KNOW YOUR DENIM OZ

You’re drooling over and want to buy denim online but you are used to the hand and feel fabric at the fabric store. But, online they list denim by weight. And no, I don’t mean the shipping weight, kids. So what do they mean? And why is it important?

As we’ve mentioned in our last post. It’s important. Denim weight has something to do in that it affects the way the denim will fade and age over time. (Even though, it's just one of the many factors that go into what makes up certain denim.)

Basically, denim comes in a wide variety of weight – anywhere from 6 (which would drape quite nicely- think chambray) to 20 ounces more, with most men wanting a jean that strikes a balance. Too lightweight and the fabric will tear too easily–too heavy, and the fabric will be as stiff as a board. There is some differences and you’ll know you’ve been had the lighter weight ones when the jeans begin to tear at high stress and friction areas after only 6 to 9 months of wear.

Standard denim jeans are often 12 oz. These might be a great 'gateway' raw denim jean, or if you aren't interested in the whole break-in process. They will still fade, but it won’t be quite as spectacular of a show. And really, wearing jeans is all about putting on a spectacular show, right?

To dig deeper, this is an easy how to calculate the weight of denim fabric.
You only need:
-    a tape measure
-    scissors
-    a scale
-    and of course, the fabric you want to measure


Well, denim weight is measured by square yard of loomstate denim and it is as well a measure for the thickness of the fabric; 16oz denim weighs 16oz per square cut yard of denim in its raw state. One yard is equal to 914,4 centimetres and one ounce is 28,34 grams.

In many instances, manufacturers would use a 1 warp to 2 weft combination (or a variation of such) to boost the mass; meaning more weight. When choosing the denim weight, please consider comfort & utility – it would be a silly idea to wear a pair of 22 oz in Cambodia, and you wouldn’t want to be in Vancouver during winter with a pair of 12 oz.

Before we go, we’d like to say it once again. The weight matters. The heavier the denim, the less likely it is to rip, tear or bend. Also, the longer it is going to take to mold to your body and really break-in. So, the choice of denim weight is a personal decision, and really best made after getting the chance to at least feel the differences in the denim. Experience ones, choose yours and be rough!