Slub denim – What is it?
Slub is a word often used when discussing selvedge, but what makes this type of fabric so special?
Slub denim differs from regular denim in that the fabric is woven with uneven threads, which creates a unique play of colors on the jeans . The thicker parts of the thread fade faster than the thin ones.
In Japanese, this fade is called "tate-ochi", which translates to "vertical drop".
“The fade almost looks like meteor showers, or drops falling down,” explains owner of Raw Denim, Inger Kristin Haugsevje, as she shows off jeans she has been wearing for about a year.
– It's quite fun to try on a slub when you've worn regular selvedge jeans before, and to see how the fade stands out, she explains.
Elephant 12 jeans from Naked and Famous, 20 ounce selvedge jeans that use a slubby thread. These are the jeans Inger Kristin Haugsevje showed off.
Nap or slub?
Slub can be confused with nep. These may look similar at first glance, but they are quite different. Nep occurs when the cotton fibers stretch and protrude from the main surface, as opposed to the uneven thread that creates slub.
A pair of 16.5 ounce Sakaru Slub Selvedge jeans from Naked and Famous , these jeans have a very strong slub, which is also clearly visible when unused.
Why choose slub?
Slub manages to replicate a unique aspect of fabric not found in most of what is produced today.
If you want a more dramatic and rough fade with a lot of character, slub may be the way to go.
The difference between a slubby Elephant 12 jeans, and Left hand Twill a regular selvedge jeans:
