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Apparel Definitions

Glossary of Terms

Term	Definition
#(number)
1x1 Rib Knit	A rib knit is produced using a style of knitting pattern which yields a distinct vertically ridged pattern known as ribbing. A 1x1 Rib knit is created when the rows of the "knit" and "purl" stitch
2-Needle Stitching	See Double-Needle Stitching
2-Way Zipper	A zipper with two zipper pulls so the garment can be unzipped from either direction.
2x1 Rib Knit	A rib knit is produced using a style of knitting pattern which yields a distinct vertically ridged pattern known as ribbing. A 2x1 Rib knit is created when there are two rows of a "knit" stitch
4-Needle Stitching	A finish commonly used on a sleeve or bottom hem that uses four needles to create parallel rows of visible stitching, giving the garment a cleaner, more finished look, as well as adding
50/50	50-percent cotton/50-percent polyester fabric; also referred to as "poly/cotton".
A
Abrasion Resistance	The degree by which a fabric is able to withstand loss of appearance through surface wear, rubbing, chafing, and other frictional actions.
Absorbency	The ability of a fabric to take in moisture. Absorbency affects many other characteristics such as skin comfort, static build-up, shrinkage, stain removal, water repellency, and wrinkle
Air Jet Yarn	A spinning technology which spins a single type of yarn or with a blend of filament yarns which provide for a virtually "pill free" fabric
Allen Solley Placket	A one-piece placket that's hidden after being sewn. This process utilizes the existing fabric for
ANSI	The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is an organization that promotes standards for industry and government. Most often refers to safety colors.
Anti-Bacterial	A finish or treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Anti-Microbial	A term used for a garment that is able to resist, either naturally or chemically, the effects of microbial secretions put off by the human body, resisting odor and increasing garment life.
Anti-Pill Finish	A treatment applied to the fabric primarily to resist the formation of little balls on the fabric's surface due to abrasion during wear. See Pilling.
Anti-Static	A fiber or fabric that does not allow the build-up of static electricity to occur when the fiber or fabric experiences friction or rubbing.
B
Baby Pique Knit	A knitting method that creates a fine, small textured surface that appears similar to a very small waffle weave. Also see Pique Knit.
Back Yoke	A piece of fabric that connects the back of a garment to the shoulders. This allows the
Bamboo Fabric	Bamboo fabric is a natural textile made from the pulp of the bamboo grass. It has been growing in popularity and is more sustainable than most textile fibers. Also, it is light and strong, has excellent wicking properties, and is to some extent antibacterial.
Banded Self Collar	A type of collar made of the same material as the shirt. The two basic kinds of this collar are the simulated, made of two pieces, or the true, made of four pieces.
Bartacks	A specialized sewing stitch designed to provide immense tensile strength to a seam.
Base Layer	The apparel in contact with your skin. The purpose of the base layer is to keep you warm/cool
Baseball Shirt	A shirt typically featuring crew collar, white body, and three-quarter-length raglan sleeves in a
Basket weave	A variation of the plain weave in which two or more threads are woven side by side to resemble a "basket" look. Fabrics have a loose construction and loose appearance.
Binder	A binder is used in pigment dyeing to help the color pigment adhere to the garment. In the process, the binder adds weight and thickness to the garment.
Binding	A strip of material sewn or attached over or along the edge of something for protection,
Biodegradable	A material's ability to decompose through natural processes and eventually be reabsorbed by
Biowash	Also known as bio-polishing or enzyme treatment. This is a chemical process to remove short fibers from fabrics so that the finished fabrics can have a cleaner surface. The process weakens the fibers so that they are more readily to break off, thus improve the pilling resistance but at the same time reduce the bursting strength of the fabric. Since the treatment is done in an acidic condition and at high temperature, noticeable color change will be
Birdseye Jacquard	A small geometric pattern with a center dot knit into the fabric.
Blanket Stitch	A decorative stitch often used to finish an unhemmed blanket. The stitch can be seen on both sides of the blanket or other garment.
Blanks	Undecorated items or apparel; also refers to "blank" goods.
Blend	A yarn or a fabric that is made up of more than one type of fiber.
Blind stitch	Stitching that is not easily seen or noticed. Often used in hems.
Boatneck	An extra-wide neckline extending to or toward the shoulder seams.
Bonded Fleece	Multiple layers of fleece are bonded together with an adhesive, resin, foam or fusible membrane to form a higher functioning garment.
Bonding	The technique of permanently joining together two fabrics or layers of fabrics together by a
Bound Side Seam	When the two fabric edges along the side of a garment are reinforced with an additional piece of narrow fabric to prevent fraying or raveling.
Box Pleat	A single, uniform fold in the center back of a garment to allow for more room and comfort.
Boy short	Women's underwear characterized by its full-back coverage and its similarity to men's knit
Breathability	The movement of water or water vapor from one side of the fabric to the other, caused by capillary action, wicking, chemical or electrostatic action.
Brim	The projecting edge of a hat.
Broadcloth	A close plain-weave fabric made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton or rayon with polyester.
Brushed	A finishing process for knit or woven fabrics in which brushes or other abrading devices are used to raise a nap on fabrics or create a novelty surface texture.
