What is Selvedge?

Selvedge (UK) or selvage (US) refers to a narrow, tightly woven band on the edges of denim fabric. The fabric can only be made this way using an old school shuttle loom. A selvedge runs parallel to the warp, with one single thread of weft that doubles back and is woven around the warp ends. Think of it like a natural edge finish; without a selvedge, the threads are loose at all four edges, which can fray or become unravelled with wear.