Glossary

5

50/50

50 percent cotton / 50 percent polyester fabric, also referred to as polycotton.

5-panel

Refers to a style of hat or cap constructed from five separate panels of fabric, typically with a flat brim

A

Anti-microbial

Anti-microbial features keep clothes fresh longer by stopping odor-causing germs from growing

Soft and warm, acrylic is the closest synthetic alternative to wool, and allows for more lightweight warmth and durability. Acrylic is often mixed with polyester, and used in sweaters and fleeces. These are great for sports in the extreme cold, and those where you don’t build up quite as much of a sweat, like hiking. Unlike wool, it won’t shrink or fade in the wash.

Anti-microbial

Refers to materials or treatments designed to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, reducing odor and extending garment freshness

Aluminum

A lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal used in clothing accessories like zippers and buckles.

ABS plastic

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, durability, and resistance to impact

B

Bleach wash

It's a process of washing a fabric or a garment with bleach product to soften the look of the fabric.

Belcoro® Yarn

Is a trademarked process of spinning cotton. The spinning process produces a yarn that is softer and stays softer than more traditionally produced yarns.

Burlap

Thick, rough fabric that is usually used for making sacks.

Banded cuffs

Cuffs that are finished with a band or strip of fabric for reinforcement and aesthetic purposes.

Brushed cotton

Cotton fabric that has been brushed to create a soft, fuzzy surface texture.

Bamboo

A fast-growing grass used to produce fibers for clothing, known for its softness and sustainability.

BPA-free

Indicates that a product does not contain bisphenol A, a chemical commonly used in plastics and linked to health concerns.

Broadcloth

A tightly woven fabric characterized by its smooth texture and lustrous appearance, often used for dress shirts and blouses

C

Crew collar

A rounded, ribbed collar cut loose to the neck.

Canvas

A heavy, closely woven fabric of cotton, hemp, or flax, originally used for making tents and sails.

Combed Cotton

Cotton yarn that has been combed to remove short fibers and straighten or arrange longer fibers in parallel order resulting in a smooth yarn used in finer garments. A secondary cleansing process performed to remove additional impurities from the staple fiber after carding.

Cotton

A soft, fluffy fiber obtained from the cotton plant. Cotton is the most widely used natural fiber in the world, valued for its breathability, comfort, and versatility.

Cuffs

The end part of a sleeve, where the material of the sleeve is turned back or a separate band is sewn on.

Ceramic

A hard, brittle material made by firing clay and other minerals, sometimes used in clothing accessories, embellishments, and kitchenware.

Cord and barrel

a type of drawstring closure system consisting of a cord threaded through a barrel-shaped toggle or stopper

Contrasted RIB

ribbed knit fabric with contrasting colors, often used for cuffs, collars, and hemlines for visual interest

Camp

A style of shirt or jacket with a relaxed fit, typically featuring large pockets and a casual design

Cadet

A style of hat characterized by its close-fitting, round crown and stiff, flat brim

Creeper

A style of shoe characterized by a thick sole and low profile, often associated with skateboarding or streetwear fashion

Crewneck

The crew neck collars were created to better absorb sweat for a purely sporting purpose. Next we will review its different uses and its history.

Cardigan

Cardigan sweaters have a form of a knitted sweater, and a series of buttons are present on the front.

D

Double-Needle Stitched

A finish used on a sleeve and/or bottom hem(used also for bags) that uses two needles to create parallel rows of visible stitching. It gives the garment a cleaner, more finished look and adds durability.

Draw cord

A cord or ribbon run through a hem or casing and pulled to tighten or close an opening or drawstring.

Direct to garment (DTG)

Textile customization technique that consists in printing visuals thanks to ink jets using specialized printer for fabrics.

Duck

A closely woven, heavy-duty cotton or linen fabric, commonly used for workwear and outdoor gear.

Denier

A unit of measurement for the linear mass density of fibers, particularly synthetic fibers like polyester. Denier poly is denser and more durable.

Duffel

A big round bag with a top that closes, usually used for carrying clothes and personal stuff when traveling or doing sports

Dry-excel

A proprietary fabric technology known for its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, commonly used in athletic wear.

