The term "slub" describes areas in yarn that are thicker than the rest. In the past, this was considered a spinning defect – today, it is a coveted quality feature for premium denim.

• The texture: Because the yarn is sometimes thicker and sometimes thinner, raised areas are created during weaving. These usually run in a vertical direction (warp slub).
• The look: The fabric appears "grainy" or "rainy." People often speak of a "rainy effect" because the vertical lines are reminiscent of falling rain.
• The fading: This is the real reason why denim fans love slub. The thicker parts of the yarn are more exposed and lose indigo faster when worn. The result is a high-contrast, three-dimensional fade that a smooth fabric cannot achieve.

Although both fabrics have an uneven surface, the cause is completely different:

• Slub denim is created by the thickness of the yarn. Imagine a rope that repeatedly has thick knots in between. These wave-like movements run through the entire fabric, creating long, vertical lines or "hills."
• Neppy denim, on the other hand, is created by protruding fibers. Here, the yarn is usually uniformly thick, but small cotton knots (the neps) protrude from the surface. While slub looks like a "hilly landscape," neppy looks like a "snowy field."

In short: Slub is the structure of the thread itself, neppy are the lint that sticks out of the thread.

Originally, this referred to waste products from spinning wool or cotton. If the machines did not work precisely, thick lumps formed in the thread – the "slubs". Today, these irregularities are deliberately created by special spinning machines to imitate the authentic vintage look of old looms.

Based on a fabric width of approx. 79-88 cm, you can calculate the following lengths:

• For classic 5-pocket jeans, you typically need 2.5 meters of selvage denim.
• For denim jackets (Type 1/2/3), you should plan for approx. 3.5 m.

For an exact estimate, we recommend our partner from smartpattern.de, who develops your individual pattern. With the developed patterns, consumption can be estimated very easily.

Not really, but you have to consider the varying thickness. In places where several layers of slub yarn meet, the fabric can become very thick in certain spots. Use a size 100 denim needle and sew slowly over thick seam intersections to prevent the needle from deflecting.

To preserve the distinctive structure and contrast, you should wash slub denim as infrequently as possible. If you must: cold wash, inside out, and without spinning, to avoid unnecessarily flattening the "hills" of the texture or risking white streaks (crease marks).

Initially, yes. Due to its raised texture, slub denim has a very masculine, substantial feel. But that's the beauty of it: over time, these very raised areas become polished through friction and movement, and the fabric becomes extremely supple without losing its character.