Denim
Woven cotton twill fabric, typically dyed with indigo. Heavier and more durable than plain cotton, with a distinctive diagonal weave pattern.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Brands using denim
1 brand has products in our catalog whose composition contains denim. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing denim.
Products with denim
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains denim. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
11-oz. Denim Outfitter Jacket - Natural Seed
100% Cotton Denim
$249
Workshop Denim Vest - Dark Indigo
100% Cotton Denim
$299
Women's 11-oz. Denim Work Shorts - Natural Seed
100% Cotton Denim
$159
Women's 11-oz. Denim Work Shorts - Medium Indigo
100% Cotton Denim
$159
9.5-oz. Denim Cap - Medium Indigo
100% Cotton Denim
$49
Women's Western Denim Jacket - Light Indigo
100% Cotton Denim
$249
Women's 11-oz. Work Jeans - Harvest Tan
100% Cotton Denim
$179
Women's 11-oz. Work Jeans - Medium Indigo
100% Cotton Denim
$179
Women's 11-oz. Denim Barn Coat - Light Indigo
100% Cotton Denim
$299
Women's 11-oz. Denim Barn Coat - Natural Seed
100% Cotton Denim
$299
11-oz. Denim Outfitter Jacket - Light Indigo
100% Cotton Denim
$249
9.5-oz. Denim Cap - Harvest Tan
100% Cotton Denim
$49
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from denim. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same denim feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Good comfort (62) and care ease (72) for casual wear
Good durability (82) and comfort (62) for office wear
Good durability (82) and breathability (55) for outdoor activities
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Very durable
- ✓ Ages beautifully with wear
- ✓ Versatile and timeless
- ✓ Abrasion-resistant
Cons
- ✗ Heavy and stiff when new
- ✗ Indigo dye bleeds initially
- ✗ High water usage in production
- ✗ Slow to dry
Better alternatives
Higher-scored natural materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+24 vs Denim · 92/100
BiodegradableThe rarest and most expensive animal fiber in the world, from the vicuña of the Andes. Finer than cashmere, incredibly soft, warm, and lightweight. A single coat yields only 250g of usable fiber every 2-3 years.
+18 vs Denim · 86/100
BiodegradableUltra-fine wool from Merino sheep. Softer and less itchy than regular wool, with excellent temperature regulation and moisture management.
+14 vs Denim · 82/100
BiodegradableExtra-long-staple cotton historically grown in the West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica) and Sea Islands of Georgia/South Carolina. Among the rarest commercial fibers on earth — staple length up to 2.5", silky hand feel, intense color saturation when dyed. Used in heritage luxury shirting and bespoke menswear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Wash inside out to preserve color
• Wash infrequently to maintain fit
Additional Care Tips
- • Wash inside out in cold water (30°C/85°F) on normal cycle — hot water accelerates indigo fading
- • Wash infrequently to preserve color and develop natural wear patterns — spot clean when possible
- • Hang dry preferred or tumble dry on low heat; high heat causes shrinkage in raw denim
- • Avoid bleach and fabric softener — bleach strips indigo unevenly, softener weakens the twill weave
- • For raw/selvedge denim, soak in cold water with a splash of white vinegar to set dye before first wash
- • Store folded or hung by waistband; denim is heavy and belt loops can stretch on regular hangers
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
May shrink 2-5% — wash cold
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives