The word “denim” comes from Nîmes, reflected in the French phrase “de Nîmes.”
The phrase literally means “from Nîmes,” linking the fabric’s name to the southern French city. English adopted and shortened the expression into “denim.” The word is therefore a place-name clue, although the exact history of the fabric associated with Nîmes is more complicated than the popular slogan suggests.
Denim is a sturdy twill textile traditionally made from cotton. Its warp yarns are commonly dyed while the weft remains lighter, producing the familiar contrast visible when denim is woven and later worn. Indigo became especially important because it created a durable, distinctive blue surface.
Denim and jeans are related but not identical terms. Denim names the fabric, while jeans usually names trousers made from denim or similar cotton twill. Other garments, including jackets and shirts, can also be made from denim.