This basic cotton cloth-first brought to America by Columbus as the sails on the Santa Maria-is rugged, tough, and serviceable.  It is easily recognized by it's traditional indigo-blue color warp and gray or mottled white filling, and it's left hand twill on the face.

Coarse single yarns are used mostly, but today many versions are available for the fashion world.

Long considered the most popular fabric for work clothes and army uniforms, denim today has won great fashion significance for men's and women's fashions.