Bt	A toxin produced by a bacterium called bacillus thuringiensis. This bacterium is a disease of caterpillars, but it is harmless to other insects and humans.
Buckram	Stiff fabric used to give shape and form to items like caps, belts, etc. Also used to stabilize
Button-Down Collar	Found on many men's woven dress shirting's, where the collar's wings can be buttoned to the front of the shirt, minimizing the spread between the wings.
Button-Through Sleeve Placket	A small placket located near the end of the sleeve, by the cuff, which contains a single button
C
Carbon Footprint	A measure of the your impact on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.
Cashmere	A luxury fiber obtained from the soft fleecy undergrowth of the cashmere goat
Certified Organic	Textiles that are certified organic are made from raw organic materials that originate from organic cultivation, processed using sustainable textile production methods where 100% certified organic natural fibers come from inspected, toxic free organic farming in compliance
Chain stitch	A machine stitch forming a chain on the underside of the fabric.
Chambray	A plain woven fabric that can be made from silk or manufactured fibers, but is most commonly cotton. It incorporates a colored warp and white filling yarns.
Chino Cotton	A sturdy, medium weight twill cotton fabric used for uniforms and sometimes work or sports
Clean Finished Vents	Clean finished vents are formed by turning all raw edges under in a double fold and then stitching with a single needle. This has no functional purpose but gives a neater appearance.
Clean-Finished Placket	Typically the interfacings of plackets are raw or edged, which means they can look ragged or uneven, particularly on light-colored shirts. By cutting the interfacing in a rectangle, turning the edges under and fusing them in place, there is a straight placket with no raw edges. All that
ClimaCool®	Exclusive adidas technology providing Sweat and heat management through ventilation and
ClimaLite®	Exclusive adidas technology. Light, breathable fabrics that conduct heat and sweat away from the body to keep the wearer comfortable and dry in warm conditions.
ClimaProof®	Exclusive adidas technology. A lightweight, breathable shell that keeps wind, rain and snow out while allowing heat and sweat to escape through evaporation. CLIMAPROOF® locks out energy sapping weather extremes so you stay dry and comfortable in even the harshest conditions. Don't just suffer through the wind, snow or rain, bend the elements to your will with the help of three CLIMAPROOF® elements for apparel: ClimaProof® Wind, ClimaProof® Rain and ClimaProof® Storm.
ClimaWarm®	Exclusive adidas technology offering lightweight, breathable insulation that keeps you dry and comfortable in cold weather conditions by using densely woven synthetic fibers to trap warm air close to the skin. While these fibers are dense enough to trap air, they are spaced far enough apart to easily allow heat-sapping sweat to escape through evaporation.
Collar	The upright or turned-over neckband of a coat, jacket or shirt.
Collarette	A trim around the neck of a t'shirt or sweatshirt
Color Block	Merchandising and/or cutting term whereby a certain type or block of colors ends up in the same place every time on the finished garment.
Colorfast	A dyed fabric's ability to resist fading due to washing, exposure to sunlight and other
Combed/Combed Cotton	A process by which the short fibers of a yarn are removed and the remaining longer fibers are arranged in parallel order for a high quality yarn with excellent strength, fineness and
Comfort Stretch	The term given to the freedom of movement experienced in the wearing of a garment that contains spandex, or has stretch engineered into a yarn through mechanical stretch
Compacting	Process that compacts the space between fabric fiber pockets. This will prevent cotton
Comprehension Straps	Straps which securely hold the inner contents of a bag.
Compression Fabric/Stretch	A high tenacity stretch fabric which, when in a close fitting garment, provides muscles with a firm compression fit that lessons vibrations, reduces fatigue, and keeps muscles energized. The fabric is usually made in a knit construction, using a series of gradient fibers with an open
Compression Molded	A solid, pre-formed molded panel that is created using compression.
Cool & Dry®	Yupoong moisture management technology
Cool Knit	A variation of pique that results in a different texture and surface appearance. It resembles a
Cool-Crown™	A mesh liner used inside Adams Headwear which is designed to promote cooling and
Coolmax® Extreme	Wicking performance fabric that moves moisture away from the skin, keeping people cool and
Cord locks	A stopper or toggle on a draw cord that keeps the cord from retracting into the garment.
Corduroy	A cut filling pile cloth with narrow to wide ribs. Usually made of cotton, but can be found in polyester and other synthetic blends.
Cotton	Soft vegetable fiber obtained from the seedpod of the cotton plant.
Cotton Sheeting	Plain-weave cotton fabric, usually prelaundered, used for fashion sportswear. It's wrinkled to
Cover	(Cap) The front, back and tip of a crown when it is sewn together. Falcon's Style 27582
Cover seamed	Two needles are used, to overlap the threads underneath, reinforcing the seams with a smooth layer of threads. Provides a look similar to double needle stitching.
Crew Collar	A rounded, ribbed collar cut loose to the neck.
Crinkle Cotton	Cotton that is given a crinkled, lightly wrinkled or pleated appearance through chemical treatment or mechanical means. The treatment gives added texture to the garment.
Crocking	Crocking refers to the tendency of pigment-dyed shirt to lose some of the pigment on the surface of the shirt from regular wear and washing. Crocking gives the shirt its desired, weathered look. Comfort Colors Style 1567 is an example of a garment with crocking.
