When in doubt, wear denim. A wardrobe classic, be it jeans, or jackets, or skirts or shirts, its a textile that keeps on giving.
Whether your preference is a wide-leg or high-waisted, black or mid-wash, denim clothing is arguably the most versatile wardrobe hero. Spanning decades and generations, everyone has at least one denim piece in their closet.
What is denim?
Denim is a fabric made from durable cotton or cotton-blend twill textile. It is an ever-popular choice for clothing projects, typically used to make jeans, jackets and overalls.
How is denim made?
To create the denim fabric, cotton fibres are harvested and spun into yarn. Horizontal weft threads pass under two or more vertical warp threads, forming the diagonal ribbing that distinguishes it from canvas or cotton duck. While mainly thought of as blue, denim can be made into any colour.
Despite becoming synonymous with American style, the fabric originated far from America. The earliest use of denim refers to a material commonly used in military uniforms in France in the 1850s. Named after its place of origin, Serge de Nimes, the fabric later evolved to ‘de nim’. Although, the denim fabric then was not the cotton denim we know today but a blend of silk and wool. Today’s all-cotton denim was first created in England and later perfected in American mills.
History of denim
Denim is most recognisable for the classic jeans we’ve come to know and love. Indigo-dyed denim with pockets and sturdy riveting, suitable for workwear, denim jeans were patented in 1873 by Jacob Davis, a tailor and owner of a wholesale fabric house now known as Levi's.
Jeans have been worn by cowboys, workmen and people from all walks of life. They were associated with rebellious, anti-establishment youth in the 1950s before rock’n’roll stars helped cement their cool. Hippies and anti-war protestors of the 1960s and 70s wore them to show support for the working class, while feminists and women’s lib organisers chose blue jeans as a way to demonstrate gender equity. Denim has long been a symbol of counterculture.
Now, the workhorse in our wardrobes, denim jeans, were first shown on the runway in 1976 by Calvin Klein.
Denim and the environment
Our love for jeans is universal, but denim has gained a bad reputation when it comes to its eco-footprint. It takes 10,000 litres of water to make a new pair of jeans – this is the same amount of water that one person drinks in 13 years. And if that wasn't an eye-opening statistic, just think that there are more pairs of jeans in the world than there are people. Taking unwanted denim and making it new again seems like a necessary task, albeit not an easy one.
Can denim be recycled?
In a bid to curb denim's environmental impact, many brands have sought sustainable alternatives. Made from cotton fibre, denim can be broken down to its natural form and recycled into something new.
The forward-thinking brand, E.L.V DENIM, transforms pre-loved jeans from discarded to must-haves. Offering jeans a new lease of life, renowned stylist Anna Foster established the brand to create a completely sustainable concept – from sourcing to production – that supports local businesses while delivering everything we look for in a great denim piece.
Autumn/Winter 2022 denim trends
Denim is the ultimate trans-seasonal style staple. Say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn with the fall's favourite denim trends.
Shopping for jeans just got a lot easier. That unforgiving, leg-hugging style has made way for a looser look. Low, loose and easy jeans exude an effortless, modern vibe.
From cargo pockets to carpenter details, there were iterations of utilitarian denim all over the runways—reminiscent of early aughts fashion.
You'll be happy to hear the classic straight-leg silhouette will continue to be popular into fall. It works on every body type and looks chic with heels and flats alike.
But if you're not into the low-rise silhouettes, then fear not. High-rise cuts are here to stay, especially in ultra-wide-leg styles.
If you love a head-to-toe denim look, then you're in luck. Referred to as a Canadian tuxedo, it often feels innately wrong fashion-wise. Yet this season, an increasing number of brands are pairing denim separates in sartorial harmony.
Brighten up that gloomy weather. Consider white denim a palate cleanser for a look that feels so fresh and so clean. The blank slate lends itself well for wearing statement coats and transitions well between seasons.
How to wear a denim jacket with jeans
Double denim has long been a divisive subject. Yet worn with consideration, it can be a cool and understated style statement that works for all seasons.
Avoid your double denim outfit turning to cowboy overkill, and keep the denim washes at least two shades apart.
Double denim doesn’t have to be all thick. Introduce new textures, like a chambray shirt under a denim jacket and pair with relaxed trousers, or a lighter jacket with raw denim jeans.
Denim do's & don'ts
Do play with colour. Before delving into head-to-toe shades of blue, ease into the look by pairing different shades of denim together. Try a white shirt and blue denim jeans, or black jeans with a chunky sweater.
Do use denim shades to flatter your body. Lighter shades of denim draw attention to the body parts they cover, while darker washes create a slimming effect.
Do get inspired by vintage trends. High-waisted denim in retro cuts is flattering and versatile. From skinny to straight-leg, there are plenty of rockability jeans with a high-rise fit.
Don’t wear the same shade from head to toe. A look in the same weight or wash is (almost always) a huge no-no. Your denim-on-denim outfit should appear as effortless as any other.
Don’t disobey the less is more rule. Keep it simple and avoid pairing over-the-top denim with over-the-top accessories.
How to care for denim?
Make sure to look at the care instructions before washing your denim pieces. Most indigo dye can transfer in the wash, so make sure to wash with similar colours or alone on the first wash.
Wash in cool water on a medium cycle and put in the dryer at medium heat. However, to extend the life of your denim item, hang to dry and only wash after several wears.
