Did you know ?  In the 16th century, the fabric 'sergé de Nîmes', which wasn't made out of cotton but out of wool and silk, was well known for its quality and strength. This reputation helped other producers from France and England to sell their own cloth under this name. It is unlikely that the denim is a direct descendant of the 'sergé de Nîmes', but a successor by name rather than by blood.