Crop Top	A shirt style made to expose the midriff.
Cross Grain	The term "cross-grain" in the US refers to the direction perpendicular to the length-of-grain (selvage edges), not the diagonal of the fabric
Cross Stitch Buttons	Attaching a four hole button by stitching diagonally across forming an 'X'. This adds strength and stability and is aesthetically more appealing.
Crown	The upper-most part of the cap of a hat that is sewn to either a hatband, brim or sweat band.
D
Denier	A system of measuring the weight of a continuous filament fiber. The lower the number, the finer the fiber; the higher the number, the heavier the fiber.
Denim	A cotton or blended fabric with right- or left-hand twill construction. The wrap is usually dyed
Digitizing	(Embroidery) Method of recreating an embroidery design through information entered into a computer. Instead of a physical act of punching paper tape, digitizing involves numerical calculations fed through an automatic machine to determine the points of embroidery stitches
Dobby	A decorative weave, usually geometric, that is woven into the fabric. Standard dobby fabrics are usually flat and relatively fine or sheer.
Double Dry®	Exclusive Champion technology that wicks perspiration for a dry-all-day feel. Disperses moisture for faster drying. Keeps body temperatures lower so you can play in cool comfort
Double Knit	A circular knit fabric knitted via double stitch on a double needle frame to provide a double
Double-Needle Stitching	A finish commonly used on a sleeve or bottom hem that uses two needles to create parallel rows of visible stitching, giving the garment a cleaner, more finished look, as well as adding
Down	The soft, fluffy under feathers of ducks and geese. Services as an excellent thermal insulator and padding for bedding, sleeping bags and outerwear.
Draw cord	A cord or ribbon run through a hem or casing, pulled to tighten or close an opening.
Dri-Fast Advantage™	Exclusive Devon & Jones technology providing advanced moisture management to keep you dry, cool and comfortable. It even blocks the sun's harmful rays.
Dri-Fast™	Exclusive Devon & Jones technology that provides moisture management to keep you dry, cool and comfortable.
Drop Tail	A design feature found in upscale products where the back of the garment is longer than the front for the purpose of keeping the shirt tucked in. Sometimes referred to as an "elongated"
Drop-Needle	A knit fabric characterized by vertical lines within the cloth. Manufactured by dropping a
Dry Blend	Dry Blend is a process for powder coating manufacturing in which materials are blended
DuPont™ Teflon®	Trademark of DuPont. Stain resistant, water repellent finish applied to textiles. This treatment gives the fabric a protective coating without affecting any of the fabrics inherent properties.
Durability	The ability of a fabric to resist wear through continual use.
Dura-Pearl™	Pearlized type button trademarked by Broder Bros., Co.
Dyed-To-Match (DTM)	A term which characterizes buttons or trims that are the same color as the garment onto
E
Eco-Friendly	Also known as 'environmentally friendly' or 'nature-friendly,' eco-friendly refers to goods and services that inflict minimal harm on the environment.
Ecospun	A fleece outerwear fabric made from at least 50% materials reclaimed from recycled plastic
EcoSystem	Living things and the physical environment in which they live that form a complex, interconnected web of interactions and relationships.
Egyptian Cotton	Cultivated in Egypt's Nile River Valley, this cotton is regarded as one of the finest cotton in the world. The particular growing season gives the cotton the longest and strongest fibers, making it ideal for weaving into smooth, strong yarn. Commonly used in high-end towels and
End-On-End	A weave pattern in which the warp yarn (the yard running lengthwise) alternates between
Engineered	(stripe, pattern) A shirt cut and constructed so that the stripe pattern or insert in the body or sleeve is placed to fall in the exact same location on every shirt.
Enzyme-Wash	Washing process that uses a cellulose-based solution to obtain garments that appear to have been stonewashed or acid washed. The solution physically degrades the surface of the cotton fiber. The appearance and hand of the garment are identical to stonewashed and acid washed garments. However, the fabric surface is not damaged to the extent of a
Ergonomic	Design elements incorporated into a garment to improve the design by enhancing the wearer's comfort, performance or health.
Etched Tone Buttons	A horn tone button with an etched design pattern.
Extended Tail	A longer back than front for the purpose of keeping the shirt tucked in. Also referred to as
Eyelets	Small holes or perforations made in a series to allow for breathability. Finished with either
F
Fabric Memory	A fabrics ability to return to its original dimensions after being stretched out of shape.
Face Yarn	The exterior yarn of a fabric.
Fastness	The quality of not fading.
Fiber-Reactive Dyes	A class of dye used on 100 percent cotton or rayon. Reactive dyes can also be applied on wool and nylon; in the latter case they are applied under weakly acidic conditions. Fiber- reactive dyes are textile dyes which form a covalent bond with the fibers of the textile, resulting in a long lasting, bright dye. One of the most expensive dyes, however it has
Flat Collar/Cuffs	A single ply fabric with a finished edge that is used for collars and cuffs on sport shirts and short sleeve garments. Also known as welt.
Fleece	A fabric identified by a soft napped interior and a smooth exterior. Commonly used in sweats.
Flexfit®	A Yupoong patented technology that weaves spandex into the sweatband and throughout the entire crown to allow easy stretching while retaining the original shape.
Football Jersey	(Style) A jersey shirt with a slight V-neck, stitched yoke and one-half to three-quarter length sleeves. A4's Style N4137 is an example of a Football Jersey.
Front Panel	(Cap) The front section of a cap or hat to which an imprint or emblem is applied.Yupoong's Style 6777Y used to show the front panel of a cap.
Full Cut	Refers to a garment's fit as being generous and roomy.
Fully Taped Neck Seam	As the collar is attached, a strip of body fabric is folded and sewn in the collar seam. The strip of body fabric is then folded down and single needle stitched to the body. This reinforces the neck or collar seam and gives a smooth, flat finish to go against the neck.
Fused Lining	A lining that is fused to the two outer plies with solvent, heat and pressure. It's used to stabilize or stiffen parts of a garment, such as a pocket or collar.
G
Garment Dyed	A dyeing process that occurs after the garment is assembled.
Garment Dyeing	The process of dyeing finished garments. Garment dyeing does not involve the multitude of finishing processes that piece dyeing does.
Garment Wash	Process of industrially washing garments after they have been manufactured to remove sizing; it also softens and pre-shrinks.
Garment Washed	A wash process where softeners are added to finished garments to help the cotton fibers relax. The result is a fabric with a thicker appearance, reduced shrinkage and a softer hand.
GMO	GMO is an acronym for 'Genetically Modified Organism' and refers to plants, such as 'Bt Cotton,' and foods that have been engineered by insertion of DNA by humans.
GRAS	Generally Recognized as Safe.
Green	The adjective used to describe people, behaviors, products, policies, standards, processes, places, movements or ideas that promote, protect, restore or minimize damage to the
Grommet	An eyelet of firm material to strengthen or protect an opening.
Grosgrain	A firm, closely woven fabric with narrow horizontal stripes. Commonly used for ribbons,
Gusset	Triangular inserts in sleeve seams to widen and strengthen. Also used to widen and
H
Hand	Quality or characteristic of fabrics perceived by sense of touch--softness, firmness or drape.
Heather	Blended fibers combining to create a varicolored effect; for example, heather gray.
Heavyweight	Fabric heavier than 10 ounces per linear yard, equal to 1.60 yield. Standard weight in the industry is 8 ounces (2.0 yield) or lighter.
Henley	Shirt featuring a banded neck and button placket; may be ribbed.
Herringbone	A chevron or zigzag decorative pattern knit into fabric. Commonly used in golf shirts and twill
High Cotton	Refers to fabrics woven with a relatively high thread count, resulting in a dense, tight fabric.
High Crew	A crew neck cut higher than standard crew necks.
High-Profile	A term used for a cap or hat silhouette that is less fitted to the head with a high slope. Usually structured with buckram or other stiff fabric lining.
Horn-Style Buttons	Buttons that appear to be manufactured from horn.
I
Interlock Knit	A double knit fabric with a smooth finish on face and back of fabric. The process creates a luxurious fabric with increased strength, enhanced durability.
J
Jacquard Knit	Often an intricate pattern knit directly into the fabric during the manufacturing process. Typically, two or more colors are used.
Jersey Knit	The consistent interloping of yarns to produce a fabric with a flat, smooth face and a more
Johnny Collar	A type of neckline that forms a "Y" at the front of the neck. Commonly used in women's
L
Lap Shirt	(Lap shoulder shirt) An infant's shirt where the back panel or body of the shirt overlaps the front panel at the neckline where the set-in sleeve starts.
Lap Shoulder	An infant's shirt where the back panel or body parts overlap the front panel at the neckline where the set-in sleeves start, making it easier to slip on and off.
Lisle	High-quality cotton yarn made by plying yarns spun from long, combed staple.
Locker Loop	A looped piece of fabric in the neck of a garment for the convenience of hanging the garment on a hook. Can also be located at the center of the back yoke on the inside or outside of a
Locker Patch	A semi-oval panel sewn into the inside back portion of a garment, just under the collar seam to reinforce the garment and minimize stretching when hung on a hook. The patch also allows for the garment tag or label to be sewn below the neckline to help prevent irritation.
Logo	An artistic interpretation of a company's sign or symbol. These figures can be copyrighted or trademarked. Permission is needed for duplication.
Low-Profile	A term used for a cap or hat silhouette that is more closely fitted to the head. Can be either
Lycra® Fiber	INVISTA's trademark for a synthetic fabric material with the elastic properties of spandex.
Lyocell	manufactured fiber made of regenerated cellulose (plant fiber). Lyocell has a similar hand and drape to rayon, but is stronger and more durable. It has a subtle luster and takes color well, and has good wrinkle-resistant qualities. It also absorbs moisture well.
M
Mélange	A mix of different colors of yarns knit together to create a heathered effect.
Mercerized	A process that eliminates all of the small "hairs" of yarn, which adds to its luster. This yarn is then additionally run through a caustic solution, which further smoothes and adds gloss to the
Mesh	A type of fabric characterized by its net-like open appearance and the spaces between the yarns. Mesh is available in a variety of constructions, including woven's, knits, laces or
Micro fleece	Crafted from ultra-fine yarn, this lightweight, high-density fleece is brushed less than a regular fleece garment for a tight look, excellent softness and warmth. 100% polyester micro fleece.
Micro stripe	An ultra-fine stripe knit into the fabric
Micro suede	A synthetic fabric napped on one side to resemble suede leather. Short, close nap gives a
Microfiber	Tightly woven fabric from a very fine polyester thread, usually with a sueded finish for a soft feel. Generally lightweight, resilient, resist wrinkling and are inherently water repellent and
Mid-Profile	A term used for a cap or hat silhouette that is slightly fitted to the head. Can be either
Mock Turtleneck	A shortened version of the turtleneck where the neck of the garment does not fold over. Anvil's Style 12479 is an example of a Mock Turtleneck
Moisture Transport	The movement of water or water vapor from one side of the fabric to the other, caused by capillary action, wicking, chemical, or electrostatic action.
Moisture-Wicking	moisture management fabrics which transport moisture away from the body, keeping the
Mullens	The term used to describe the fabrics strength because that is the name of the test machine. This machine is used to determine the pounds per square inch of pressure needed to break the fabric. Fabric strength has a definite bearing on seam strength, needle cutting and overall longevity of a garment. Since stronger fabric does not needle cut, the mullens is very
N
Nap	A fuzzy, fur-like feel created when fiber ends extend from the basic fabric structure to the fabric surface. The fabric can be napped on one or both sides.
Non-Iron	A term characterizing fabric that has been chemically treated to resist wrinkles, eliminating the
NuBlend™ Fleece	A combined knitting and spinning process, with fabric made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, developed by Jerzees® with an anti-pilling surface.
Nylon	A synthetic fiber with high strength and abrasion resistance, low absorbency and good
O
Oeko-Tex	For companies in the textile and clothing industry, the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 provides a uniform and scientific evaluation standard for the safety of textiles.
One-Ply Yarn	One strand of thread is used to form the yarn that is woven into terry loops.
Open-End Yarn	A yarn produced by using a combing roll + rotor.
Optical Brightener	A chemical used by bleachers to make the whites whiter. In shirts to be dyed, the bleacher needs to know so he can ensure that the optical brighteners are applied evenly. Otherwise,
Organic Cotton	Organic cotton is cotton from non-genetically modified plants that are certified to be grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides.
Ottoman	A tightly woven, horizontal raised rib textured knit.
Ounces Per Square Yard	A measurement of fabric weight, a weight that customers usually ask for when making a comparison to competitive brands.
Over-Dyed	A process in which yarn-dyed fabrics or piece-dyed garments are put through an additional dye color to create unique colors.
Oxford	A fine, lightweight woven cotton or cotton blend fabric with a 2x1 basket weave variation.
P
Packable	A feature that allows for the garment to be folded into a separate or attached pocket.
Pashmina	Fabric woven from the downy fibers from goats of the mountainous state of Jammu +
Patch Pocket	A pocket attached to the outside of a garment.
Peached	A soft hand usually obtained by sanding the fabric lightly. Can be achieved with chemical or
Pearlized Buttons	Buttons that have a pearl-colored hue.
Performance Fabrics	Fabrics made for a variety of end-use applications, which provide functional qualities, such as moisture management, UV protection, anti-microbial, thermo-regulation, and wind/water
Peruvian Pima Cotton	Peruvian Pima Cotton is often referred to as the "cashmere of cotton" because it is the softest, smoothest, "silkiest" fabric you can wear. Shrinkage standard for Peruvian Pima fabrics is a maximum of 5 x 5 if the garment is washed following directions on the label.
PFD	Prepared for Dye. Indicates that the garment has been specifically prepared for the garment-
Piece-Dyed	A dyeing process that occurs when the fabric is in yardage form after it has been knitted or woven, but before the garment is assembled.
Pigment Dye	A class of dye used on cotton or poly-cotton. Neon or fluorescent colors are done with pigments. Dyers also do a distressed look using pigments. Pigments have the least degree of fastness of all the dyes, but create the brightest colors. Pigment dyes will typically stay in the
Pigment-Dyed	A type of dye process used to create a distressed or washed look that results in soft, muted
Pilling	A tangled ball of fibers that appears on the surface of a fabric as a result of wear or continued friction or rubbing on the surface of the fabric. See Anti-Pill Finish.
Pima Cotton	A term applied to extra-long staple cotton grown in the U.S., Peru, Israel and Australia. It can only be grown in select areas where the cotton is fully irrigated and benefits from a longer growing season for a softer, stronger cotton than standard cotton.
Pin Point Pique™	A medium-weight fabric, knit with a waffle pattern from a medium count yarn combined with Spandex. Knit in a single knit fabric construction, created on multi-feed circular knitting
Pinpoint Oxford	Two fine yarns that are wrapped together for a fine and luxurious hand.
Pique Knit	A knitting method that creates a fine textured surface that appears similar to a waffle weave. Commonly used for polo shirts.
Placket	The part of a shirt or jacket where the garment fastens or buttons together.
Placket Shirt	A golf-style shirt featuring a slit extending down the front from the neck. The slit is usually
Plied Yarn	A twisting together of two or more single yarns in one operation.
Ply	Two or more yarns that have been twisted together.
