Denim is everywhere, from everyday jeans to jackets and shirts. But most people don’t think twice about what it’s actually made of. If you care about comfort, durability, and how your clothing breaks in over time, it helps to understand the textile behind your favorite fits.
So, is denim made of cotton? In most cases, yes. But there’s more to the story. This post breaks down what goes into denim production, how it’s made, and why it matters when you're trying to buy smarter. Whether you're all about structure or stretch, mnml offers denim built with purpose and modern design.
What Is Denim Made Of?
Denim is a tightly woven textile, most often made with 100% cotton. That’s what gives it its natural durability, breathability, and ability to soften with wear. Cotton denim feels sturdy on day one and gets better with every season. It molds to your shape, breaks in naturally, and creates fade patterns that reflect how you wear it. That’s part of what sets denim vs. jeans apart; denim refers to the fabric itself, while jeans are the garments made from it.
Nowadays, not all denim fabric is made entirely of cotton. Many modern styles, especially slim or stacked fits, include a small amount of stretch fiber, like elastane/spandex or polyester. These blends give you more mobility without losing the structure that makes a pair of jeans unique.
If you're not sure what your pants are made of, check the fabric tag. You’ll usually see something like “98% cotton, 2% spandex.” This mix gives you a little flexibility while still holding its shape over time. Depending on the silhouette, mnml uses both pure cotton and blended options so you get the right movement and structure for your fit.
So, how long do jeans last? Cotton’s natural strength also contributes to its longevity. The tighter the weave and the heavier the weight, the longer the denim is likely to last. That’s why heavyweight cotton denim is a go-to for everyday wear: it holds up over time, ages well, and resists tearing or stretching out.
How Denim Is Made from Cotton
The process starts with cotton, which is harvested from the flowering plant, cleaned, and spun into yarn. That yarn is then dyed, usually with indigo, and woven into a fabric using a twill weave. This weave gives denim its signature diagonal ribbing, along with its balance of structure and flexibility.
Denim is most commonly dyed using a rope dyeing method, where cotton yarn is dipped in indigo dye multiple times. The indigo only penetrates the outer layers, which is what allows the fabric to fade and age with wear. Of course, other denim colors like black, white, olive, and tan expand your wardrobe without sacrificing the durability and structure denim is known for. If you're wondering how to keep black jeans from fading, turning them inside out and washing in cold water can help preserve their depth and tone. Whether you're going for a clean monochrome look or mixing in seasonal tones, non-blue denim offers new ways to wear a classic fabric material.
Some types of denim fabric go further. Raw denim is unwashed and untreated, allowing for more personalized fades and wear patterns over time. Selvedge denim is woven on old-school shuttle looms, resulting in a tighter, cleaner edge that won’t fray. It’s often heavier, more rigid, and favored by denim purists for its premium construction.
The final fabric weight, measured in ounces, affects everything from drape to wearability. Lighter denim (10–12 oz) is great for warm weather or more casual looks. Heavier denim (13–16 oz) offers more structure and holds up well for years.
How to Wash and Care for Cotton Denim
If you want longevity, proper care of your jeans makes a difference. Cotton is strong, but the wrong routine can shorten its lifespan.
Always wash denim in cold water using a gentle detergent. Turn garments inside out before washing to protect color and texture. Avoid the dryer if possible. Air drying helps preserve fit and structure, especially for 100% cotton pieces.
Cotton denim can shrink in hot water or high heat, so avoid washing it on high settings unless you’re intentionally trying to size it down. This is especially important with raw or unwashed denim, which hasn’t gone through pre-shrinking processes.
Blended denim may hold its shape better after washing, but it can lose elasticity over time if over-washed. To keep stretch jeans in rotation longer, wash them less often and follow the same cold-water routine.
mnml’s Approach to Denim
mnml takes denim seriously, and every fabric choice is intentional. Whether you want rigid cotton for structure or a cotton blend for movement, the denim jeans for men collection offers a range of silhouettes that match both your style and your lifestyle.
Whether slim, stacked, flare denim, or cropped, each fit is paired with the right fabric to enhance the cut. Raw hems, inseam breaks, and distressing details add texture without compromising quality. Even the heavyweight pieces are designed for all-day wear.
Some styles feature cotton blends to support shape retention and comfort. Others lean into pure cotton for the clean fades and lived-in feel that only natural fibers can deliver. The result is denim that moves well, wears better, and lasts longer. mnml’s attention to threads and production makes each pair a standout in modern denim fashion.
Know the Fabric. Choose the Fit.
At the end of the day, denim is more than just a look. It’s a fabric choice that affects how your clothing feels, ages, and holds up. Cotton is the backbone of most great denim, offering breathability, durability, and that broken-in character you can’t fake.
Understanding what your denim is made of helps you shop smarter. It allows you to match the fabric to your lifestyle, your body type, and your personal fit preferences. Whether you want heavyweight cotton for structure or a touch of stretch for flexibility, mnml delivers both.
Know the fabric. Choose the fit. And build your rotation with denim that’s made to last.
