You think jeans are just for layering up in the cold winter months? No way, José. Whether a pair of jeans is suitable for summer boils down to the fabric density, weave structure, and material weight. Fun fact: jeans weight isn’t measured in grams but in ounces. But is weight the only difference when comparing heavyweight jeans with lightweight jeans? Here at SANVT, we decided to look into all the quality differences and explain what to look for in premium jeans that you can wear year-round.
After spending the last two years crafting the perfect jeans, we can easily say that we at SANVT are a bit obsessed with these iconic blue denim pants. On our denim odyssey, we’ve learned heaps about the fabric, its properties, and qualities. For instance, did you know that just like there are heavy and light t-shirts, there are heavyweight and lightweight denim jeans? The weight, breathability, and quality of jeans can vary wildly, depending on whether the jeans are made from 100% cotton or a cotton-elastane blend. The type of cotton and weave density also play a role in your jeans' sturdiness and weight. Unlike other clothing measured in GSM (grams per square meter) though, jeans use ounces (oz) because of the American adaptation of the garment that created the iconic it piece we know and love today.
A Brief History of Jeans
Even though one might believe blue jeans are of American heritage, denim was invented in the French city of Nîmes, hence "de Nîmes," which became "denim." The first denim trousers were then made in the Italian city of Genoa, known in French as "Gênes," which evolved into "jeans" in American slang. Although jeans originated in Europe, they only became iconic in the USA, which is why their weight is still measured in ounces.
Learn more about the history of jeans here.
Heavyweight vs. Lightweight Jeans: How Many Ounces is Just Right?
In 1850, the first Levi’s jeans were crafted from 14 oz per square yard fabric. This weight sits perfectly between lightweight and heavyweight denim. Jeans weighing between 12 and 16 oz are considered midweight, while anything below 12 oz is lightweight, and anything above 16 oz is heavyweight. Yet, the ideal weight for jeans, then and now, is around 14 oz, making them suitable for all seasons. Made from 100% cotton, midweight denim keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, absorbing sweat effortlessly, and remaining durable even when wet.
Heavyweight jeans (16 oz and above) are superb for cold winters due to their robustness and longevity. However, they can be quite stiff and feel somewhat uncomfortable. Lightweight jeans (under 12 oz) are perfect for breezy summer days but are more prone to tears and wear. Hence, midweight jeans are often the best bet for all seasons.
SANVT’s Perfect Jeans
After two years of meticulous crafting, we’ve perfected our jeans in cut, material, and production. Handcrafted in Portugal from 13.5 oz Italian denim, our Perfect Jeans hits that sweet midweight spot – just a tad lighter than the original jeans to enhance breathability. This classic 13.5 oz denim equates to 460 GSM, and offers a unique feel and premium quality suitable for any season. Our 3/1 twill weave provides a soft touch without sacrificing the durability and sturdiness of quality denim. The open weave structure also adds to the jeans’ durability and longevity.
Our denim is crafted from 100% cotton, made from 24% post-consumer recycled cotton and 76% Blue Seed organic cotton. Blue Seed cotton’s longer fibres are softer and more resilient than conventional cotton. Plus, Blue Seed is more sustainable, requiring less water and no toxic chemicals.
Heavyweight vs. Lightweight Jeans: Conclusion
Finding the perfect balance in jeans is key to ensuring quality, breathability, and an ideal year-round wearing experience. When asked if we prefer heavyweight or lightweight jeans, we always recommend midweight jeans between 12 and 16 ounces. What proved to be the best quality in the 19th century still proves to be true today. With midweight denim, you will not only rock the festival season in the summer and brave the cold winter months, but also look stylish through all the in-between seasons.
Check out our new Perfect Jeans available in light blue, washed blue, and black.