Guide: What is slub denim and what characterizes this texture?

Slub is a term that often comes up when selvedge is discussed, but what exactly makes this type of fabric so special? In short, slub denim is characterized by an uneven, textured surface created by using threads of varying thickness in the weaving process.

How is the slub texture created?

Slub denim differs from regular, smooth denim in that the fabric is woven with uneven threads. This creates a unique interplay of colors and a texture you can feel with your fingers. Since the thread varies in thickness, the thicker parts of the thread will fade faster than the thin ones. This gives the jeans a life of their own and a depth that flat denim lacks.

In Japanese, this type of fade is called "tate-ochi", which can be translated as "vertical fall". It almost looks like a meteor shower or raindrops falling down the fabric as the denim is worn and washed. We recommend slub to those who have broken in a few pairs of raw denim before and are ready for a completely new fading experience.

Nep or Slub?

Many confuse slub with nep, and although they may seem similar at first glance, they are technically quite different. While nep consists of small cotton knots that protrude from the surface, slub is the unevenness of the thread itself that is woven into the fabric.

Why choose slub?

Slub denim manages to recreate a unique aspect of vintage textiles that is rarely found in modern mass production. If you are looking for a more dramatic and rugged fading with a lot of character, slub is definitely the way to go. It is the ultimate way to stand out from the crowd of "flat" jeans.