Polar Fleece	Knitted using 100% fine denier polyester yarns. The pile is napped on the front and back to promote a very soft hand with exceptional loft. This is a fine denier knit that also allows the
Polyester	A strong, durable synthetic fabric with high strength and excellent resiliency. Low moisture absorbency allows the fabric to dry quickly.
Poly-Filled	A warm polyester lining found in the body or sleeves of outerwear garments. It has more loft
Polynosic	A type of microfiber that is a blend of polyester and rayon fibers and features similar characteristics to cotton and silk with excellent luster, a soft finish, and very little shrinkage.
Polypropylene	A hard fabric made from a plastic polymer of propylene.
Polyurethane Coating (PU Coating)	A finish commonly used in winter jackets, rainwear and wind wear to offer high performance water resistance, while maintaining the garment's breathability.
Poplin	A medium-to-heavyweight unbalanced plain weave. It is a spun yarn fabric that is usually piece dyed. Made by weaving one weft (vertical) yarn over and under each warp (horizontal) yarn, alternating each row. The filling is cylindrical. Two or three times as many warp as weft
Preshrunk	Pre-shrinking is not about pre-washing the fabric. It is a process where the bolted, uncut fabric is run through rollers containing tiny nubs that press the fabric over the nubs, creating grooves which condense it. This puckered shrinking effect then allows for real shrinking to occur when washed, without it being detected. Therefore, the fabric - not the shirt - is pre-
Princess Seams	Shaped seams which can be found on the front or back of a garment. They are usually used specifically in women's fashion since princess seams are designed to make a garment fit
Private Label	System of garment labeling in which a manufacturer produces apparel using the customer's name or logo on the sewn-in tag.
Pullover	Type of garment (sweater, jacket, etc) that is pulled on over the head, as opposed to having a
PVC	A polyurethane coating that is added to make garments water resistant.
Q
Quarter-Turned	An additional manufacturing process where the mill rotates 1/4 of a turn to put a crease on the side of the product rather then the front of the product.
Quilting	A fabric construction in which a layer of down or fiberfill is placed between two layers of fabric, and then held in place by stitching or sealing in a consistent, all-over pattern.
R
Racer back	T-shaped back of a tank, dress or sports bra.
Raglan Sleeve	An athletic cut sleeve set with a diagonal seam from the neck to the underarm. Offers more freedom of movement in comparison with set-in sleeves.
Rayon	A manufactured fiber composed of regenerated cellulose, derived from wood pulp, cotton linters or other vegetable matter, with a soft hand. Frequently used for shirts and pants.
Reactive Dyes	Used by most mills, reactive dyes are generally used to match a color with clarity and depth. It is necessary to have a cotton thread garment when using reactive dyes as they only penetrate cotton fiber. They provide excellent washfastness. See also Fiber Reactive Dyes
Recycled	Materials that have been taken from one product and made into a new product, such as plastic bottles broken down and turned into fiber. The recycling process generally saves energy and reduces the need to extract additional raw resources from the earth.
Reverse-Placket	When the buttons on a placket are on the opposite side from a men's garment. Commonly
Rib Knit	A textured knit that has the appearance of vertical lines. It is highly elastic and retains its shape. Commonly used for sleeve and neck bands.
Ring spun	Yarn made by continuously twisting and thinning a rope of cotton fibers. The twisting makes the short hairs of cotton stand out, resulting in a stronger yarn with a significantly softer hand.
Ringer	A shirt featuring ribbed crew neck and sleeve bands in a contrasting color.
Rip-Stop Nylon	A very fine woven fabric, often nylon, with coarse, strong yarns spaced at intervals forming a box so that tears will not spread.
S
Sailcloth	Any heavy, plain-weave canvas fabric, usually made of cotton, linen, polyester, jute, nylon, etc. that is used for sails and apparel (i.e. bottomweight sportswear).
Sand Washed	A process in which the fabric is washed with very fine lava rocks or rubber/silicon balls, resulting in a softer fabric with a relaxed look and reduced shrinkage.
Sandwich Hat/Bill	A hat where there is contrasting trim between the upper and lower part of the visor or bill.
Scoop Neck	Characterized by a deep, rounded neckline that is significantly deeper than normal necklines. Typically found on women's shirts.
Sculpted Hem	A hem that is softly rounded for fashion detail and untucked wear.
Seam Sealed	The process of treating the stitch holes and seams of a garment to prevent leaking and to
Seamless Collar	A collar that is knit in a circle. There are no joining seams on the collar, found in better-made t-
Self-Fabric Collar	A collar that is constructed from the same material as the body of the garment.
Self-Fabric Sweatband	Refers to a panel of fabric at the front of a cap that is constructed from the same fabric as the
Serge	An overcastting technique done on the cut edge of the fabric to prevent unraveling.
Set-In Sleeve	Most common style of sleeve, which is is sewn into the shoulder, as opposed to the neck.
Set-on Placket	Same form as a top center placket. A placket is set onto the top of the shirt front.
Sheared	Refers to the towel's finish. A sheared surface is created clipping the loops on one side of the towel. Sheared terry is often referred to as having a velour finish. The shearing process creates a plush and smooth finish, which is great for printing or embroidery. The weight of the fabric has a big impact on the overall appearance of the shear. A heavier weight fabric
Sheeting	A plain-weave cotton fabric with even or close to even thread counts in the warp and weft.
