What different types of denim fabric are there?

Over the years, many forms of denim have been developed. Here is some information on some of the most popular options:

1. Raw denim
This type of denim has not been washed or treated. Typically, it is worn for six months to a year without washing to ensure it fits the wearer's body. Raw denim lovers often resort to putting their jeans in the refrigerator overnight to kill microbes and bacteria.

2. Shrunk denim
Most types of denim are preshrunk, which is the washing process that produces the fabric of modern denim. While preshrunk jeans are softer, they're also less durable and don't hold the same personal touch as raw jeans.

3. Stretch denim
For this type of denim, cotton has been mixed with spandex or a similar material. The resulting fabric is more stretchy than regular denim and is therefore often used in form-fitting applications such as skinny jeans.

4. Embossed denim
This type of denim is woven in a similar way to velvet. It has a permanently wrinkled look, making it an attractive addition to jackets and skirts.

5. Selvedge Denim
Selvedge denim with fringes at the ends, a fabric often used to make jackets.

6. Acid wash denim
This denim has a signature mottled look. It's made by washing raw denim in a strong acid that eats away the dye.

7. Polyester denim
The term "polyester denim" is used broadly to refer to denim products made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and any number of other man-made fibers. Along with polyester, materials such as lyocell and nylon are sometimes added to cotton to make denim products. Some purists will say that polyester denim is not "real" denim.