The iconic material for work clothes, denim is a versatile fabric that over the years has become a synonym for young, casual clothing. Historically its takes its name from the city of Nimes, where it was invented. In France it was known as serge de Nîmes or bleu de Gênes (Genoa blue) from which blue jeans is derived. The fabric was distributed from the port of Genoa. Denim was originally made with a linen warp and a cotton weft, while today cotton is normally used.

This material is very hard-wearing and strong, and the twill weave exalts its versatility. Denim is inextricably linked to the indigo blue, a particular hue that gives the garment its unique characteristics.

In fact, indigo is a pigment of vegetable origin derived from Indigofera Tinctoria, rich in indingotina, an active substance, which is extracted from the leaves left to ferment in large tanks together with alkaline solutions. Indigo is part of the “vat dyes” category: given that it is not water soluble it must be transformed into a soluble form to ensure that it can dye the fibres of the fabric. However, it has a peculiarity: wash after wash other dyes tend to go grey, while indigo lightens maintaining a brilliant blue hue that, over time, becomes brighter. This peculiarity is due precisely to its insolubility, which prevents the colour binding completely with the fibre of the material that the garment is made of.

DENIM SHIRTS