If you've ever been shopping for jeans and wondered why some pairs cost significantly more than others, you may have been looking at selvedge denim without even realizing it.
WHAT IS SELVEDGE DENIM?
Selvedge denim is woven on traditional shuttle looms, which produce a denser and more durable fabric. This weaving process creates tightly finished edges, known as "self-edges" (or selvedge), that help prevent the fabric from fraying.
Shuttle looms are still used by many American and Japanese mills, where craftsmanship and quality are prioritized over speed. In contrast, most modern denim is produced on newer, high-speed looms that can manufacture fabric much more quickly.
Many consumers say the higher price point of selvedge denim is worth it because the jeans are more durable and will last for years if taken care of properly. While the jeans will still fade and stretch, they age more uniquely and won’t break down and fray.
HOW CAN YOU TELL SOMETHING IS SELVEDGE DENIM?
If you’re out shopping for a new pair of jeans, one way to tell if something is selvedge denim is to roll the cuff of the pants and look for a stripe of colored (usually red) stitching along the seam. Secondhand shopping is one of the best ways to find selvedge denim, so that you can get all of the quality and craftsmanship without breaking the bank!