Denim is a specific type of cotton twill, which is defined by a particular weaving method with closely packed fibers that results in a diagonal pattern. This allows for a more durable fabric.

Denim has been a staple in fashion for decades, and certain vintage pieces have now become highly sought-after treasures.

Weaving Shibusa is a meditation on how each step of the Japanese jean-making process is a grab at sartorial transcendence. "There is no 'this one does it the best,'" says Leisher.

He says it takes about 10 minutes to weave the 1m30 of denim needed to make a pair of jeans. Greener, cleaner, longer-lasting jeans Sagot imports the 100 percent-combed-cotton thread from Turkey.

“Typically, the most popular denims in the world are going to be a three-by-one right-hand twill weave, 10 to 12 ounces, red cast (vs. green cast), and — right now — vertical slubs rather than cross ...

Barry Tollison worked at Liberty Denim for 15 years as a supervisor in the weaving department. "So many people are out of work and a lot of them are skilled workers," Tollison said.