What Are Cotton Jeans and Denim Jeans? An Expert Guide

When it comes to buying or designing jeans, the conversation often circles around one common confusion: Are cotton jeans and denim jeans the same thing? For fashion entrepreneurs, designers, and brand managers sourcing their next custom jeans collection, understanding this distinction is not just a matter of textile knowledge—it's the foundation of product identity.
On paper, denim is made from cotton, but does that mean all cotton jeans are denim? Not exactly. Denim refers to a specific type of woven cotton fabric, while "cotton jeans" could mean a variety of weaves, finishes, or blends.
Cotton jeans refer to jeans made from cotton-based fabrics, which may or may not be denim, depending on the weave. Denim jeans specifically use a twill-woven cotton fabric dyed with indigo, giving them a unique texture, appearance, and durability.
Many brands and buyers overlook this distinction, leading to missed opportunities in fabric selection, pricing accuracy, and end-user comfort. Whether you're crafting high-end selvedge denim or soft cotton-rich jogger jeans, knowing the difference can help your brand stand out. Take DiZNEW, for example—our team routinely helps U.S.-based boutique owners and fashion brands decide whether 100% cotton denim or a cotton-blend fabric is better for their design.
So, what sets cotton jeans apart from denim jeans in real-world manufacturing? Let’s break it down through key questions your customers are already searching on Google. By the end, you’ll know exactly which fabric is right for your next product drop—and how to get it custom-made through DiZNEW.
Are Cotton Jeans and Denim Jeans the Same Thing?
No, cotton jeans and denim jeans are not the same. Cotton refers to the fiber used to make fabric, while denim is a specific type of cotton fabric woven in a twill pattern and typically dyed with indigo. Not all cotton jeans are made from denim.

Many people assume that because denim is made from cotton, any cotton jeans must be denim. However, that's like saying all squares are rectangles. Denim is a type of cotton fabric—but not all cotton fabrics are denim.
Cotton is a natural fiber harvested from cotton plants. It can be woven into many types of fabric, including twill (like denim), canvas, jersey, and poplin. Denim, on the other hand, is a durable twill weave fabric where the warp yarn is dyed (usually indigo) and the weft remains white or undyed. This gives denim its signature fading and texture.
Here's a quick comparison:
Feature | Cotton Jeans | Denim Jeans |
Material | 100% cotton or cotton blends | Usually 100% cotton or cotton-stretch blends |
Weave Type | Varies (plain, twill, knit, etc.) | Twill (specifically right-hand twill) |
Color/Dye | Any color, reactive/sulfur dyes | Indigo-dyed warp, undyed weft |
Texture | Smooth or soft depending on knit | Textured with diagonal weave lines |
Durability | Varies by weave and blend | Known for long-lasting wear |
Knowing the difference is key when you’re customizing denim products for different customer segments. For example, casual wear customers might prefer cotton jogger jeans, while streetwear lovers want raw selvedge denim. Each material creates a completely different end product.
How Much Cotton Is in Real Denim Jeans?
Most denim jeans are made from 98–100% cotton. Some include 1–3% elastane or polyester for stretch or durability. 100% cotton denim is considered more authentic but less flexible.

Denim was traditionally 100% cotton, especially in workwear and heritage pieces. Over the past 20 years, especially with the rise of skinny jeans and streetwear trends, stretch has become essential. Most modern denim jeans now use a blend—commonly 98% cotton and 2% elastane.
But how does that affect performance?
Fabric Composition | Flexibility | Durability | Target Market |
100% Cotton Denim | Low | High | Vintage, workwear, raw denim fans |
98% Cotton + 2% Elastane | Medium | Medium | Streetwear, daily casual |
70% Cotton + 30% Poly | High | High | Kidswear, active denim |
Stretch blends improve comfort but can compromise the rugged aesthetic purists love. For custom jeans manufacturers like DiZNEW, the composition must align with your brand identity. Are you targeting hard-core denimheads? Then opt for 100% cotton denim. Are your customers style-forward and comfort-driven? Go for cotton blends.
It’s worth noting: Not all 100% cotton jeans are denim, because the weave could still be something other than twill. That’s why tech packs must specify both fiber content and fabric type.
What Makes Denim Special Compared to Regular Cotton Fabric?
Denim stands out from other cotton fabrics due to its indigo dye, twill weave, and rugged texture. These traits give it a distinct look, feel, and ability to age beautifully with wear.

