Blog Entry 6 - FashBook

 

Unpacking Denim

Clothing Consumerism

For this blog entry, I decided to feature pieces that I usually wear. As I ride a motorcycle, there was always caution to buy denim or leather, as the former was much easier to thrift, I always held these pieces close to my heart. I have two denim tops: a boxed green jacket from Pull&Bear and a Denim Polo from Levi's. I chose this set because it always fits with every outfit I wear as I have a plethora of shirts of bright colors to combat the heat. I also have my Straight Cut Jeans from JAG, which I usually use during our long rides.

From errands, to casual hangouts, you can't go wrong with any of these, and as a motorcyclist, it offers an extra layer of protection from the heat and potential accidents.

While the care labels don't explicitly say "cotton," denim is generally known to be a cotton-based fabric. That got me curious to look into its properties, care instructions, and how I can be a wiser clothing consumer by learning more about what I wear.

"You can never go wrong with your favorite piece. It is a staple not only to your confidence but also your overall look."

Denim is usually frowned upon in the Philippines especially during the summer season, it is very thick and hot. But during those long rides, it does keep you insulated well from the elements. A time to sacrifice comfort for style and use, denim is the best choice.

As a staple fiber (short fiber), cotton is spun into yarns and woven tightly to form denim fabric—a textile characterized by its diagonal twill weave structure, where warp and weft ply interlace to produce a strong, grainy surface. Denim’s construction makes it durable, abrasion-resistant, and suitable for heavy-use garments like jeans. Cotton fibers are known for their high absorbency, soft hand, and strength (especially when wet), which makes them ideal for everyday wear. However, untreated cotton also has disadvantages: it is flammable, tends to wrinkle easily, and may shrink after washing. Based on fiber performance properties, cotton excels in comfort and aesthetics, providing breathability, natural texture, and excellent dye retention. While my denim pieces do not indicate specific finishes, it’s common for denim to be sanforized (pre-shrunk) to minimize residual shrinkage, or treated with softeners to improve feel. Other possible finishes for cotton denim include wrinkle-resistant coatings and stone-washing, which enhance the garment’s visual appeal and wearability. Understanding these fabric concepts allows me to appreciate denim not just for its style, but for its smart construction and functional qualities—key considerations in wise clothing consumerism.

Becoming a wise clothing consumer starts with knowing what to look for before making a purchase. When buying denim or any garment, I follow a checklist to assess quality, construction, and usability. First, I examine for fabric flaws such as uneven dye, soiling, pulled yarns, or fading—especially along folds and seams. I also check tentering quality to ensure the yarns are aligned properly, and use the thumb test to gauge the firmness of the weave; a strong fabric shouldn’t shift too easily. For denim, it’s especially important to evaluate wrinkle resistance, stretch, and pilling tendency, especially if the fabric contains synthetic blends. In terms of construction, I inspect whether seams are straight, matched at edges, and double-stitched, especially for clothing meant for frequent wear. Elements like zipper placement, buttonholes, and hems are also important indicators of quality. Additionally, I ensure the label contains complete information: fiber content, country of origin, care instructions, and washing guidelines—these are required under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. Proper fit is essential, but so is choosing a design and material that matches my lifestyle and care habits.

Description of the Clothes
Top: Light-wash green denim jacket, slightly cropped, with silver buttons and chest pockets. It has a structured yet relaxed fit. Really relaxed.
Bottom: Medium-wash denim jeans, skinny fit, with stretch. The fabric feels sturdy but allows ease of movement.

Denim is traditionally made from cotton, which is a natural cellulose fiber derived from plants. Some modern denim also includes spandex or polyester blends to add stretch and durability.

Fiber Classification: Most denim is made of natural cellulose fiber (cotton). When there’s added stretch (like mine), there’s usually spandex, a synthetic fiber made from chemicals.
Blended Magic: My jeans likely mix cotton + spandex—giving me the durability of denim with the ease of movement.

WASHING
Tub with "30" – Machine wash cold at 30°C using a gentle cycle.
Tub with a cross (X) – Do not machine wash.

BLEACHING
Triangle with a cross (X) – Do not bleach. Avoid harsh chemicals that weaken fibers and fade dye.

DRYING
Square with a filled circle and a cross (X) – Do not tumble dry.
Square with a single horizontal line – Drip dry or line dry in shade to prevent fading and preserve fit.

IRONING
Iron with one dot – Use low heat (maximum 110°C). High heat may damage synthetic components like spandex.

DRY CLEANING
Circle with a cross (X) – Do not dry clean. The fabric is not suited for chemical solvents.