Different Types of Denim Explained——Types of denim

Check out our short guide of the different denim fabrics, what kind of weights exists for denim materials, and denim colours you can choose from.

Types of denim

All denim is made from cotton fibres using a twill weave. This fabrication creates the diagonal ribbing that is iconic to denim material. While denim is ultimately the same in appearance, there are some types of denim that have slight variations.

Explore the types of denim fabric below:

100% cotton denim

Regular denim fabric is made from 100% cotton. This is the original denim material and is robust and versatile.

Raw denim

Raw or unwashed denim is a fabric that is not washed after the dying process. It is stiff to the touch.

Washed denim

In contrast to raw denim, washed denim is washed after the dying process to avoid shrinkage and colour bleed. Most denim fabrics are sold as washed.

Stretch denim

Stretch Denim Fabric is a material that has been blended with synthetic materials such as elastane and lycra to give a slight stretch but fitted shape.

Bull denim fabric

This denim fabric has a 3*a twill construction, making it strong and durable. Bull denim is often used for upholstery.

Coloured denim

Denim fabric is available in many colours. Blue denim is made using indigo dying, while other shades such as black, pink, grey and green are created using sulphur dying processes.

Acid wash denim fabric

Acid wash denim is created using bleaching techniques to fade the dye more aggressively.

Chambre fabrics

Technically, chambre fabrics are not the same as denim. However, they are similar in appearance and are often mistaken for lightweight denim. The difference between chambre and denim is the construction of the material. Chambre fabric is made with a plain weave, and denim is created using a twill weave, which has a rougher texture.