Glossary

 

2-Way Zipper A zipper with two zipper pulls so that it can be unzipped from either direction.

Anti-Pilling A treatment applied to garments primarily to resist the formation of little balls on the fabric’s surface due to abrasion during wear.

Back Pleats Tiny folds in the material on the back of a garment that allow for more room and comfort.

Box Pleat A single, uniform fold in the center back of a garment to allow for more room and comfort.

Chambray A dressier fabric woven with white threads across colored threads

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.

Cord Locks A stopper or toggle on a drawcord that keeps the cord from retracting into the garment.

Double-Needle Stitched A finish used on a sleeve and/or bottom hem that uses two needles to create parallel rows of visible stitching. It gives the garment a cleaner, more finished look and adds durability.

Drop Needle A knit fabric characterized by vertical lines within the cloth. Manufactured by “dropping” a needle from the knitting cylinder.

Dyed-To-Match Buttons or trims that are the same color as the garment onto which they are sewn.

End-on-End A 2-ply weave of different color yarns that run parallel against each other so that both colors are visible.

EMB-AXS System A hidden zipper system integrated into the garment allowing total embroidery access without having to go through the lining.

Enzyme Washed A laundering process in which a catalytic substance is added to create a chemical change in the fabric resulting in a very soft finish, smoother appearing surface and reduced shrinkage.

Extended Tail When the back portion of the garment is longer than the front. Assists in keeping the garment tucked in during normal activity.

Herringbone A chevron or zig-zag pattern, knit into fabric.

Horn Buttons Buttons that appear to be manufactured from horn.

Houndstooth A medium sized broken check effect that is knit into the fabric.

Interlock Knit A fabric that has two-ply knit simultaneously to form one thicker and heavier ply. It has more natural stretch than a jersey knit, a soft hand, and the same appearance and feel on both sides.

Jacquard Knit A pattern knit directly into the fabric during the manufacturing process. Typically, 2 or more colors are used.

Jersey Knit This fabric has a definite smooth side, the outside, and a textured side, the inside.

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 garment.

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.

Mercerized A product that has gone through a process to produce a smooth, lustrous hand.

Mesh Similar to a pique knit, but with a more open texture for increased breathability. 

Micro Fleece 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 usually water resistant due to its construction process and when specially treated.

Micro-Stripe An ultra-fine stripe that is knit into the fabric.

Oxford A type of fabric where the fibers are either cotton or blended man-made fibers.

Pearlized Buttons Buttons that have a pearl-colored hue.

Pique Knit A knitting method that creates a fine textured surface that appears similar to a birds nest or waffle weave.

Placket The part of a shirt or jacket where the garment fastens together.

Poly-filled A warm polyester lining found in the body or sleeves of outerwear garments. It has more loft than a regular nylon lining

Polynosic Features similar characteristics to cotton and silk, has excellent luster and very little shrinkage.

Poplin A tightly woven, durable, medium weight cotton or cotton blend fabric made using a rib variation of the plain weave which creates a slight ridge effect.

Raglan Sleeves Sleeves set with a diagonal seam from the neck to the armpit.

Reverse Placket See Placket, but reversed for women’s garments.

Rib Knit A textured knit that has the appearance of vertical lines. It is highly elastic and retains "memory".

Side Vents Slits found at the bottom of side seams. They are fashion details that allow for comfort and ease of movement.

Stonewashed A washing process in which the fabric or garment is heavily washed with lava rocks or rubber/silicon balls. The result is a softer fabric with a distressed or weathered look and reduced shrinkage.

Storm Flap A strip of fabric sewn under or over the front zip or snap closure of an outerwear garment to protect against wind and moisture.

Tencel A fabric made from the fiber found in wood pulp which is processed into a silk-like, delicate fabric.

Toughlan Refers to how the fibers are woven and the resulting texture. Used mainly in outerwear garments, Toughlan is a durable and water repellent nylon fabric with a slightly shiny surface.

Twill A fabric characterized by micro diagonal ribs producing a soft, smooth finish.

Ultra Cool A unique fabric designed to wick away moisture from the body.

Underarm Grommets Small holes in the armpit area to allow breathability and air circulation.

V Patch A section of material in a V shape that is sewn onto a garment directly under the collarette. Can provide support against stretching the neck opening and is also a style component.

Yoke Back A piece of fabric that connects the back of a garment to the shoulders. This allows the garment to lay flat and drape nicely.