Selvedge Denim - Sold by the Meter
Selvedge denim from Japan is no ordinary fabric – it's the result of centuries of craftsmanship. Woven on historic shuttle looms, the fabric is created with a self-finished edge (selvedge).
Whether you want to sew jeans, jackets, shirts, coats, dresses, or jackets, at selvage.de you'll find the right denim for you, directly from Japan.
All You Need to Know About Selvedge Denim by the Yard
Selvedge denim (also: selvage denim) refers to a type of denim fabric woven on old shuttle looms. Unlike modern wide looms, this process creates a neatly finished selvage edge – the so-called selvedge. This prevents the fabric from fraying and is the visible hallmark of authentic, handcrafted denim.
Japanese selvedge denim is considered the global benchmark. Weaving mills like Kuroki, Kaihara, and Nihon Menpu have not only preserved the tradition of American denim weaving but have perfected it.
Selvedge denim (also: selvage denim) refers to a type of denim fabric woven on old shuttle looms. Unlike modern wide looms, this process creates a neatly finished selvage edge – the so-called selvedge. This prevents the fabric from fraying and is the visible hallmark of authentic, handcrafted denim.
Japanese selvedge denim is considered the global benchmark. Weaving mills like Kuroki, Kaihara, and Nihon Menpu have not only preserved the tradition of American denim weaving but have perfected it.
The weight of denim is measured 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 weight of denim is measured 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: Dry Denim) is unwashed and untreated. As a result, it molds individually to the body and develops unique fades over time as the indigo washes out.
Sanforized Denim has undergone a mechanical shrinking treatment and shrinks very little. When first washed, it shrinks in length by 1–2.5% and in width by 0.5-1%, depending on the quality.
Most of our by-the-meter fabric is sanforized denim. If "unsanforized denim" is offered, it will be explicitly noted – with a warning about the high shrinkage values.
Raw Denim (also: Dry Denim) is unwashed and untreated. As a result, it molds individually to the body and develops unique fades over time as the indigo washes out.
Sanforized Denim has undergone a mechanical shrinking treatment and shrinks very little. When first washed, it shrinks in length by 1–2.5% and in width by 0.5-1%, depending on the quality.
Most of our by-the-meter fabric is sanforized denim. If "unsanforized denim" is offered, it will be explicitly noted – 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.
