Indigo denim is arguably the fabric we most associate with diverse textures. Today, the texture is primarily influenced by historical inspirations—if one is familiar with the history of denim, that is. A significant factor affecting denim texture is the spinning method and the resulting yarn irregularities. Recently, we’ve grown accustomed to the marble and salt-and-pepper textures reminiscent of the '80s and '90s. This era is historically linked to the advent of open-end spinning in the denim industry, which was primarily adopted for its cost-effective production methods.
In contrast, ring-spinning harks back to denim’s origins prior to the '70s, representing the heritage of denim (and textiles in general). Ring-spun yarns are inherently uneven, or slubby, with variations in length and prominence. When the slubbiness of the warp is prominent and the weaving density is favorable, it results in a vertical streakiness we refer to as "streaky denim." This texture is deeply rooted in the early days of Nudie Jeans, still evident today when examining a well-worn pair of "Dry Selvage." The streaky denim featured in some of our new products presents bold and pronounced textures that add character while directly referencing the early days of Nudie Jeans.