Ring Spun Denim: A Delineation

It’s safe to say that
photo courtesy of Cone Denim

Ring spinning is the traditional way to produce yarns for weaving. But by the 1960’s, new spinning methods were developed to manufacture yarns more quickly and cheaply. Denim experts typically turn their noses up at these new “open end” spun yarns which have neither the quality nor aesthetic properties they crave.

photo courtesy of Cone Denim

Specifically, ring spun yarns are both softer and stronger than open end spun yarns. Yes, just like fancy cheese, denim can be both soft and strong. Additionally, ring spun yarns have a much desired uneven thickness. When woven into denim, this uneven thickness produces fabrics with delectable variations in texture recalling vintage denims.

Unlike its higher quality counterpart, open end spun yarn is rough, resulting in a denim with a fuzzy/hairy look. So, next time you’re starving for a new pair of jeans, may we recommend a tasteful ring spun denim?

posted by: danielle on September 30, 2010 at 9:15 am
filed under: Denim 101 | Add a comment
TAGS: ring spun denim

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