Just what is "selvedge" denim?

Selvage

Selvage (or Selvedge, Self-edge) is a type of denim made on a vintage narrow loom which creates the unique edges that is typically used on the out seams of jeans. Selvage denim is put together on an old style shuttle loom. The result is a clean edge on where the denim fabric is stitched together that can't by frayed like non-selvage, and give the jeans a more natural look. Shuttle looms which make selvage denim are smaller and produce fabric which is narrower (about 23”) than wide looms. selvage looms also use one long weft thread and loop it back while weaving, while the wider ones use multiple weft threads which aren't connected 0 thus the need for the stitching on the end to keep it from unraveling. Selvage is just an indicator of the weaving technique used and less so the size of the loom. Selvage does not affect the quality of the denim. So why do some jeans have selvage and some don’t? Well it is easier and cheaper for companies to make non-selvage than selvage. The selvage stitching is located inside the jeans, and can be seen when the cuff is turned up (the outseam). The selvage can be any color thread – from red, blue, green, etc.