What makes denim iconic isn’t just the cotton—it’s how the cotton is woven and dyed.
Twill Weave Structure: Denim uses a 3x1 twill weave that creates diagonal lines on the fabric. This gives it superior strength and a unique visual texture compared to plain-woven cotton.
Indigo Dyeing: Unlike other fabrics dyed all the way through, denim’s warp threads are dipped multiple times in indigo while the weft remains white. This results in a rich, dark outside and a lighter inside, setting up beautiful fade patterns.
Aging and Character: Over time, denim molds to the wearer’s body and develops whiskers, fades, and honeycombs. No two pairs age alike.
Is Cotton Denim Soft?
That depends. Raw denim—especially 100% cotton—is stiff at first. But many denim fabrics today go through softening treatments like:
Enzyme Washing
Stone Washing
Silicone Finishing
These make even heavyweight cotton denim feel broken-in. At DiZNEW, clients often ask us to soften their custom jeans using these techniques without sacrificing durability.
How to Soften Stiff Denim Jeans?
If you’re buying raw denim, softening it takes time and patience—or a few tricks:
Soak in cold water with vinegar (sets the dye)
Wash with fabric softener (minimal shrinkage)
Wear often and let your body break it in naturally
Our OEM clients love using raw denim for its authenticity—but we offer softening options for more accessible collections too.
Which Type of Jeans Is Better for Your Brand—Cotton or Denim?
It depends on your brand identity and target customers. Cotton jeans offer softness and variety; denim jeans deliver durability and iconic style. Each serves different purposes in fashion.

The "better" option is strategic. Here's how:
Choose Cotton Jeans If:
You want to make soft, casual-fit joggers or utility pants
You’re targeting athleisure or lifestyle segments
Your design calls for light colors, reactive prints, or stretch cotton twills
Choose Denim Jeans If:
You’re building a rugged, high-fashion, or streetwear label
You want aging character, raw indigo looks, and visible twill texture
Your customers value authenticity, selvedge edges, or vintage styles
Let’s look at some use-case examples from DiZNEW clients:
Product Style | Material Chosen | Why It Works |
Stacked Jeans | 98% cotton denim | Holds structure, fades nicely |
Plus-Size Jeans | Stretch cotton twill | Comfort + recovery for body shapes |
Selvedge Straight | 100% raw denim | Premium vintage appeal |
Jogger Pants | Cotton twill blend | Lightweight, garment dyed |
DiZNEW helps clients sample both fabric types before production. You don’t need to guess what’s better—we help you test, touch, and wear before bulk.
How to Choose the Right Fabric for Custom Jeans Manufacturing?
Choosing the right fabric involves balancing weight, texture, stretch, and purpose. You should consider who will wear the jeans, how they’ll wear them, and what your brand promises.

When developing custom denim, ask yourself:
Who is my customer (age, gender, lifestyle)?
What image or experience does my brand promise?
How important are comfort, structure, stretch, or softness?
Will the jeans be garment-dyed, acid-washed, or left raw?
Is Cotton Denim Soft Enough for Modern Consumers?
Yes—when treated properly. At DiZNEW, we apply enzyme and silicone washes that deliver softness while maintaining the structure that defines denim.
Fabric Weight Matters Too:
Fabric Weight (oz/yd²) | Fabric Type | Use Case |
7–9 oz | Cotton blends | Light joggers, spring jeans |
10–12 oz | Stretch denim | Skinny jeans, men’s casual styles |
13–16 oz | Raw or selvedge denim | Heritage, streetwear, premium collections |
DiZNEW's Role:
We help clients explore:
Cotton-twill vs indigo denim
Stretch vs rigid
Garment-dyed vs raw-wash
MOQ testing for boutique brands (as low as 30 pcs)
We also advise on tech pack clarity, ensuring mills understand fiber + weave + dye + weight.
Final Thoughts: Ask DiZNEW to Help You Choose the Right Fabric
Whether you’re a boutique owner in New York looking for soft cotton joggers, or a streetwear label in L.A. aiming for authentic selvedge denim, choosing the right fabric is everything. Understanding the difference between cotton and denim isn’t just technical—it’s the key to standing out in a crowded jeans market.
DiZNEW specializes in low-MOQ, high-quality custom jeans manufacturing. We help our clients—from first-timers to seasoned brand managers—navigate fabric choices with clarity and confidence.
Ready to bring your custom jeans vision to life? Contact DiZNEW today to get started with your brand.
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