Denim weight is measured in ounces per square yard of fabric, a figure usually printed on fabric specifications and sometimes on the jeans themselves. It reflects how much cotton yarn is packed into a given area of fabric, which in turn affects thickness, stiffness and how the finished garment behaves.
As a rough guide, denim under about 10 oz is considered lightweight and feels soft and flexible from the first wear, useful in warmer climates or for a more relaxed drape. Around 12 oz is a common medium weight for everyday jeans, balancing durability with comfort. Denim at 14 oz and above is heavyweight, starting out noticeably stiff and taking longer to break in, but generally lasting longer and developing more pronounced fades over time.
Weight is one factor among several, alongside weave and finishing, so two fabrics of the same weight can still feel quite different. See our denim weight guide for how to choose based on climate and use, and the entry on raw denim for how weight interacts with break in time.
