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Everything about Denim

Premiere Manche 12/28/2023 11 min read

1. Origin and evolution of denim

The history of denim dates back to the 18th century, when weavers in Nîmes, France, created a hard-wearing fabric called "serge de Nîmes". Initially, this was a low-cost staple fabric for French craftsmen. Later, the fabric was imported to the United States and used to make durable garments, notably heavy-duty work pants. The word "denim" itself is a contraction of "de Nîmes", underlining its French roots.

Denim quickly became part of American culture, becoming a preferred choice for manual laborers and miners due to its exceptional durability. Denim fabric was so strong that it withstood the rigors of daily physical labor, transforming it into an icon of functionality. In the 1870s, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis created the first denim pants.

However, the turning point for denim came in the mid-20th century, when a number of iconic brands, such as Levi's, introduced denim to popular culture, democratizing the use of this material for all types of garment. In particular, denim jeans quickly became a symbol of rebellion and youth, cementing their place in fashion history.

2. Various types of wash

Denim is a robust fabric that can be washed in different shades. Denim washes such as stone wash, bleach wash and acid wash have emerged as popular techniques for giving denim a worn, vintage look.

Stone wash: involves the use of pumice stones to soften the fabric and give it an aged look.

Bleach wash: a process that uses bleach to lighten certain areas of denim, creating striking contrasts.

Acid wash: this process requires the use of aggressive chemicals to create unique patterns and irregular washes.

To wash denim at home, you can opt for artisanal techniques such as hand-tearing, the use of abrasive sponges or even soaking in a salt water solution. These methods allow you to customize denim to individual preferences, but should be performed with care.

3. The Denim Shirt

The denim shirt, often overlooked, is a key piece in any wardrobe. Indeed, if it's thin enough, for example weighing around 200g/m², it can be worn as a classic casual shirt or over a T-shirt. If its weight is at least 350g/m², then it will certainly be more comfortable to wear it as an overshirt.

For a casual look, opt for a denim shirt, lightly faded or not, worn open with a T-shirt over it. Pair with jeans and complete the look with white sneakers, for example.

For a dressier look, choose a darker denim shirt and wear it with chino pants or dark jeans. You can also add dress shoes and a leather belt.

You can find all our denim shirts on our website Première Manche.

Frequently Asked Questions

What we
are asked

Which shirt for a job interview ?

For a job interview, choose a white poplin or twill shirt with a semi-spread collar. It’s the most neutral option: it won’t distract your interviewer and shows attention to detail without trying to make an impression.

How do you know if a shirt is too small ?

Three signs: the chest buttons are pulling (you can see gaps between the button plackets), the shoulder seams sit forward of the shoulder point, or the collar leaves red marks at the end of the day. If any of these signs are present, go up a size.

Should you tuck your shirt into your pants at the office ?

In formal settings, yes. A tucked-in shirt signals attention to detail. It is designed to be worn that way: if it looks too long when untucked, it’s a fit issue, not a style choice.

How many office shirts should you own ?

Five is the minimum to avoid repeating the same shirt every week: two white, two light blue, and one in a slightly bolder fabric or color. The goal isn’t quantity, but rotation without visual fatigue.

Premiere Manche

Premiere Manche makes shirts from double-twisted cotton, tailored in Portugal using fabrics sourced from Italy and Japan. Première Impression is our space for reflecting on style, materials, and care—free from commercial arguments.