Different Types of Denim Explained——Denim Weights

Understanding different denim weights

Exploring the different denim weights will help you pick the best fabric for your project. Typically, denim is available in three weights.

• Lightweight denim – up to 8ozs
• Midweight denim – between 8oz and 10oz
• Heavyweight denim – between 11oz and 20oz

Denim is measured in imperial units (ounces). The weight is determined by weighing a square yard of the material. Some fabric suppliers will also weigh denim fabrics in metric conversions – grams per square metre (gsm).

Lightweight denim is ideal for lighter garments and interior finishing’s. In contrast, heavyweight denim is thick and stiff and used for hardier applications. 

100% denim stretches over time so if you are looking for fitted garments, opting for stretchy denim is the best fabric. 

Denim Weight Conversion Tool

Steeped in its American roots, denim still wears it's identity on it's sleeve and is usually described by its imperical weight measured in oz. This can be confusing for some of us on this side of the Atlantic who are used to dealing with gsm. To help you get your head around the conversion, we've created this handy tool.