Sherpa Fleece	A knit terry fabric that has been brushed and washed to raise the fibers for a fluffy, plush feel. The thick terry loops stay soft and absorbent over time.
Shirt-Tail Bottom	Hem in the style of a men's shirt. The tail is cut or slit at the sides.
Shoddy	Clippings of extra fabric from the production of garments is gathered, sorted by color, then processed into a pulpy material called shoddy. This material is then re-spun into yarn and
Shoulder-To-Shoulder Taping	Shoulder seams, as well as neck seam are covered by tape or binding. This reinforces shoulder and neck seams, and reduces separation of the seams.
Side seam	Seams that join the front and back together. If a shirt does not have side seams, it is tubular.
Side Vents	Slits found at the bottom of side seams, used for fashion detailing, as well as comfort and
Silk	A natural filament fiber produced by the silkworm in the construction of its cocoon. The shimmering appearance for which silk is prized comes from the fiber's triangular, prism-like structure, which allows silk fabric to refract incoming light at different angles. Silk is
Single Knit	Cloth constructed on a circular machine with only one set of needles. Most T-shirts are single
Single-Needle	A stitch, requiring a single needle and thread, characterized by its straight-line pathway. A single-needle seam has been finished with a visible row of stitching, single needle, for
Slash Pockets	A pocket in a garment to which access is provided by a vertical or diagonal slit in the outside
Slub Yarn	A yarn of any fiber which is irregular in diameter and characterized by contrasting fat and thin areas along the length of the yarn. The effect may be purposely created to enhance a woven
Smart Textiles	Textiles that can sense and react to changes in the environment, such as changes from mechanical, thermal, chemical, magnetic and other sources.
Smoketone	Buttons that simulate a smokey grey appearance.
Soft Shell	The term Soft Shell is increasingly used to describe garments that combine partial water resistance with partial wind breaking ability. Soft shell fabrics come in numerous varieties with many garments offering a combination, such as a wicking layer. In many cases insulation is combined in an attempt to replace several layers with a single highly flexible one.
Soil Release Finish	A fabric treatment that helps a garment release stains in the wash.
Spandex	A manufactured elastomeric fiber that can be repeatedly stretched over 500% without breaking and will still recover to its original length.
Spun Yarn	A yarn made by taking a group of short staple fibers, which have been cut from the longer continuous filament fibers, and then twisting these short staple fibers together to form a single
Stain Resistance	A fiber or fabric property of resisting spots and stains. Commonly used for industrial or
Staple	The actual length of a cotton fiber.
Staple Fibers	Short fibers, typically ranging from 1/2 inch up to 18 inches long. Wool, cotton, and flax exist only as staple fibers. Manufactured staple fibers are cut to specific length form the continuous filament fiber. Usually the staple fiber is cut in length ranging from 1-1/2 inches to 8 inches long. A group of staple fibers are twisted together to form a yarn, which is then woven or knit
Stonewashed	A finishing process that creates a distressed appearance, including a softer texture, puckering at the seams and slight wrinkling. Garments are tumbled together with stones (usually pumice stones) in larger washers. This process is usually applied to indigo-dyed denim garments. Different sizes of stones can be used and length of washing time can be varied to achieve
Storm Flap	A piece of fabric that covers and protects an opening, usually a zipper, on an item of clothing. It is designed to add another barrier on more vulnerable parts of the clothing to protect against
Structured	A headwear term referring to a cap with buckram added to the crown for structure.
Sublimation Transfer	Method of subliming a dye pattern, through the use of heat, onto polyester fabric from a paper
Sueded	A process in which fabric goes through a brushing process to raise the nap and give the
Sustainable	Capable of being steadily maintained without exhausting natural resources or causing severe
Sweep	The measurement of the bottom of a garment. Some styles are more flared at the bottom.When measuring it is known as the sweep.
T
Tanguis	Cotton developed and grown in the Canete's valley (south of Lima, Peru) and in the central coast of Peru The tanguis seeds produce a plant that has a 40% longer (between 29 mm and 33 mm) and thicker fiber that did not break easily and required little water
Taped Neck	As the collar is attached, a strip of body fabric is folded and sewn in the collar seam. The strip of body fabric is then folded down and single needle stitched to the body. This reinforces the neck or collar seam and gives a smooth, flat finish to go against the neck.
Taped Seams	A strip of fabric sewn to the seam of a garment to prevent distortion. In outerwear, taped
Taping	A design feature whereby a piece of fabric is used to cleanly cover a seam. The term is used when referring to shoulder-to-shoulder taping.
Taslan	Used mainly in outerwear garments, Taslan is a durable and water repellent nylon fabric with a slightly shiny surface.
Tencel®	A fiber made from wood pulp. Tencel gives fabric a very soft, smooth and luxurious hand.
Terry Velour	A pile weave cotton fabric with an uncut pile on one side and a cut pile on the reverse side. It has a soft, plush feel and is water absorbent. Commonly used for towels, robes and apparel.
Thermoregulation	The ability to maintain a constant temperature independent of changing environmental
Tie Dye	A method of dyeing fabric in which parts of the fabric are tied so that they will not take the dye, giving the fabric a streaked, spiral or unique look.
