What is Selvedge Denim? What You Need to Know
Selvedge might be the best option if you want to spend money on a good pair of jeans. Learn more about this top-notch fabric by reading on.
Attention, denim heads. Denim has been a widely used fabric for centuries, and this popularity doesn’t appear to be waning. Selvedge denim is considered the benchmark for jeans by denim connoisseurs.
Selvedge denim is a term used to describe self-edged or self-finished fabric edges. Selvedge denim jeans incorporate self-edge into the construction of the garment, particularly along the outseam.
Read this blog and you can learn more about selvedge denim.
What is Selvedge Denim?
Prior to the 1950s, denim was produced on shuttle looms, which use a shuttle to move yarns back and forth between the two sides of the loom to create densely woven, heavy fabric strips. Denim that has a selvedge or self-edge is made when the edges of these fabric strips tightly weave together to seal themselves.
Denim manufacturers started utilizing denim produced on projectile looms in the 1950s as the demand for jeans rose. Most of today’s denim jeans are produced on projectile looms because they produce more fabric for less money than shuttle looms.
Selvedge denim jeans prevent fraying and unravelling, whereas projectile looms produce denim with unfinished or overlocked edges, making the fabric more prone to tearing.
How Selvedge Denim is Made?
Denim can be woven either way, using or without a shuttle. Weaving with a shuttle is the old-school way.
The weft is threaded through the warp shed by the shuttle, which is crucial. The fabric’s edges are self-finished because the weft is continuously passed back and forth; this is how the term “selvedge” came to be used.’ This densely woven, robust edge can be incorporated into the garment without further processing.
An obstruction in the flow of production is caused by the relatively time-consuming process of hurling a shuttle back and forth. Therefore, denim manufacturers use shuttleless weaving machines to weave faster (and less expensively).
Projectile looms are used the most frequently for shuttleless weaving. Instead of using a shuttle, the weft is transported across the shed by a small metal object that resembles a bullet (hence the name).
Weft insertion is the process that results in frayed edges on both sides of the fabric, which must be cut off before the fabric can be used to make a pair of jeans.
Why is Selvedge Denim More Expensive?
Shuttleless looms usually weave at least four times faster than shuttle looms. Furthermore, due to the widening of the weaving frame, the output is up to ten times greater.
In other words, when it’s not selvedge, you can produce 10 times as much denim per hour, which obviously has an impact on the cost.
Another significant cost factor is the age of all shuttle looms, which means they require a lot of upkeep to continue weaving.
What Makes Selvedge Denim Special?
Having a crisp edge on both sides of the fabric distinguishes selvedge denim from other types of denim. The fabric’s self-finished, unravel-resistant edge is referred to as the selvedge. Because of its strength and individuality, selvedge denim is frequently thought to be of higher quality than non-selvedge denim.
Selvedge denim requires more labour during the manufacturing process, which helps explain why it sometimes costs more. Because of its timeless appearance and feel, denim enthusiasts frequently favour it.
Additionally, because the fabric is less likely to stretch out over time than non-selvedge denim, it is generally thought to be more durable.
How Do I Know If My Jeans Are Selvedge?
The seams inside the jean can be seen by turning up the cuff. Regarding the outside of the leg, pay attention to the seam. Selvedge is present if the edges appear finished and the yarns of the self-edge contrast with the fabric.
Selvedge is not present if the edges resemble cut fabric or if it appears that thread was used to cover the edges during sewing in order to prevent the denim from unravelling.
What’s the Difference Between Raw and Selvedge Denim?
Raw denim has not undergone any chemical or dye processing, nor has it been washed. Because it hasn’t been treated, raw denim often feels stiffer and more rigid than other types of pre-treated denim to start off
On shuttle looms, selvedge denim is another variety of denim that is produced. In order to keep the fabric from fraying or unravelling, the finished edges are frequently tightly woven and feature various coloured threads.
Although raw and selvedge denim can both be used to make jeans, selvedge denim is frequently regarded as being of higher quality.
What to Wear Selvedge Denim?
Because of its distinctive appearance and enduring quality, selvedge denim is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Selvedge denim can be styled in a plethora of ways. However, there are a few essential pieces that everyone ought to think about including in their wardrobe.
Wearing your selvedge jeans with a casual shirt or sweater is one option. A casual appearance is produced as a result, which is ideal for weekend attire. The selvedge line looks best when displayed with a traditional white t-shirt or button-down shirt, and a blazer adds a touch of class.
Is Selvedge Denim Worth It?
Selvedge jeans are pricey. Selvedge jeans typically cost between $300 and $500 at retail, but there are some options with prices as low as $150 to $200.
So why spend more money on a pair of selvedge jeans when there are so many pairs available for $50 or less thanks to the emergence of fast fashion? Selvedge denim’s price reflects the time and attention that go into making the fabric, as well as the durability of the resulting garment, so the adage “you get what you pay for” can sometimes be true.
Conclusion: Selvedge Denim
Selvedge, also called “selvage,” is made on a shuttle loom, creating a narrower fabric with a tighter weave. The end result is heavier, more robust denim with a distinct ridged edge.
Selvedge denim is woven in a traditional manner, typically on more aged machines. The historical authenticity of selvedge denim is valued by those who care about it. Selvedge denim is your best option if you want to upgrade your wardrobe with some high-quality pieces. Therefore, why are you still waiting? Start shopping!
FAQs
Is Selvedge Denim Actually Better?
Denimheads and industry people all agree that selvedge denim fades ‘better’ than non-selvedge denim. The tension on the yarn is reduced by the shuttle looms’ slower speed. Additionally, shuttle looms are known to tolerate more yarn slubs, which gives denim its unique style. The denim produced on shuttle looms is also inherently softer.
What is the Advantage of Selvedge?
The selvedge advantage is that you’re getting the highest quality cotton, because the actual weaving of the denim, on a shuttle loom is intense and strong, breaking down slower than the weaker yarn used in “Fast Fashion”.
Why is Japanese Selvedge So Expensive?
Mostly, it’s how it was made. Producing selvedge denim is more costly since it can only be woven at a width of 31″, about half the width of non-selvedge denim, and is woven on old looms requiring more skill and adeptness.
