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Different Types of Denim & how to take care of it
The fabric we now know as denim was first created in Nîmes, France, and was originally called serge de Nîmes. Over time, the name evolved into the English word "denim," a colloquialism of the French term "denim." Denim is a durable cotton fabric created using a twill weave technique, resulting in a distinct diagonal ribbing pattern. This fabric has a warp-facing structure, where the weft threads are woven under two or more warp threads, making the warp yarns more noticeable on the right side. The diagonal ribbing sets denim apart from other sturdy cotton fabrics such as canvas or duck. Nowadays, blue jeans are so widespread that they are often seen as a representation of American fashion. Originally designed for durability and practicality, they have now infiltrated the world of high-end fashion. If you observe, jeans are a unique type of clothing in our wardrobe. When we first buy them, they can feel stiff and lifeless. But as we wear them over time, they become an essential part of our wardrobe. Many people advise against washing denim, especially "raw denim" that hasn't been washed after being dyed. The belief is that the jeans will mold to the owner's body as they wear them and a rough machine wash cycle could interfere with this process. Frequent washing is not recommended by many manufacturers for jeans, with some suggesting only a few washes per year. Are there other ways to maintain your jeans and ensure they stay in top condition for years to come? Look no further, as we have compiled a list of different types of denim & how to take care of it. Types of Denim - Indigo denim is a type of fabric where the warp threads are dyed with indigo, while the weft threads remain white. This creates a distinctive blue hue on the outer side of the fabric, while the interior appears lighter and almost white. This technique is commonly used in creating blue jeans, with the right side of the fabric being darker due to it being warp-facing. - To make stretch jeans, spandex or another elastic material is blended into stretch denim to provide the fabric with added flexibility and stretch. Skinny jeans are a popular style that often incorporates stretch denim. - Acid-washed denim undergoes treatment with chlorine and a pumice stone, resulting in a marbled appearance. - Sashiko denim, originally from Japan, has become a popular choice for various types of clothing. It first emerged as a method for repairing fabric with complex patterns and stitching, commonly used on clothing, bedding, and other objects. However, it has now evolved into creating fashionable pieces with a unique "pre-worn" appearance. Unwashed denim, also known as raw or dry denim, is a type of fabric that has not been washed after being dyed. This results in a rougher and stiffer texture, giving the material a unique look and feel. - The crushed denim has been processed to create a crushed appearance with wrinkles. - Sanforized denim has been treated to prevent shrinking when washed, making it suitable for most types of denim except for raw denim. How is Denim made? The process of making denim jeans involves harvesting cotton fibers, spinning them into yarn, and dyeing the yarn. The most common dye used is indigo, giving the classic blue color to denim. The woven fabric can be created using a shuttle loom or a projectile loom. A shuttle loom is responsible for producing selvage denim, a highly sought-after type of fabric. The weft thread is continuously passed through the warp threads in an alternating motion, resulting in a seamless and durable edge. In contrast, a projectile loom creates non-selvage denim by using a single weft thread for each row, resulting in a more fragile edge that must be stitched to prevent fraying. How to care for Denim? Frequent washing and wearing of denim can result in uneven fading. It is also common for the dye from denim to transfer onto other clothing items. Additionally, issues such as seam-twisting and bagging may occur. Improper washing techniques can lead to unpleasant odors and a lack of freshness in denim - these are some of the downsides to owning this material. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your denim items. Before washing any denim fabric or item, be sure to carefully read the care instructions. The indigo dye used on most denim can easily transfer in the wash, so it is best to wash with similar colors or alone for the first wash. It is recommended to wash denim garments every 3 to 10 wears to maintain a perfect fit. This not only allows the denim to develop a unique and appealing wear pattern, but also helps conserve time, water, and energy. It is reasonable to wash your jeans about once a month. In between washes, you can air them out by hanging them outside and spot treat any stains if necessary. The production process of jeans has significant environmental impacts, especially in growing the cotton for denim fabric with its high demand for water and chemicals. Using the washing machine too frequently can also cause premature aging of jeans, so it's our responsibility to only wash them when necessary. Of course, certain situations may call for more frequent washing, such as if you have had stomach flu or foot fungal infections. If your denim has a small stain, don't immediately toss it in the washing machine. Save time and energy by spot-cleaning with a gentle detergent on a damp cloth. This will effectively remove minor stains and keep your denim in better condition between washes. Just be cautious when spot-cleaning raw or unfinished denim, as this could cause fading or discoloration. When washing your jeans, it's best to avoid using high temperatures, and ideally stick to a maximum of 30°C. However, if your jeans are particularly dirty, you may need to increase the temperature to 40°C for a more thorough clean and stain removal. Make sure the spin cycle for your denim is no higher than 800 RPM, and aim for a total washing time of 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish. To hand wash your denim, first turn it inside out. Next, fill a large container with lukewarm water and add a gentle liquid detergent. Gently agitate the water to help get rid of any stains or bacteria on the garment. Let your jeans soak for a maximum of 45 minutes before thoroughly rinsing them with clean water. Finally, hang them up to dry until completely dry. Avoid using dryers for your jeans! Instead, hang them up to dry. This method not only preserves the fit but also increases the lifespan of your denim by eliminating heat, friction, and the risk of shrinking. Plus, it's a great way to save energy since tumble dryers consume a lot of electricity. After washing, flatten and reshape your jeans before hanging them in a dark and shady spot to air dry. Remember to turn them inside out to prevent fading and soggy pockets. Remember to zip up and fasten all buttons on your denim. This not only helps the fabric maintain its shape but also prevents other items from getting caught in the laundry. And if your favourite denim piece happens to rip or tear, don't worry - we've got you covered! At BLANC, we strongly believe that clothes worth buying and wearing are worth repairing as well. That's why we offer a personalised tailoring and repair service. You can either use our online app to send in your items and instructions or visit one of our stores - repairing and reusing has never been easier! When washing your jeans, be sure to separate light-wash denim from darker colours. The fact that they are made of the same fabric does not guarantee that the colour won't bleed onto other items. For example, dark indigo dyes can transfer onto lighter fabrics during the wash, resulting in a change of colour. To prevent this, it's important to keep different colours separated when doing laundry. Cotton is the primary material used to make denim jeans, and it provides breathability. To keep your jeans fresh, it's best to hang them outside and allow them to air out after each wear. This will prevent any unpleasant odours from lingering or even remove them entirely. There’s a modern myth that extremely cold temperatures can effectively kill bacteria and eliminate odours from jeans. However, the bacteria are simply in a dormant state when frozen and will become active again once the jeans warm up, bringing the odour back with them. After you have completed the washing and drying process for your denim, it is important to store them carefully. Our suggestion is to hang them in your closet, folding them at the knee over a wooden hanger. Most of the wrinkles will naturally disappear after a short while of wearing, so there is no need for ironing! By following these tips, your cherished denim items will remain in pristine condition for years to come! Your understanding of proper care will ensure their longevity and make them a staple in your wardrobe for life.