Dobby

A woven fabric characterized by small geometric patterns, often used for dress shirts and blouses

Direct Transfer Film (DTF)

Designs are printed on special film and then transferred to garments using heat. Provides flexibility in design placement and color options.

E

Elastic

Easily stretched rubber usually prepared in cords, strings or bands. An elastic fiber is usually made of yarns containing rubber.

Embroidery

Is the process of decorating fabric with a design formed by applying stitches of thread combining texture, pattern and color.

Eyelets

Small holes or perforations made in a series to allow for breathability. Finished with either stitching or brass grommets.

Easy care

Refers to fabrics or garments treated to resist wrinkles, shrinking, and fading, making them easier to launder and maintain

Eco-Responsible

Refers to practices or products that are mindful of environmental impact and sustainability.

Elastane

Also known as spandex or Lycra, a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity and stretch.

Ethyl

A type of synthetic fiber derived from ethylene, commonly used in clothing for its softness and wrinkle resistance

F

Flocking

Textile customization method that consists in creating a visual on a paper specially designed for flocking, then to deposit this visual on the fabric to be flocked before using a hot press to transfer the visual on the textile.

Fleece

A soft, synthetic fabric with a brushed surface, often used for warmth in jackets, hoodies, and blankets.

Flexfit

A brand of stretch-to-fit headwear characterized by its elasticized sweatband and flexible sizing for a comfortable fit

G

Gusseted

Refers to a garment construction technique where additional fabric panels are inserted to provide extra room, flexibility, or reinforcement in key areas such as underarms or crotches

Gusseted

Refers to a garment construction technique where additional fabric panels are inserted to provide extra room, flexibility, or reinforcement in key areas such as underarms or crotches

Gingham check

A pattern characterized by even-sized, alternating colored checks, typically woven in a simple criss cross pattern

H

Heather

A yarn that is spun using pre-dyed fibers. These fibers are blended together to give a particular look. (For example, black and white may be blended together to create a gray heathered yarn.) The term, heather, may also be used to describe the fabric made from heathered yarns.

Heavyweight

Fabric heavier than 280 grams. Standard weight in the industry is 230 grams or lighter.

Hem

The edge of a piece of cloth or clothing which has been turned under and sewn.

Hemp

A durable natural fiber made from the Cannabis plant, known for its strength, sustainability, and versatility.

Heat seal

A method of bonding fabrics together using heat and pressure, often used for adding patches or logos to clothing.

I

Inseam

The seam on the inner side of a pant leg that runs from the crotch to the bottom hem, indicating the length of the leg

Inseam

The seam on the inner side of a pant leg that runs from the crotch to the bottom hem, indicating the length of the leg

IPX7

An Ingress Protection (IP) rating indicating that a device or garment is waterproof and can withstand immersion in water up to a certain depth for a specified time

J

Jersey

A type of fabric with a flat appearance, knit on a circular, single-knit machine; its principal distinction is that it is not a fabric with a distinct rib. Also a garment, the same as a sweater.

K

Knit cuffs

Refers to the technique of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn rather than weaving. "Knit cuffs" typically refer to the cuffs on sleeves or pant legs made using this technique.

L

Low Profile

A cap style with a low slope that is more closely fitted to the head. Can be either structured or unstructured.

Lycra

An elastomeric fiber that is blended with other fibers. Can stretch 500 percent without breaking. Holds dyes well and is resistant to heat. Trademark owned by du pont.

Loose fit

Loose-fitting clothing is quite large and does not fit tightly.

Lurex®

Trademark. Fabric containing a thin metallic thread, which gives it a glittering appearance

LED

Light Emitting Diode, a semiconductor light source used in clothing for illumination or decorative purposes.

Lyocell

A type of rayon fabric made from wood pulp, known for its softness, breathability, and environmental sustainability.

Leather

A durable and flexible material made from the skin of animals, commonly used in clothing and accessories.

Linen

A natural fiber made from the flax plant, known for its coolness, breathability, and durability.

Lycra

A brand of elastane/spandex fiber known for its stretch and recovery properties, commonly used in activewear and swimwear.

Laser Engraving

Employs laser technology to directly print (Burn) onto materials with high precision and speed. Enables flat designs on various surfaces.

M

Microfleece

A high density, anti-pilling fleece made of knit micro-fibers that are brushed less than a regular fleece garment. It has a high capacity for warmth without the weight.

