Twill - The Indestructible Classic for Every Sewing Project
Twill (or twill weave) is the backbone of the fashion world. It's instantly recognizable by its distinctive, diagonal lines – the so-called twill line. But not all twill is created equal. While most people immediately think of heavy denim when it comes to this weave, at SELVAGE, we redefine twill: as the perfect choice for light to medium-weight clothing that impresses with its suppleness and durability.
Our twill collection was specially developed for tailors who value precision. What makes it special? Our fabrics are reactively dyed. What does that mean for you? The colors remain colorfast. No bleeding when washed, no transfer to light upholstery, but brilliant color depth from day one to day one hundred.
Everything you should know about twill
Twill is one of the three basic weaves. You can recognize it by the characteristic diagonal lines on the fabric surface. This structure not only makes the fabric visually interesting but also technically superior: twill is inherently more durable and less prone to wrinkling than plain weave.
Twill is one of the three basic weaves. You can recognize it by the characteristic diagonal lines on the fabric surface. This structure not only makes the fabric visually interesting but also technically superior: twill is inherently more durable and less prone to wrinkling than plain weave.
From a purely technical perspective, denim is the most famous member of the twill family. However, at SELVAGE, since we sell both heavy, authentic Japanese denim fabrics and light to medium-weight, classic twill fabrics, we have made a clear distinction in our shop to make your selection easier:
- Our Denim Range: Here you'll find the classic, characterful fabrics - mostly heavier, often indigo-dyed, and designed to develop a unique patina (fading) over time.
- Our Twill Range: When we refer to twill on this page, we mean our traditionally lighter to medium-weight qualities. These fabrics are the ideal, finer alternative to heavy denim. They drape softer, flow more beautifully, and are perfect for projects such as chinos, dresses, elegant transitional jackets, or high-quality shirts.
In short: While our denim stands for rugged edginess, our twill range offers colorfast, supple elegance for versatile tailoring.
From a purely technical perspective, denim is the most famous member of the twill family. However, at SELVAGE, since we sell both heavy, authentic Japanese denim fabrics and light to medium-weight, classic twill fabrics, we have made a clear distinction in our shop to make your selection easier:
- Our Denim Range: Here you'll find the classic, characterful fabrics - mostly heavier, often indigo-dyed, and designed to develop a unique patina (fading) over time.
- Our Twill Range: When we refer to twill on this page, we mean our traditionally lighter to medium-weight qualities. These fabrics are the ideal, finer alternative to heavy denim. They drape softer, flow more beautifully, and are perfect for projects such as chinos, dresses, elegant transitional jackets, or high-quality shirts.
In short: While our denim stands for rugged edginess, our twill range offers colorfast, supple elegance for versatile tailoring.
Unlike conventional dyeing processes, our dyes form a permanent chemical bond with the cotton fiber. The result: Our twills do not bleed. You don't have to worry about the color fading or transferring to other garments during washing. The color intensity remains stable and rich for years.
Unlike conventional dyeing processes, our dyes form a permanent chemical bond with the cotton fiber. The result: Our twills do not bleed. You don't have to worry about the color fading or transferring to other garments during washing. The color intensity remains stable and rich for years.
Their medium weight and soft hand make them ideal for:
Trousers & Chinos: Robust enough for everyday wear, yet elegant in drape.
Workwear Style: Very light jackets or utility-look shirts.
Accessories: High-quality linings for jeans and jackets or durable bags.
Their medium weight and soft hand make them ideal for:
Trousers & Chinos: Robust enough for everyday wear, yet elegant in drape.
Workwear Style: Very light jackets or utility-look shirts.
Accessories: High-quality linings for jeans and jackets or durable bags.
Based on a fabric width of 1.50 m, you can calculate the following lengths;
- for shirts approx. 2m
- for pocket lining in jeans approx. 0.5m
- for inner lining in a jacket approx. 1.5 - 2.5m
Based on a fabric width of 1.50 m, you can calculate the following lengths;
- for shirts approx. 2m
- for pocket lining in jeans approx. 0.5m
- for inner lining in a jacket approx. 1.5 - 2.5m
Twill is a favorite among tailors because it is extremely "obedient." It irons beautifully, retains its shape, and frays less when finished than loosely woven fabrics. Due to its diagonal weave, it also has a natural, minimal elasticity (even without elastane), which significantly increases wearing comfort.
Twill is a favorite among tailors because it is extremely "obedient." It irons beautifully, retains its shape, and frays less when finished than loosely woven fabrics. Due to its diagonal weave, it also has a natural, minimal elasticity (even without elastane), which significantly increases wearing comfort.
Most of our twills are made from 100% cotton and are woven in Japan.
Most of our twills are made from 100% cotton and are woven in Japan.