What is Denim?
Last updated 2026-04-09
Denim traces its roots to the sturdy fabric 'serge de Nîmes' from France, though it was Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis who transformed it into workwear gold in 1873 with the riveted blue jean. Originally worn by miners, cowboys, and laborers, denim migrated into mainstream fashion through Hollywood rebels like James Dean in the 1950s, counterculture movements in the 1960s and 70s, and the designer denim boom of the 2000s. Today, denim is available in a vast spectrum of washes — from raw (unwashed, deep indigo) to stone-washed, acid-washed, and bleached — each conveying a different aesthetic. Selvedge denim, woven on older shuttle looms, is prized by enthusiasts for its tighter weave and clean edge finish. Fit is equally critical to the denim conversation. Skinny, slim, straight, relaxed, bootcut, wide-leg, and baggy are the primary silhouettes, and the 'right' one depends on body proportions, personal style, and the era's trend cycle. High-rise, mid-rise, and low-rise waistlines further diversify the options. When building a wardrobe, most stylists recommend starting with two pairs: a dark, clean pair for smart-casual settings and a lighter or more worn-in pair for weekends. Quality denim ages beautifully — raw denim develops unique fade patterns called 'whiskers' and 'honeycombs' that reflect how you move, making each pair genuinely one-of-a-kind over time.
Pairing dark indigo straight-leg jeans with a tucked-in white button-down and loafers creates a polished weekend look, while the same jeans with a vintage band tee and sneakers shift the outfit to relaxed casual.
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Start with TRYFrequently Asked Questions
What is raw denim and should I buy it?
Raw denim (also called dry or unwashed denim) has not been washed or treated after dyeing, so it starts stiff and deeply saturated with indigo. Over months of wear, it softens and develops personalized fade patterns unique to your body and habits. It's ideal if you enjoy the process of breaking in clothing and want a pair that truly becomes yours. The tradeoff is a stiff initial wear-in period of 30–50 wears and the need to avoid washing for as long as possible to preserve the fades.
How often should I wash my jeans?
Most denim experts recommend washing jeans as infrequently as possible — every 5 to 10 wears for treated denim, and even less for raw denim. Spot-clean stains, air them out after wearing, and when you do wash, turn them inside out, use cold water, and hang dry. This preserves the color, fit, and fabric integrity far longer than frequent machine washing.