Rigid denim is denim made entirely from cotton, with no elastane or other elastic fiber blended in. Unlike stretch denim, it does not extend and recover with movement, so its fit and shape come purely from the cut of the garment and the natural give of woven cotton.
Worn over time, rigid denim softens gradually as the fibers relax and the fabric molds to the wearer's body, a process that can take anywhere from a few wears to several months depending on weight. Many people associate this gradual break in, along with the more defined creases and fades it can produce, with a more traditional denim experience.
Because rigid denim relies fully on cut and sizing for fit, getting the size right matters more than with stretch fabric that can flex a little to compensate. See our jeans size guide and raw denim guide, since most raw denim is rigid.