Tipped Collar	A ribbed knit fashion collar with a contrast color knitted into the edge of the collar.
Toddler	(Size) A size denotation referring, in most cases, to sizes 2-4, 5-6 and 7.
Tone-on-Tone	(Color) A fabric printed in two tones of the same color.
Tricot Lining	A lining material that can be made from natural or synthetic fibers and has a unique weave that allows it to be smooth on one side white sporting texture on the other.
Triple-Needle Stitched	A finish commonly used on a sleeve or bottom hem that uses three needles to create parallel rows of visible stitching, giving the garment a cleaner, more finished look, as well as adding
Tubular Collar	A collar knit in a tube form, so it has no seams.
Tubular Knit	Fabric knit in tube form with no side seams. Also referred to as circular knit.
Tuck Stitch	Refers to the look of the knit where some stitches are actually under the other stitches. Gives the shirt a waffle weave texture and look.
Tuck-In Tails	A shirt constructed so the back hem is longer than the front. This aids in keeping the shirt tucked-in during normal activities.
Twill	A fabric characterized by micro diagonal ribs producing a soft, smooth finish. Commonly used
Twill Tape	Narrow herringbone twill weave tape used as reinforcement at the stress areas - neck, shoulders, pockets - of a garment. It is also used as a design element, often inside plackets
Two Ply	A yarn in which its thickness is made up of two layers or strands, adding durability and weight
Two-Ply Yarn	Two strands of thread are used to form the yarn that is woven into terry loops.
U
Underarm Grommets	Small holes in the armpit area to allow breathability and air circulation.
Unstructured	A headwear term referring to a low profile cap with a naturally low sloping crown. No buckram has been added to the crown for structure.
UVA-Protective Fabric	A term used to refer to a fabric that resists the ability of ultraviolet rays to penetrate the fabric. Protects the fabric from fading and the wearer's skin from UV rays.
V
Velcro®	(Brand) Registered trademark name for brand of hook-and-loop fabric fasteners.
Vents	An opening in a garment which assists breathability and can aid in ease of decoration, allowing the garment to be hooped and embroidered with no visibility on the inside lining of the garment. Some vents are tacked down and are for fashion purposes only.
V-Neck	A type of neckline that forms a "V" at the front of the neck. Commonly used in shirts, t shirts
V-Patch	A section of material in a V shape that is sewn onto a garment directly under the collar, providing support against stretching the neck opening. Also a style detail.
W
Waffle Weave	A square pattern woven into a garment.
Water Repellant	The ability to resist penetration by water. Not as rigorous a standard as waterproofness. Water repellent fabrics cause water to bead up on their surfaces while allowing insensible perspiration to pass through. Water beads up and rolls off a water-repellent fabric.
Water Resistant	A fabric's ability to resist moisture.
Waterproof	Ability to keep water from penetrating but permits water vapor to pass through. There are over 200 fabrics of this type available today, offering a varied combination of waterproofness and
Waterproof	A term applied to fabrics whose pores have been closed, and therefore, will not allow water or
Welt Cuffs	Cuffs on short sleeve garments formed from a single ply of ribbed fabric with a finished edge. Fabric for welt cuffs is knit in a bolder stitch construction than that of standard 1 x 1 ribs.
Welted Sleeve Cuffs	Cuffs where the edge of the fabric is folded double and sewed down.
Wicking	Dispersing or spreading of moisture or liquid through a given area by capillary action in a
Wind guard	Strip of fabric sewn under or over the front zip or snap closure of an outerwear garment to protect against wind and moisture. Also referred to as a Wind flap
Wind Resistant	The ability of a fabric to act against or oppose the penetration of wind or air, without being
Wind shirt	A typically water and wind resistant outerwear piece. Popular for golfers.
Wood tone Buttons	Buttons that simulate a wood appearance.
Wool	Usually associated with fiber or fabric made from the fleece of sheep or lamb. The term wool can also be applied to all animal hair fibers, including the hair of the Cashmere or Angora goat or the specialty hair fibers of the camel, alpaca, llama or vicuna.
Woven	Fabric constructed by the interlacing of two or more sets of yarns at right angles to each other. Woven fabrics are commonly used for dress shirts and camp shirts.
Wrinkle Recovery	Similar to resiliency. It is the ability of a fabric to bounce back after it has been twisted,
Wrinkle-Free	The basic process for imparting the wrinkle free finish into fabric involves applying a resin into the fabric, drying and curing at extremely high temperatures to the desired dimension, scouring to remove any residual chemicals, and final drying. The application and curing of wrinkle-free may occur before or after the garments are produced. "Pre-cured wrinkle-free" means that the finish has been applied to the fabric before the garment has been manufactured. Because the "post-cure wrinkle-free" means that the finish has been applied
Y
Yarn	A continuous strand of textile fibers used to knit fabric.
Yarn Dyed	A term used when yarn is dyed prior to the weaving or knitting of the garment.
Y-Neck	A neckline which has the shape of a "Y"
Yoke	A part of the garment fitted closely to the shoulders. Typically seen on the back, as on a dress shirt, but may also be on the front, as on a Western style shirt.

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