Denim, the robust, versatile fabric, is much more than just a textile. It has established itself as a fashion icon over the decades. This timeless fabric has stood the test of time without ever losing its appeal. Known for its robustness and versatile style, it is an essential part of every wardrobe, from everyday basics to the most sophisticated pieces. At BILLYBELT, we've decided to revisit this essential with our new denim overshirts, combining authenticity, modernity and superior quality.

Denim originated in 16th-century Europe. It is said to have been invented in the town of Nîmes, France, from which its name derives: “de Nîmes” became “denim”. This robust fabric was then perfected in England before being popularized in the United States in the 19th century.

It was Levi Strauss, a German textile merchant who emigrated to the United States, who made it a central element of workwear for gold miners and workers in the 1850s. With the invention of copper rivets by Jacob Davis in 1873, denim jeans became a must-have garment, renowned for their solidity.

Today, denim has diversified into numerous variations, from raw canvas to stretch, and has become a contemporary fashion staple.

Denim is a strong cotton fabric, recognizable by its bias weave and classic blue color, achieved through a special dyeing process. This manufacturing process produces a robust fabric that develops a patina over time, giving each piece a unique look. Its diagonal structure makes it particularly resistant to rubbing and wear, making it a preferred choice for everyday wear.

Depending on its thickness, denim can be light, medium or heavy. Lightweight denim is supple and comfortable to wear, ideal for summer pieces. Medium denim is more versatile, suitable for both shirts and pants. Finally, thick denim is particularly strong and hard-wearing, perfect for garments intended to last a long time.

Denim is a twill-woven fabric, usually made from cotton, although it can also contain synthetic fibers to improve durability and elasticity. Denim manufacturing begins with the cultivation of cotton, which is then harvested, carded and spun into yarn. These threads are dyed, often with indigo, to create the characteristic blue denim color. The warp-dyeing process, in which only the outer threads are dyed, produces a unique washed-out effect after several washes. Next, the dyed yarns are woven using a twill weave, where warp yarns are interwoven with weft yarns to create that recognizable diagonal texture. The fabric is then washed, sometimes faded or treated to achieve specific finishes. This meticulous process gives denim its strength, texture and distinctive look, making it a fashion staple.