Selvedge denim is defined by its self-finished woven edge — a tightly bound edge created as the cloth is woven.
The word selvedge comes from “self-edge.” Instead of leaving a cut edge that needs finishing later, the fabric is woven with a naturally finished edge along both sides of the cloth.
The coloured yarn seen at the cuff — often red, but not always — is a visual signature. The coloured line does not make denim selvedge; the self-finished woven edge does.
The woven edge is clean and stable, avoiding the loose cut edge seen on conventional wide-width denim.
Selvedge cloth is traditionally associated with narrower weaving methods, making fabric placement more deliberate.
Turn up the cuff and the woven edge becomes one of denim’s most recognisable construction details.
Redline selvedge may be the most familiar version, but selvedge edges can use blue, green, neutral or other identifying yarns. What matters is the woven self-edge itself.
That is why two selvedge fabrics can look very different while sharing the same defining construction.