All About Denim: The Fabric That is Always Stylish

I open my closet door.  I wait a moment – hoping something new and amazing will pop out at me.  Like a clothes fairy suddenly filled my closet with tons of new, amazing outfits so I never have to worry about what to wear.

And then as I open the door all the way, I realize my clothes fairy is just a fantasy.  That my closet is still filled with the same things I see every day.  BORING!

But your same clothes don’t have to be boring.  If you are anything like me, you probably have a lot of denim in your closet.  That’s not a bad thing.  There’s a reason we all have a love affair with denim.

Denim. It’s timeless, tough, and always in trend. From rugged workwear to high-fashion runways, denim has a way of reinventing itself while staying true to its roots. Whether you're slipping into your favorite pair of jeans or throwing on a classic jacket, chances are, denim plays a key role in your wardrobe.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of denim — where it came from, how it evolved, and why it continues to be a staple in closets around the globe.

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A Quick History Lesson About Denim

Denim’s story starts in the 17th century in Europe. The fabric we now know as denim originated from a sturdy cotton cloth called “serge de Nîmes” (literally: “serge from Nîmes”), made in the French town of Nîmes. Over time, the name evolved into "denim."

But it was in the 1800s, thanks to Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis, that denim became iconic. Originally designed for miners and laborers, denim jeans were built for durability — reinforced with rivets at stress points. Little did they know, they were creating a cultural phenomenon.

What Makes Denim… Denim?

Denim is a type of woven cotton twill fabric, where the weft passes under two or more warp threads. This weaving technique gives it the distinctive diagonal ribbing and makes it super strong.

Traditional denim is dyed with indigo — which gives it that rich blue color that fades so beautifully over time. That fading is actually one of the most beloved characteristics of denim; no two pairs of worn-in jeans look the same.

Levi Strauss Signature Gold Women's Curvy Totally Shaping Straight Jeans

Women's Wide Leg Jeans High Waisted

Levi Strauss Signature Gold Women's Modern Bootcut Jeans

The Many Faces of Denim

Denim has evolved way beyond the basic blue jean. Today, it's everywhere, with styles for everyone..

• Skinny, straight, wide-leg, and bootcut jeans

• Denim jackets and shirts

• Dresses, skirts, and jumpsuits

• Bags, shoes, and even hats

Wrangler Denim Jacket

Summer Bucket Hat - Trendy Cotton Sun Hat for Beach, Golf, Fishing, Vacation

Vintage Denim Dress

It also comes in endless washes and finishes — from raw and unwashed, to distressed, acid-washed, or bleached.

And let’s not forget colored denim, white denim, and the ever-trendy black jeans that go with everything.

Denim vs. Chambray: What’s the Difference?

Denim often gets mistaken for chambray, especially when you see both in shirts and light blue hues — but they’re not the same. Here's how they stack up:

Denim Button Down Shirt with Pockets Chambray Cotton Button Up Tunic

• Denim: Twill weave (diagonal pattern), adds strength and texture

• Chambray: Plain weave (simple criss-cross), gives a smooth finish

• Denim is thicker, stiffer, and structured

• Chambray is soft, lightweight, and breathable

• Denim often has a faded, rugged look with more texture

• Chambray is flatter in color, smoother, and looks more like polished cotton

• Denim: Jeans, jackets, and outerwear

• Chambray: Shirts, dresses, and warm-weather pieces

• Chambray wins for softness and breathability

• Denim is more durable and structured over time

Bottom line? Denim is your go-to for strength and style, while chambray is perfect for comfort and ease. Both are stylish, both are versatile — just pick what suits the vibe.

Raw vs. Washed Denim

For denim purists, there’s a big difference between raw (or dry) denim and washed denim.

• Raw denim hasn't been pre-washed, so it’s stiff and dark at first. Over time, it fades and molds uniquely to your body. It's a favorite among denim enthusiasts.

• Washed denim is treated to soften it and create a pre-worn look. It’s more comfortable off the rack and comes in a variety of finishes.

Both have their own appeal — it just depends on your vibe.

Sustainable Denim: The New Blue

Denim is awesome, but traditional denim production isn't exactly eco-friendly. It uses a lot of water, energy, and chemicals — especially in dyeing and distressing.

Thankfully, many brands are now turning toward sustainable denim:

• Using organic or recycled cotton

• Implementing water-saving dyeing techniques

• Adopting laser and ozone technologies instead of chemical washes

• Creating denim that’s biodegradable or recyclable

When shopping for jeans, keep an eye out for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or BCI (Better Cotton Initiative).

Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Denim Always Stylish

Here’s the thing — denim goes with everything. But if you’re looking to switch up your style:

• Double up: Denim on denim (a.k.a. the Canadian tuxedo) works when you vary the shades.

• Add edge: Ripped jeans and a leather jacket? Yes, please.

• Keep it classic: A white tee, blue jeans, and sneakers is a look that never fails.

• Go bold: Try a denim jumpsuit or overalls for a statement-making outfit.

Final Thoughts

Denim is more than just fabric — it’s culture, comfort, and confidence woven into every thread. It has weathered trends, evolved with generations, and stayed effortlessly cool through it all.

So whether you’re rocking vintage Levi’s, breaking in some raw denim, or layering up with a patchwork jacket, wear it your way. Because denim is, and always will be, for everybody.

What’s your favorite way to wear denim? Let me know in the comments — or tag me in your denim fits! #DenimDays