Microfiber

This fabric is tightly woven from a very fine poly thread and has a sueded finish for a luxurious, soft feel. Microfiber fabric is naturally water repellent due to its construction process and when specially treated, can also be waterproof.

Mesh

A fabric characterized by its open, net-like structure, commonly made from polyester fibers.

Mock

Refers to a garment with a simulated or faux feature, such as a mock neck or mock pocket, designed to mimic the appearance of a real feature

Missy cut

A style of clothing cut to fit a standard women's size range, typically offering a more relaxed fit than junior or petite sizes.

N

Neck tape

Protective band of tape sewn over the seam between the shell and the collar for a more comfortable feel to the garment.

Neoprene®

Trademark. Synthetic rubber used in wetsuits and swimsuits. It is a thermal and stretchy material.

Nylon

Nylon was made in 1935, and may or may not have been named after New York and London, when its creators were flying between the two cities. Nylon is very strong and durable, especially for such a lightweight material. It’s also water-resistant, and normally used for outerwear, such as jackets, or swimwear.

Non-Toxic

Refers to materials that do not pose a threat to human health or the environment.

O

Organic cotton

Cotton grown without the use of chemicals, but with ecological fertilizers.

Open hem

Refers to the bottom edge of a garment left unfinished or without a sewn hem, providing a relaxed and casual look

P

Pre-shrunk Cotton

Preshrunk garments are items of clothing that have already been washed, so additional washings will not shrink the garment.

Polyester

The world's favorite synthetic textile. Polyester was first patented during WWII, and became commercially popular a couple of decades later, mostly for its anti-wrinkle properties and durability.

Placket

Refers to the fabric panel or strip along the front opening of a garment, typically featuring buttons, snaps, or a zipper for closure

Pique

A type of knit fabric with a distinct waffle-like texture, commonly used in polo shirts.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic plastic polymer commonly used in clothing for its waterproof and durable properties.

Precurved

Refers to the shape of a garment or accessory, such as a pre curved brim on a hat, which is already shaped or bent prior to wearing

PE plastic

Polyethylene plastic, a versatile thermoplastic polymer commonly used in clothing packaging and accessories.

Polyurethane foam

A type of foam made from polyurethane polymers, used in clothing for padding and insulation.

Poplin

A lightweight, tightly woven fabric with a smooth surface, often used for shirts and dresses

Performance

Refers to clothing designed for athletic or outdoor activities, typically featuring moisture-wicking, stretch, and other technical features.

Pocket

Can refer to shirts, t-shirts or sweaters with a pocket, normally over the left chest.

R

Raglan

A raglan sleeve is stitched under the arm and in two parallel lines leading from the armpit to the neck; it makes for ease of arm movement.

Ringer

A style of garment, usually a t-shirt, where the collar and sleeve cuffs have a contrasting color or pattern compared to the body of the garment.

Ring-spun

A method of spinning cotton fibers into yarn, resulting in a softer and more durable fabric compared to traditional methods.

Rayon

Rayon is considered semi-synthetic. The raw ingredient, usually wood pulp, is natural, but the processes used to refine it stop it from being classified as such. It’s the closest replica to silk, and very soft. Mostly used in dresses and blouses, it's also found in loose-fitting sportswear, like tank tops and t-shirts.

Rip-stop

A fabric woven with reinforcement threads at regular intervals to prevent tears from spreading, commonly made from nylon.

Rubber

A flexible, elastic polymer derived from natural or synthetic sources. Can be used in clothing for waterproofing, insulation, and elasticity.

Rib knit

knit fabric characterized by raised vertical lines or ribs, often used for cuffs, collars, and trim

Recycled

Materials that have been processed or reprocessed from previously used products, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Reusable

Items designed to be used multiple times, reducing the need for single-use products and waste.

Rechargeable

devices or clothing items that can be powered up again after use by recharging their internal batteries or power sources

S

Spandex

Also known as lycra or elastane, spandex is the king of stretch. Often combined with other materials such as nylon, to add its elastic quality. Spandex is used to make close-fitting clothing such as leggings. Swimming, cycling, and yoga gear usually have at least some spandex in them.