Whether your preference is a wide-leg or high-waisted, black or mid-wash, denim clothing is arguably the most versatile wardrobe hero. Spanning decades and generations, everyone has at least one denim piece in their closet.
What is denim?
Denim is a fabric made from durable cotton or cotton-blend twill textile. It is an ever-popular choice for clothing projects, typically used to make jeans, jackets and overalls.
How is denim made?
To create the denim fabric, cotton fibres are harvested and spun into yarn. Horizontal weft threads pass under two or more vertical warp threads, forming the diagonal ribbing that distinguishes it from canvas or cotton duck. While mainly thought of as blue, denim can be made into any colour.
Despite becoming synonymous with American style, the fabric originated far from America. The earliest use of denim refers to a material commonly used in military uniforms in France in the 1850s. Named after its place of origin, Serge de Nimes, the fabric later evolved to ‘de nim’. Although, the denim fabric then was not the cotton denim we know today but a blend of silk and wool. Today’s all-cotton denim was first created in England and later perfected in American mills.
History of denim
Denim is most recognisable for the classic jeans we’ve come to know and love. Indigo-dyed denim with pockets and sturdy riveting, suitable for workwear, denim jeans were patented in 1873 by Jacob Davis, a tailor and owner of a wholesale fabric house now known as Levi's.
Jeans have been worn by cowboys, workmen and people from all walks of life. They were associated with rebellious, anti-establishment youth in the 1950s before rock’n’roll stars helped cement their cool. Hippies and anti-war protestors of the 1960s and 70s wore them to show support for the working class, while feminists and women’s lib organisers chose blue jeans as a way to demonstrate gender equity. Denim has long been a symbol of counterculture.
Now, the workhorse in our wardrobes, denim jeans, were first shown on the runway in 1976 by Calvin Klein.
Denim and the environment
Our love for jeans is universal, but denim has gained a bad reputation when it comes to its eco-footprint. It takes 10,000 litres of water to make a new pair of jeans – this is the same amount of water that one person drinks in 13 years. And if that wasn't an eye-opening statistic, just think that there are more pairs of jeans in the world than there are people. Taking unwanted denim and making it new again seems like a necessary task, albeit not an easy one.
Can denim be recycled?
In a bid to curb denim's environmental impact, many brands have sought sustainable alternatives. Made from cotton fibre, denim can be broken down to its natural form and recycled into something new.
The forward-thinking brand, E.L.V DENIM, transforms pre-loved jeans from discarded to must-haves. Offering jeans a new lease of life, renowned stylist Anna Foster established the brand to create a completely sustainable concept – from sourcing to production – that supports local businesses while delivering everything we look for in a great denim piece.
Autumn/Winter 2022 denim trends
Denim is the ultimate trans-seasonal style staple. Say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn with the fall's favourite denim trends.
Shopping for jeans just got a lot easier. That unforgiving, leg-hugging style has made way for a looser look. Low, loose and easy jeans exude an effortless, modern vibe.
From cargo pockets to carpenter details, there were iterations of utilitarian denim all over the runways—reminiscent of early aughts fashion.
You'll be happy to hear the classic straight-leg silhouette will continue to be popular into fall. It works on every body type and looks chic with heels and flats alike.
But if you're not into the low-rise silhouettes, then fear not. High-rise cuts are here to stay, especially in ultra-wide-leg styles.
If you love a head-to-toe denim look, then you're in luck. Referred to as a Canadian tuxedo, it often feels innately wrong fashion-wise. Yet this season, an increasing number of brands are pairing denim separates in sartorial harmony.
Brighten up that gloomy weather. Consider white denim a palate cleanser for a look that feels so fresh and so clean. The blank slate lends itself well for wearing statement coats and transitions well between seasons.
How to wear a denim jacket with jeans
Double denim has long been a divisive subject. Yet worn with consideration, it can be a cool and understated style statement that works for all seasons.
Avoid your double denim outfit turning to cowboy overkill, and keep the denim washes at least two shades apart.
Double denim doesn’t have to be all thick. Introduce new textures, like a chambray shirt under a denim jacket and pair with relaxed trousers, or a lighter jacket with raw denim jeans.
Denim do's & don'ts
Do play with colour. Before delving into head-to-toe shades of blue, ease into the look by pairing different shades of denim together. Try a white shirt and blue denim jeans, or black jeans with a chunky sweater.
Do use denim shades to flatter your body. Lighter shades of denim draw attention to the body parts they cover, while darker washes create a slimming effect.
Do get inspired by vintage trends. High-waisted denim in retro cuts is flattering and versatile. From skinny to straight-leg, there are plenty of rockability jeans with a high-rise fit.
Don’t wear the same shade from head to toe. A look in the same weight or wash is (almost always) a huge no-no. Your denim-on-denim outfit should appear as effortless as any other.
Don’t disobey the less is more rule. Keep it simple and avoid pairing over-the-top denim with over-the-top accessories.
How to care for denim?
Make sure to look at the care instructions before washing your denim pieces. Most indigo dye can transfer in the wash, so make sure to wash with similar colours or alone on the first wash.
Wash in cool water on a medium cycle and put in the dryer at medium heat. However, to extend the life of your denim item, hang to dry and only wash after several wears.