Often, the organic growing process involves consuming less water in the growing phase. The actual production phase of making the denim involves using earth-friendly processes and materials, such as natural dyes and starches.
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References
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