Serge de Nîmes

Did you know the word ’denim’ supposedly originates from the French phrase ’Serge de Nîmes’?

Serge de Nîmes was a fabric developed in the French city of – surprise, surprise – Nîmes in the 17th century. Just like denim, serge was a twill weave, though it was a mixture of wool and cotton or silk.

At the same period, another twill weave fabric was becoming popular among the sailors in Genoa, Italy. The fabric was called Genoa fustian, aka jean fustian, aka jeans. It was a blend of cotton, linen and wool.

In 1864, the word ’denim’ was first listed in Webster’s dictionary.

Jeans, Abercrombie & Fitch/Denim shirt, Levi’s/Shoes, Clarks

And thus endeth the etymology lesson of the day.

~J~