Denim has a diagonal texture, which differentiates it from other fabrics, and which varies according to the density of the threads with which the fabric is made, it is formed by warp threads (which are the ones that run along the fabric , parallel to the selvedge vertically), indigo blue, different shades of blue, gray or other colors, the weft threads, which run across the width of the fabric, crosswise or horizontally, are white or off-white .
The colors of this fabric initially varied from blue, brown or green; blue did not resemble the one used today.
General characteristics of textile denim
- It has a very rigid touch before finishing it, so you should always carry out a laundry process.
- The usual fiber content is 100% cotton, but currently there are different blends such as cotton – spandex, cotton – linen or hemp, or 100% linen or hemp.
- It is a very strong and durable fabric, which almost does not produce wrinkles and needs little ironing.
- Being mainly made of cotton fibers, it tends to fade with each wash.
- It is measured by weight. LA ONZA, is the way in which the weights of Jeansweard fabrics are expressed worldwide.
- Denim weight can vary between 4 Oz and 16 Oz, which is determined by the warp and weft density.
The different types of Denim are divided into:
- Lightweight: 4 to 8 Oz.
- Medium: 8 to 12 Oz.
- Heavy: 12 to 16 Oz.
- Denim Spandex: Composition 97% cotton / 3% Spandex.
- 100% cotton denim.
- Denim Long Ring Spandex: Composition 80% cotton / 18% polyester / 2% Spandex.
- Short Ring 1005 cotton denim.
The Word Ring with respect to Denim refers to an ancient technique used to manufacture denim, which has been implemented again today to produce aged fabrics.
In the world of Denim there are a large number of different ways to embellish a garment, with an endless number of finishes ranging from washing, wear and different techniques that offer great possibilities to the fabric.
Some of the most used techniques to process Denim are:
- Stonewashed or stonewhasing: Denim-made jeans are introduced in industrial washing machines along with pumice pebbles, so that the color is lost by abrasion, since with movement the fabric is worn away to give a heterogeneous finish. This process is currently little used, as others have emerged that produce the same finish more efficiently.
- Sanding: This procedure can be done in two ways. Rub the Denim pants lightly with a fine sandpaper on the area, until you achieve the desired effect; This wear can also be done with an industrial sandblast polishing machine, or with power tools, in areas such as knees or rear, to give more light to the garment.
- Brushing or blow drying: It is another Denim abrasion technique, where wire brushes are used that rotate at high speed, to give a vintage touch to the jeans.
- Laser: This burns the top layer of the Denim engraving on it, the desired shape or effect, quickly and efficiently.
There are different types of techniques to process this type of garment, in which extreme wear can be carried out in which it is usually scraped and / or cut with blades and sharp tools to make a kind of break. New techniques have also emerged today to perform smoother and more novel effects and processes.
These techniques are the most basic, but it should be noted that they can be combined with others, to personalize any garment made in Denim.
How to care for Denim.
When you have a garment of this material, it is important to keep in mind that it must be washed separately, because it fades and can stain or dye other types of garments and a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius.
This type of fabric is preferred for active fashion lovers, since it is timeless, allows all kinds of combinations and can be used at any age.
At C.I EL GLOBO S.A.S Medellín, we use the best equipment to carry out all the laundry, dyeing and finishing processes for Denim, in our sample production plant with systematic control and in charge of experts in the field.