Side seams

Seams that join the front and back together. This feature is not found on t-shirts and some placket shirts.

Screen printing

Method of textile customization where the ink is directly applied to the fabric to be customized using a frame (called a screen printing carousel) on which the fabric is placed, which is then covered with a stencil where the colors are applied one after the other.

Sublimation printing

Method of textile printing which consists of printing the desired image on a special paper, using sublimation inks. The paper is then pushed with a hot press on the fabric which ensures that the ink is injected directly into the textile. So the image is not on top (as with flocking) of the textile but is inside the textile.

Supima®

Supima is the marketing brand for American-grown Pima cotton. This type of cotton is of exceptional quality and softness thanks to its fibers which are 30% longer than average. This type of cotton is therefore softer and 45% stronger than normal cotton. Being grown exclusively in Texas and California, only 1% of apparel worldwide is made with Supima Cotton. Because Pima cotton is so much softer, it is very popular for textiles like t-shirts, socks and underwear.

Stain resistant

Refers to fabrics or treatments designed to repel or resist stains, making them easier to clean and maintain

Spread (collar)

Refers to a collar style with wide-set points, creating a broad and open neckline

Sandwich

Refers to a construction technique where multiple layers of fabric or material are stitched together, often used for adding structure or padding

Snap front

clothing closures secured with snaps or poppers, allowing for quick and easy fastening and removal

Stainless Steel

A corrosion-resistant alloy of iron, carbon, and other metals, used in clothing accessories for durability and hygiene.

Silicone

A flexible, rubber-like material known for its heat resistance, waterproof properties, and versatility in clothing accessories and seals

Satin

A smooth, glossy fabric with a lustrous surface, typically made from silk or synthetic fibers, often used in formalwear.

Side-seamed

Refers to garments constructed with seams along the sides, providing structure and shaping.

Snag resistant

Fabric treated or engineered to resist snagging or pulling, maintaining its appearance over time.

Screenprint

Utilises a mesh screen to transfer ink onto various substrates. Offers high-quality, durable prints suitable for a wide range of materials and designs.

Softshell

The term soft shell is used to describe garments that combine partial or full water resistance with partial or full wind-breaking ability.

T

Triblend

A fabric made from 3 types of material (e.g. cotton, polyester, rayon)

Twill

A type of textile weave characterized by diagonal parallel ribs.

TSA

Transportation Security Administration, a U.S. government agency responsible for security screening at airports and other transportation hubs

Thumbhole cuffs

Cuffs with small openings designed to allow the wearer to insert their thumbs, providing extra warmth and coverage for the hands.

Taslan

A type of nylon fabric characterized by its durability and weather resistance, commonly used in outdoor clothing.

Triblend

A fabric blend typically composed of three different fibers, often cotton, polyester, and rayon, known for its softness and drape.

Tencel

A brand of lyocell fabric known for its softness, breathability, and eco-friendly production process.

Tear Away

Refers to clothing labels or tags designed to be easily torn off without damaging the garment

Trim cut

Refers to a close-fitting or tailored style of clothing, typically with narrow seams and minimal excess fabric.

Tampography

Uses a silicone pad to transfer ink onto irregular or uneven surfaces. Allows for precise and consistent prints, including curved surfaces.

U

Unisex

Designed to be suitable for both sexes.

USB-C

A newer USB connector that can be plugged in either way and moves data faster, now found in more gadgets

USB A-type

A regular USB connector that's rectangular and is used to link devices to computers or chargers

V

Velcro

Fastener for clothes or other items, consisting of two strips of thin plastic sheet, one covered with tiny loops and the other with tiny flexible hooks, which adhere when pressed together and can be separated when pulled apart.

Viscose

A semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose, often used as a silk substitute in clothing.

Velvet

A luxurious fabric with a soft pile, typically made from silk or synthetic fibers, characterized by its plush texture.

Velour

A plush, knitted fabric similar to velvet but with a slightly stretchy texture, often used in loungewear and upholstery.

V-Neck

A V-shaped neckline on a garment such as a pullover, usually at the front of the garment.

W

Wool

Comes from animal origin. The fibre comes from sheep's fleece.

Wicking

Moisture wicking refers to fabrics engineered to transport moisture away from the skin, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable during physical activity.