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You might have seen many people using the two words ‘denim’ and ‘jeans’ interchangeably, even though it’s not accurate. Numerous fashion freaks or even professionals misunderstand the concept and aren’t able to differentiate between them.
Denim serves as the foundational material from which jeans are designed and manufactured, but it extends beyond just pants. Certainly, there’s a lot more to learn about them.
In this article, we’re going to understand the basic concept and explore the major differences between these two terms. If you’re someone looking for a simple yet comprehensive explanation of denim and jeans, this article will do the work for you.
So, no more ado, let’s solve this mystery together.
What Is Denim?
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Denim is a tough cotton fabric made with a special weaving method called twill weave, giving it a cool diagonal pattern. It originated in France in the 17th century and has since become super popular worldwide.
The fabric is made by weaving threads together, with some going over and others under pattern. You'll notice this diagonal pattern when you look closely at this fabric.
Unlike other sturdy fabrics like canvas, denim has a unique look because of these lines. Most denim comes in a classic blue color as a result of an indigo dye. But you can find it in other colors too, like black or white.
To improve the strength and elasticity of denim, fabric manufacturers often mix cotton with other stuff like polyester and elastane.
What Is Jeans?
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Jeans are super versatile clothes that anyone can wear anywhere. Teens and youngsters, especially, love them and have lots of pairs for every occasion. Due to their ability to be styled with different apparel and their comfort, jeans have great popularity. Considering the opinion of expert cut and sew manufacturers, jeans come in lots of colors but blue is the classic one.
People wear jeans for casual occasions because they're comfy and look fashionable at the same time. Generally, clothing manufacturers make jeans with denim in tons of different styles, like regular, skinny, or slim fit.
You might also have encountered that some jeans are very stretchable and soft, meanwhile, some of them are quite tough. Have you ever wondered the reason behind that?
Well, the reason is some jeans are made with dry denim fabric, which is tougher, while others are made with damp denim, which is softer. The second category is mostly preferred by guys because tough jeans last longer and don't get dirty as easily.
In a nutshell, the primary distinction between denim and jeans is, that ‘denim’ is a fabric or material. On the other hand, jeans are one of the clothing items made from denim. There are many other clothing items that clothing manufacturers craft from denim such as skirts, jackets, bags, and more.
Key Differences: Denim vs Jeans
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At this point, we’re assuming that you’ve got the basics about denim and jeans. It’s time to dig further and explore more about both of them.
Material Composition
Denim fabric is made from 100% cotton — a natural resource — woven in a twill pattern. Sometimes manufacturers alter the composition of denim by adding some synthetic materials to it. It strengthens the fabric and makes it more elastic. The denim fabric is then further used to make jeans.
Weight
Denim is a heavy raw material compared to the lightweight jeans it is used to make. Jeans are typically designed to be lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear. However, the weight of jeans can vary depending on the style and fabrication. Thicker jeans, made from dry denim, can be heavier and are often preferred for colder weather.
Color Variety
When you look at the back of denim fabric, you'll see white threads, while on the front, you'll notice blue threads. This combination of colors is what makes denim distinct. However, when it comes to jeans, they can be dyed in various colors and shades, offering a wide range of options beyond the traditional blue shade.
Durability
Denim, being made of 100% cotton twill, is inherently durable. Its sturdy fabric construction makes it resilient. Jeans, on the other hand, are also designed for durability, but the way they are processed can affect their longevity. Overall, denim tends to be more durable than jeans due to its fabric composition and construction.
To Summarize
All denim isn’t jeans, however, all jeans are denim. Denim is a sturdy, stylish, and comfortable fabric used to make fashionable and long-lasting pieces of clothing including jeans. Denim is purely made from cotton, sometimes mixed with synthetic fibres to achieve a certain goal.
Denim, as a fabric, and jeans, as a garment, each possess distinct characteristics and designs tailored to cater to various preferences and requirements of the consumers.
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