Selvedge vs Regular Denim
What the self-edge changes, what it does not, and when the yield penalty is worth paying.
Selvedge tells you the loom, not the quality. Specify it when the edge will be seen or the programme is sold on heritage construction; otherwise wide-loom denim of the same weight usually costs less per garment.
Side by side
| Selvedge | Regular (wide loom) | |
|---|---|---|
| Loom | Shuttle | Projectile or air-jet |
| Typical width | 29–36in | 55–68in |
| Edge | Finished self-edge, no fray | Cut, needs overlock |
| Character | More yarn irregularity, slubbier | More consistent |
| Yield | Poor — narrow roll | Better |
| Cost per yard | Higher | Lower |
| Quality | Not implied by the edge | Not implied by the edge |
Choose Selvedge when…
The selvedge ID will be visible — a cuffed hem, an exposed outseam — or the programme is sold on heritage construction and the customer knows what they are looking for.
Choose Regular (wide loom) when…
The edge will never be seen. You get the same weight and hand with better yield, which usually means a lower cost per finished garment even at a similar price per yard.
See Both in Stock
Each of these reads live from our warehouse sheets.
Still Deciding?
Tell us what you are making and we will tell you which of the two suits it, and what we have in both.