Selvedge Denim - Fabric by the Yard
Selvage denim (also selvedge denim) from Japan is no ordinary fabric – it's the result of a centuries-old craft. Woven on historic shuttle looms, it creates a fabric with a self-finished edge (selvage).
Whether you want to sew jeans, jackets, shirts, coats, dresses, or jackets, at selvage.de you will find your perfect denim, directly from Japan.
Everything you need to know about Selvage
Selvage denim (also selvedge denim) refers to a type of denim woven on old shuttle looms. Unlike modern wide looms, this process creates a cleanly finished edge – the so-called selvedge or selvage. This prevents the fabric from fraying and is the visible hallmark of authentic, artisan-made denim.
Japanese selvage denim is considered the global benchmark. Weaving mills such as Kuroki, Kaihara, and Nihon Menpu have not only preserved the tradition of American denim weaving but have also perfected it.
Selvage denim (also selvedge denim) refers to a type of denim woven on old shuttle looms. Unlike modern wide looms, this process creates a cleanly finished edge – the so-called selvedge or selvage. This prevents the fabric from fraying and is the visible hallmark of authentic, artisan-made denim.
Japanese selvage denim is considered the global benchmark. Weaving mills such as Kuroki, Kaihara, and Nihon Menpu have not only preserved the tradition of American denim weaving but have also perfected it.
The grammage of denim is indicated in ounces per square yard (oz):
- 8–10 oz – Light summer denim, ideal for shirts, jackets, or light trousers
- 11–13 oz – The classic for jeans – robust, but still easy to sew
- 14–16 oz – Heavy denim for particularly durable jeans with pronounced fading
- 17–21 oz – Extreme heavy denim, originally developed for workwear
For your first self-sewn jeans, we recommend 12–13 oz as an ideal starting point.
The grammage of denim is indicated in ounces per square yard (oz):
- 8–10 oz – Light summer denim, ideal for shirts, jackets, or light trousers
- 11–13 oz – The classic for jeans – robust, but still easy to sew
- 14–16 oz – Heavy denim for particularly durable jeans with pronounced fading
- 17–21 oz – Extreme heavy denim, originally developed for workwear
For your first self-sewn jeans, we recommend 12–13 oz as an ideal starting point.
For a classic 5-pocket pair of jeans, you typically need 2.5 meters of selvage denim with a fabric width of approx. 79-88 cm. For denim jackets (Type 1/2/3), you should plan for about 3.5 m.
For an exact estimation, we recommend our partner at smartpattern.de, who will develop your individual pattern. With the developed patterns, consumption can be estimated very easily.
For a classic 5-pocket pair of jeans, you typically need 2.5 meters of selvage denim with a fabric width of approx. 79-88 cm. For denim jackets (Type 1/2/3), you should plan for about 3.5 m.
For an exact estimation, we recommend our partner at smartpattern.de, who will develop your individual pattern. With the developed patterns, consumption can be estimated very easily.
Raw Denim (also known as Dry Denim) is unwashed and untreated. This allows it to individually mold to the body and develop unique fades over time as the indigo washes out.
Sanforized Denim has undergone a mechanical shrinking treatment and will hardly shrink further. It shrinks in length by 1–2.5% and in width by 0.5-1% during the first wash, depending on the quality.
Most of our by-the-meter fabric is sanforized denim. If "unsanforized denim" is offered, it will be explicitly indicated – with a warning about the high shrinkage values.
Raw Denim (also known as Dry Denim) is unwashed and untreated. This allows it to individually mold to the body and develop unique fades over time as the indigo washes out.
Sanforized Denim has undergone a mechanical shrinking treatment and will hardly shrink further. It shrinks in length by 1–2.5% and in width by 0.5-1% during the first wash, depending on the quality.
Most of our by-the-meter fabric is sanforized denim. If "unsanforized denim" is offered, it will be explicitly indicated – with a warning about the high shrinkage values.
- Wash as infrequently as possible – denim is partly self-cleaning
- Wash cold (30°C), turn jeans inside out
- Never tumble dry – always hang to dry
- Wear your jeans for as long as possible before the first wash - the fading will be more beautiful
- Wash as infrequently as possible – denim is partly self-cleaning
- Wash cold (30°C), turn jeans inside out
- Never tumble dry – always hang to dry
- Wear your jeans for as long as possible before the first wash - the fading will be more beautiful
Yes. We source our fabrics directly from Japan and can name the mill for each twill. Selvedge denim from Japan is clearly distinguishable from cheaper imitations from mass production by its manufacturing process and the materials used. If you are unsure or looking for a specific mill – just ask us.
Yes. We source our fabrics directly from Japan and can name the mill for each twill. Selvedge denim from Japan is clearly distinguishable from cheaper imitations from mass production by its manufacturing process and the materials used. If you are unsure or looking for a specific mill – just ask us.
