Jeans aren’t the garment made of denim; jackets are also made of this sturdy, durable cotton-based textile.
Denim jackets offer the perfect blend of comfort, protection, durability and style. Denim has been around for more than a century, with some of the earliest reported uses dating back to the mid-to-late 1800s, during which an American tailor named Jacob Davis created a pair of pants using the material. In the following decades, denim was primarily used to make jeans and trousers. Even today, most of the world’s denim is used for this same purpose. However, companies have since used denim to make other garments and accessories, including jackets.
Benefits of Denim Jackets
Why should you should choose a denim jacket instead of outerwear made of other materials? For starters, it’s both strong and comfortable — a combination that’s not found in many other materials. By itself, cotton isn’t particularly strong, nor is it durable. When it’s processed to create denim, however, it becomes significantly stronger while still maintaining a soft and supple texture. Furthermore, denim jackets are stylish, with some of the world’s biggest celebrities sporting them. Of course, it’s important to choose the right type of denim jacket, which is something we’re going to discuss in this blog post.
Raw vs Washed Denim
When choosing a denim jacket, consider whether it’s made of raw or washed denim. Raw denim, also known as dry denim, refers to denim that has not been washed. Normally, denim is dyed and then washed. Raw denim, however, skips this process. It’s still dyed, but the manufacturer doesn’t wash it before selling it. This doesn’t affect the quality of the denim, but it will affect its susceptibility to fading. Washing denim during its production allows it to fade somewhat, which is actually a good thing as it’s less likely to fade in following washes. Raw denim, on the other hand, lacks the protection, making it more likely to fade when washed.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should avoid buying or wearing jackets made of raw denim. On the contrary, some people actually prefer the faded look of raw denim after it has been washed. Nonetheless, this is something that consumers need to be aware of when shopping for any denim garment, including jackets.
What About Selvedge Denim?
You may notice that some denim jackets are made with a special type of denim known as selvedge. Selvedge denim is a type of denim that’s made from the loom by using a single cross-yard that’s passed through the vertical warp beams. It’s typically woven or knit, reducing the risk of problems like frayed or raveled fabric.
Technical jargon aside, selvedge denim is a premium, higher-quality type of denim. It feels sturdier and stronger than traditional denim, which is particularly beneficial for jackets and other forms of outerwear. A jacket made of selvedge denim will withstand greater force than a traditional denim jacket. The only real downside to selvedge denim is the cost. Because it’s more difficult and time-consuming to produce, selvedge denim jackets typically cost more than regular denim jackets. However, most people will agree that’s worth the investment if you’re looking to buy a new jacket.
The Color
It’s also a good idea to consider the color when choosing a denim jacket. Choosing the wrong color will limit the outfits you can wear it with. If you have a bright purple denim jacket, for instance, you’ll have to choose other garments that match it — and not many colors or styles match with purple. Popular colors in which denim jackets are made include light blue, indigo blue and black. Of those three, light blue and indigo blue are the two most versatile. You can wear them with just about any outfit, regardless of colors. A black denim jacket is another popular choice, though you can’t easily wear it with brown in your outfit (brown and black don’t match).
Zipper or Buttons?
While there are always exceptions to this rule, most denim jackets feature buttons or a zipper. So, which style should you choose? Honestly, both styles are perfectly acceptable, and it’s really just a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the look of jackets with a zipper, while others prefer jackets with buttons. Keep in mind, however, that a zipper offers greater security and protection from the elements. If you plan on wearing your new denim jacket during the winter for warmth, you may want to choose one with a zipper for this reason. But if you plan on wearing it during the spring or summer, you can choose a jacket with either a zipper or buttons.
The Size
When shopping for any new jacket or outerwear, consider the size and whether or not it fits. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending your hard-earned money on a new jacket, only to realize that it’s either too big or too small. To avoid problems such as this, make sure it fits before ordering. Assuming you order your denim jacket from the denim experts here at MakeYourOwnJeans, you can specify your body measurements during checkout, which we’ll use to create the perfect fit. This eliminates the burden of trying to find the right size. As long as you provide your correct body measurements, you’ll receive the perfect denim jacket that’s customized to fit your body.
Pockets
Additionally, you should check to see whether or not the denim jacket has pockets, and if so, where those pockets are located. Some denim jackets are completely pocketless, while others have a single pocket on each side of the breast. Pockets such as these offer both aesthetic and functional benefits. You can use them to store small items like money and receipts. But even if you don’t use them, pockets still add a new visual element to the jacket’s style. Therefore, you should consider choosing a denim jacket with pockets for this very reason.
