Study occasional film material (5)

I believe the answer is:

denim

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'material' is the definition.
(type of fabric)

'study occasional film' is the wordplay.
'study' becomes 'den' (term for a study or office).
'occasional film' becomes 'im' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'den'+'im'='DENIM'

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(Other definitions for denim that I've seen before include "Durable material" , "Material for casual trousers or jackets" , "Tough cotton fabric" , "Cotton twill fabric" , "Fabric used for jeans" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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