Reply #25: From a textile person-here's plenty of info [View All]

[wovenpaint]

First of all, (in addition to/recap of other's input) denim is traditionally made from tightly twisted cotton yarns woven in a twill construction-looser than plain weave. Ths denim look is achieved by using indigo dyed yarns in one direction and white ones in the other.

The traditional color is made from indigo-and is why it fades when it's washed/worn. The indigo dye coats the cotton yarn rather than being absorbed into the fibers. What's used now is a synthetic-and identical-version of the plant dye.
Other colors of denim are called chino, a la Dockers and may be of lighter weight. Cotton duck and canvas are similar but have a plain weave construction(think potholders).

The natural cotton color is called "greige" and is usually a "natural" or beigey color. If the chino fabric is white, it's been bleached and has had an "optical brightener" added. It's a blueish "color" that is almost in the ultraviolet range and looks pure white to our eyes...you see it in the laundry detergent...
anyway, if you're looking for fabric here's a website.
http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/88375-AA.shtml?lnav=fabric_cotton.html

And here's way more info on denim, etc! Go to site map to look at articles...
http://jeans.com
:hi:

edited to create a working link