Diversification of Denim:
Denim is a type of cotton twill textile known for its use in blue jeans and other clothing. It was originally used by workers. They wore denim clothes because of its durability and safety. Denim fabric became popular at first among people of western countries and then gradually all over the world. Now fashion is incomplete without denim. But, consumer’s need for new products is unlimited. So, to meet this essential demand, the fabric designers and manufacturers were obliged to produce different types of denim at present, hundreds of derivatives of denim are available. Also new types of denim products are being developed. The diversification of denim has gone so far that some denims are not event will based. They are being produced on plain-based weave design.
Denim is comparatively heavy fabric composed of higher linear density yarn both in warp and weft. This fabric is not very soft in handle. Different fancy yarn-slub yarn, thick-thin yarns are used in the diversification of denim. Lycra (elastomeric fiber) yarn is also introduced in the diversified denim. Diversification is also done by the change of EPI, PPI and count. Different yarn count may be used in consecutive insertion for diversification. For increasing the agreed level of denim throughout the world, diversification is the most important factor. Denim is very popular among the teenagers as well as older people.
Denim’s popularity was also on the rise. It was stronger and more expensive than jeans, and though the two fabrics were very similar in some ways, they did have one major differences: denim was made of one colored thread and one white thread; jean was woven of two threads of the same color. Denim fabric continues to be processed using the same basic finishing system, but after being cut and sewn, denim garments may undergo additional processing.
Denim is no longer a cotton product. Denim comes with either polyamide, lycra, polypropylene or with polyester and especial bonding with a 100% nylon net for a more active look. Two way stretch fabrics and special coatings or rubberized effects continue to be a strong trend.
End Uses or Prospects of Denim:
Nowadays, denim has a wide range of applications extending from casual and elegant apparel to high performance worker suits. In modern world, the apparels made from denim have become very popular among wearing. We know that now days, denim is used for making jacket, men’s trouser, baby wear, shirt’s, ladies wear and day by day, its acceptability is increasing among consumers. Denim goods are now being used among almost all type of people. Now denim is so versatile. Denim wear crosses the line of fashion boundary. In the past, it was used by workers as a safety wear. Now it is used for making decorative cap and ladies handbag, school and college bag, and travel bag. So, range of denim apparels are widening day by day. So denim is used for jacket, pant, shorts, shirt, skirts, suits, hats, belts, boots and athletic shoes, denim wine bags, denim pencil case, denim apron, denim bikini set (Figure 3), denim pillows, denim quilt, lampshades, upholstery etc. Now denim is also used to make sunglass frame (Figure 2).
Denim fabric is used for bedspreads, solid denim pillows, denim rugs, window shades, place mats and so on from the family room to the kitchen. The uses of denim fabric for non-apparel uses is becoming more popular.
Without common uses of denim, there are some very interesting products. You may get surprised of versatile uses of denim.
- Denim Wedding and Other Dresses
- Denim Helmet
- Denim Sarees
- Sunglass frame
- Denim Wedding and Other Dresses
- Denim Coat for Dogs And Pets
- Denim Toilet Seat
- Denim Underwears, Bikinis and Bras
- Denim Curtains
- Denim Car Seat Covers
- Denim Face Mask
- Denim Mobile Case
- Denim Insulation
Non-apparel Applications and Potential Uses of Denim:
Denim has a significant market share and the potential to be used in almost all applications. The development evolves in connection with innovative technology, design and ecological approaches. Various denim types and uses can be encountered in line with changing consumer demand. Existing non-apparel denim products and potential uses were identified by an intensive exploration of current and future possibilities. These alternative and extraordinary uses are classified in below.
1. Accessories for personal use: Shoes, slippers, bags, neckties, bow ties, scarves, shawls, stoles, luggage, wallets, suitcases, saddlebags, umbrellas, straps, beach bags, belts, necklace, bracelets, rings, hats, earflaps, headphones, backpacks, notebook covers, mobile phone/notebook/laptop cases, straps, card holders, schoolbags, organisers, masks, etc.
2. Bedrooms: Curtains, bedcovers, headboards/footboards, wallcoverings, bed linens, duvet covers, bedsheets, quilts, pillows, bedskirts, lampshades, ornaments, rugs, mats, mattresses, kilims, wardrobes, doorstops.
3. Living rooms: Curtains, upholstery, furniture, ornaments, wallcoverings, mattresses, cushions, lampshades, seat covers, separators, kilims, rugs, mats, doorstops.
4. Dining rooms: Curtains, window valances, upholstery, furniture, ornaments, tablemats, wallcoverings, lampshades, separators, tablecloths, runners, napkins, rugs, mats, kilims, bed hangings, doorstops.
5. Bathrooms: Shower curtains, towels, bathrobes, ornaments, laundry baskets/bags, closet sets, rugs, mats, toilet bowl lid covers, toilet paper holders, toilet tank lid covers, organisers, bathroom rugs, doorstops.
6. Baby/children’s rooms, toys and nurseries: Curtains, bed coverings, headboards/footboards, wallcoverings, ornaments, quilts, pillows, bedskirts, rugs, mats, doorstops, accessories, mummy bags, baby strollers, baby carriages, organisers, diaper covers, baby soft bibs, crib bedding sets, etc.
7. Kitchens: Curtains, aprons, oven gloves, potholders, mats, tablemats, table skirts, runners, sacks, kilims, rugs, mats, tablecloths, organisers, ornaments, refrigerator covers, coasters, doorstops.
8. Souvenirs and special occasions: Giftwrap, gift boxes, holiday stockings, holiday decorations, wedding accessories, ornaments.
9. Office furniture and accessories: Wallcoverings, chairs, sofas, armchairs, storage baskets, file covers, ornaments, organisers, coasters, mobile phone/notebook/laptop cases.
10. Pets and animal clothes and accessories: Nests, cat/dog beds, dog/cat collars, clothes, straps, horse blankets, etc.
11. Outdoor and camping: Garden furniture, mattresses, tents, parasols, sleeping bags, can/bottle coolers, hammocks, surfboard covers.
12. Automotive, marine and transportation textiles: Seat covers, helmets, caps, yacht/boat furniture, curtains, etc.
13. Denim wastes for industrial purposes: Thermal insulation, vehicle noise insulation, acoustical automotive padding.
14. Artwork: Indoor and outdoor exhibition, interior and exterior design.
15. Technical textiles: Industrial clothes, insulation.
References:
- Denim : Manufacture, Finishing and Applications. Edited by Roshan Paul
- Sustainability in Denim. Editors: Subramanian Muthu
- Prospects of Denim in Bangladesh by Jahangir Alam Sujon
- The China and Hong Kong Denim Industry Book by K W Yeung, L. Yao, and Yan Li
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Editor of Fashion2Apparel. She is a fashion designer and ex-lecturer in Fashion Designing. She wants to spread fashion knowledge throughout the world.
