The Denim Lovers’ Dictionary: Key Terms Every KOI Fan Should Know

You love denim. We love denim. But let’s be honest—sometimes reading about it feels like learning a second language. Raw? Rigid? Selvedge? Whiskers?! Suddenly, it sounds like your jeans are alive.

Fear not. Whether you’re a seasoned selvedge enthusiast or just bought your first pair of KOI jeans, we’ve got you. Welcome to the Denim Lovers’ Dictionary: a cheat sheet of key terms every KOI fan should know (and casually drop into conversation to sound very impressive).

Let’s decode the denim.

1. Selvedge

Not a typo. Not a trend.
Selvedge (from “self-edge”) is a type of denim woven on traditional shuttle looms, producing a clean, tightly bound edge that won’t fray. You’ll often spot it when you cuff your jeans—a neat little detail with a red or white stripe.

Why it matters: It’s a mark of craftsmanship. Selvedge denim is durable, premium, and built to last—like all KOI jeans should be.

Pro tip: Cuff your jeans to show them off. That stripe? That’s your bragging right.

2. Raw Denim

Raw = unwashed, untreated, unbothered.
Raw denim is denim in its purest form. It hasn’t been pre-washed or pre-distressed. It’s stiff at first, but breaks in over time, fading and creasing uniquely to your body and lifestyle.

Why KOI fans love it: It’s like a blank canvas. Every mark, fade, and fold tells your story.

Bonus: Using less water = a happier planet. (And we’re all about that.)

3. Whiskers

Not the feline kind.
Whiskers are those natural-looking faded lines that appear around the crotch and upper thighs of worn jeans. They mimic wear patterns from years of movement and bending, and can be added through special washing techniques.

Why it’s cool: Adds visual texture and makes your jeans look worn-in (without the waiting).

4. Contrast Stitching

The visible thread work that pops against your denim.
Think golden yellow on deep indigo. It’s not just aesthetic—it reinforces seams and adds character. At KOI, we’re fans of using contrast stitching to bring out the best in our jeans—timeless, sharp, and subtly detailed.

Why you care: It’s a slight touch that makes a big difference. And yeah—it’s sexy.

5. Rigid Denim

No stretch. No mercy. All structure.
Rigid denim is made from 100% cotton and contains no elastane. It’s tough-love denim: starts stiff, breaks in beautifully, and moulds to your body over time.

Why go rigid? For the purists. For the fade chasers. For anyone who wants jeans that evolve with them.

KOI fans know: good denim takes time—and we’re in it for the long haul.

6. Distressing

Rips, tears, frays, and fades—on purpose.
Distressing is the art of making your jeans look like they’ve lived a full life before they ever reached your closet. (But when poorly done, they just look like they were attacked by scissors.)

KOI keeps it classy: Think thoughtful abrasions, lived-in vibes—not “oops, my jeans exploded.”

7. Rise

No, not the revolution (though we support those too).
Rise refers to the distance from the crotch to the waistband. High rise? Covers your belly button. Mid-rise? Sits on your hips. Low rise? 2003 Paris Hilton energy.

Why it matters: Rise determines how your jeans sit and shape your silhouette.

KOI offers options: From high-rise wide legs to mid-rise slim fits—we’ve got your rise.

8. Indigo

The dye that gives denim its signature shade.
True indigo is plant-based, but synthetic indigo is more common (and easier to control). At KOI, we utilise low-impact indigo dyeing to minimise water, chemical, and energy usage—achieving the same iconic look with significantly reduced environmental impact.

Fun fact: Indigo doesn’t fully bind to fibres, which is why jeans fade and evolve. (And that’s the whole point.)

9. Slub

Sounds weird, but it’s cool.
Slub yarns exhibit natural inconsistencies in thickness, which contribute to the texture and character of the fabric. In denim, it means subtle variations in colour and feel—aka, denim with personality.

KOI loves a good slub: It gives jeans a more organic, handcrafted vibe.

10. Tapered Fit

Loose at the top, narrower at the ankle.
It’s the best of both worlds: comfort in the hips and thighs, clean lines down below. A go-to KOI fit for those who want a relaxed look without appearing sloppy.

Looks good with: High-top sneakers, boots, or anything you want to show off at the ankle.

Final Word: Speak Denim Like a Pro

There you have it—your crash course in denim fluency. Whether you're already rocking raw selvedge or just discovered the joy of a perfect rise, now you’ve got the vocabulary to match your denim IQ.

At KOI, we don’t just make jeans—we make sustainably built, storytelling-worthy pieces that fit your life (and last through it). Now you can name the details that make them special.

Ready to put your new vocab to use?

Explore the KOI collection HERE

Because great denim doesn’t just look good—it speaks your language.