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What to Wear with Denim Jeans
Putting on denim may seem effortless, but it's surprisingly easy to make a fashion faux pas with this fabric. While materials like corduroy and velvet may appear daunting, denim can ruin a man's style status. When it comes to wearing the most essential fabric, a lot is at stake. Each colour and wash requires a different approach. Men have their preferences when it comes to denim outfits, with various styles and sizes available. Denim has become a staple in fashion and beyond - from the workplace to fancy events. It's not uncommon to see jeans being worn in many different settings, from factories to celebrity appearances on the red carpet. Don't hesitate to splurge a little on a pair of jeans to find the perfect fit. The disparity between a store-brand pair and one from a well-known name brand can be surprising, especially when it comes to the quality of the denim. It's worth investing more to ensure a good fit and a stylish dark dye. Opting for cheap jeans will only cheapen your overall look. For those who want to make denim a staple in their wardrobe, look no further. Denim is known for its durability and comfort, making it a smart and practical choice. This brief guide will showcase some updated styles that will keep your jeans looking sharp Discover the Perfect Pairings: What to Wear with Denim Jeans Jeans and a T-Shirt Many fashion writers often use the phrase "jeans and a t-shirt" as a term for "sloppy dressing." However, this is not entirely fair. It is possible to achieve a stylish and classic look with just these two items, as long as you carefully choose your shirt and accessories. Opt for a solid-coloured, well-fitting t-shirt without any graphics or logos, pair it with a sturdy-looking belt, and complete the outfit with leather work shoes or boots. Once you start incorporating gym shoes or t-shirts with bold designs, the classic look is lost. It's important to keep a tight fit for the shirt, not allowing it to hang past your belt. To maintain the classic appeal, stick with a plain shirt and complement it with rugged accents. This combination can create a great look. Jeans and a Sweater There are many options for mixing up this style. V-necks paired with collared dress shirts create a sharp look, and cardigans layered over T-shirts add a touch of casualness. You can choose to tuck in the dress shirt or leave it untucked, and experiment with showing your sleeves past the sweater cuffs or hiding them underneath. Have fun playing around with different combinations until you find what suits you best. It's surprisingly easy to put together. With a well-fitted pair of jeans and a simple, solid-coloured sweater, you can add any kind of shirt underneath and have a complete outfit. Jeans and a Denim Jacket Many denim jackets feature a dynamic visual component, such as a textured weave or bold patterns. These jackets pair nicely with the simplicity of jeans. Simply layer one over a solid-coloured dress shirt and dark jeans for an eye-catching yet balanced look. Make sure the jacket fits well for a polished look. A bit of looseness and relaxedness is acceptable, as this is a more casual style, but it's still important to have a defined shape for your upper body. Jeans and a Shirt Ditch the t-shirt and opt for a more professional look by wearing a long- or short-sleeved shirt. Look for one with a comfortable, turndown collar and buttons down the front. This is a timeless outfit appropriate for both work and social events. However, be careful not to make rookie mistakes, such as wearing a blue shirt that matches your jeans too closely or any clothing items with company logos or name patches in cursive script. The aim is to appear rugged and slightly rebellious, not like a mechanic. Keep the shirt unbuttoned for the most carefree look possible. Jeans and a Dress Shirt Elevate your style without losing the timeless, classic look by wearing a pair of high-quality blue jeans with a neatly tucked-in dress shirt. A plain white, light gray or light blue shirt will work perfectly here, as well as white shirts with a subtle stripe or check patterns. To complete this look, it's important to have a stylish belt, perhaps one with a bold and eye-catching buckle, paired with durable leather shoes or boots. Jeans and a Blazer It can be tricky to pair solid-coloured blazers with jeans, but it's not impossible. The trick is to find a slim-fitting blazer and avoid the boxy, traditional country club style. Be cautious when considering blazers with brass buttons - some may work well with jeans, while others may not. Don't assume anything; try different options before deciding. Another consideration is the colour scheme - a classic dark navy blazer may end up blending in too closely with dark indigo jeans. This can give off the impression that you were attempting to coordinate your outfit but missed the mark. It's important to have a noticeable contrast between the two pieces, even from afar. Jeans and a Suit Jacket Feeling adventurous? Try mixing things up by adding a vintage suit jacket to your outfit of jeans and a bold belt. This style is all about creating an intentional clash, so don't hold back. Swap out the collared shirt for a T-shirt beneath the suit jacket, kick things up a notch with some bold-coloured sneakers, and top it off with a vibrant vinyl belt instead of plain leather. These small but impactful changes elevate the look into a fashion statement rather than an amateur mishap. Be careful with this style choice. Not all suit jackets will look good with jeans. But if you find a colour and cut that suit your taste, go ahead and experiment with the combination in the comfort of your own home. Make sure to check yourself in the mirror before wearing it out in public.
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