What does Selvage Mean in Jeans?
Selvedge jeans have been popular throughout history and have recently gained even more popularity as the desire to adopt more sustainable clothing choices has become more and more popular. If you’re new to the world of denim, you may be wondering what selvedge/selvage denim is and why you should consider it for your next purchase. The benefits are immeasurable, but the quality of this denim when compared to other cheaper methods is what truly sets it apart.
Selvage or Selvedge?
As we discuss denim and as you go about your own research, you may see the words “selvedge” and “selvage” used interchangeably. Similar to the words “color” and “colour”, these two words mean the same thing but come from different parts of the world. Selvedge is British English and selvage is American English. Many manufacturers use both words to appeal to both markets.
The History of Selvedge Denim
Selvedge denim was at one point the most popular, and perhaps the only suitable way to produce denim.
Before the 1950s, denim was most commonly produced using shuttle looms which produce tightly woven yet heavy fabric. The name selvedge comes from the edges of the fabric that the fabric sealed itself, known as a self-edge. This edge results in denim that does not fray or wear out easily, which in turn makes the jeans that are made from selvedge denim extremely long-lasting.
In the 1950s, more and more people started wearing jeans and thus the demand for denim increased. These traditional selvedge-producing shuttle looms could not keep up with the demands or the price point at which denim factories wanted to sell their jeans, as they were looking to mass-produce denim and sell it for extremely cheap prices. This resulted in the invention of projectile looms, which can make jeans quicker and cheaper but results in lower quality jeans.
Today, most jeans are produced using denim that was made on a projectile loom. This denim has overlocked edges that are typically unfinished which can lead to issues like unraveling or even fraying.
What is Selvage Denim?
Selvage denim is denim that is created using a shuttle loom. Selvedge rolls are narrow which reduces waste and they are high quality. Selvedge denim can be identified by the band woven inside the edges of the fabric, giving it an appearance of formality and preventing the edges from fraying.
This band is typically white and usually has some color of yarn in the middle. You can see the band while wearing jeans made out of selvage denim by cuffing them, therefore if you typically wear or produce jeans that are meant to be cuffed then selvedge denim is the best option for you as it results in a much cleaner look when cuffed or rolled up.
Selvedge denim is not mass-produced, thus every piece of it gets individualized attention and is in turn rare. The material that comes from shuttle looms is heavy-duty and can withhold much more wear than fast fashion jeans that are produced using projectile looms.
For example, our medium-weight denim is substantially more durable than mass-produced denim. It is built to create garments that last for years and that will allow companies to create a name for themselves while designing sustainable and long-lasting pieces of clothing.
Are Raw Denim and Selvedge Denim the Same Thing?
While you can purchase raw selvedge denim, raw denim is not the same thing as selvedge denim.
When someone refers to raw denim, they’re talking about denim that has not been prewashed before it reaches the consumer. As we discussed previously, selvedge denim refers to denim that has a self-edge that prevents fraying. Raw and selvedge are not interchangeable terms, but they are often seen and used together. A lot of selvedge denim is raw, as most of it is made using denim that has not been prewashed. You can however find selvedge denim that has been prewashed if that is what you desire. Raw denim can be selvedge or it can be standard and made from a projectile loom. Selvedge denim can only be made from a shuttle loom.
Why Should I Buy Selvedge Denim for my Business?
Selvedge denim is a worthwhile investment for any business that uses denim for its garments. It is a sustainable choice that results in pieces that last longer, look better, and produce customers that continue coming back. In a world of fast fashion, selvage denim is a way to combat waste and give your customers products that will last.
- Selvedge denim looks better over time
One of the biggest reasons that denim and jean enthusiasts love selvedge denim is because of the way it fades. As the denim ages, it continues to give off a great appearance and looks remarkable while other cheaper denim is unwearable once it starts to fade.
- It is softer than mass-produced denim
- Selvedge denim has more character
Many enthusiasts claim that selvedge denim has more character due to the way that it is produced and the highly individualized way that it is made.
Selvedge Denim Comes from Places that Care
While corporations mass produces standard denim to try to make quick money, companies like WingFly Textile are in the textile business because we care about denim. We are a wholesale manufacturing selvedge denim company and we care about the integrity of our products.
We have built a reputation for producing high-quality denim and we continue to produce products that exceed expectations. Our quality control, yarn quality, and design are all top-notch and with every roll, we can ensure a top-of-the-line product that will result in garments that exceed customer expectations and keep them returning for more.
When you go with mass-produced denim, you get cheaply made materials that are made to be worn for short periods of time. When you go with WingFly and purchase selvedge denim, you are making the decision to invest in your company and invest in the garments that you produce. This results in a smaller eco-footprint and happy customers all around.
Shop WingFly Textiles for Your Selvage Denim
At Wingfly, we have all the selvedge denim you could ever need. Each roll is crafted with your business in mind and our wholesale prices are some of the best available. Contact us today to see how we can meet the needs of your business and assist you in your endeavors.
