Glossary of Terms for Custom Apparel

By LogoSportswear | Updated on October 15, 2023

Apparel terminology can be overwhelming when you have to learn them all at once, but the good news is you don't have to. We want to make your shopping experience at LogoSportswear as convenient as possible, so we prepared a list of terms you'd come across throughout the website when browsing our apparel catalog.

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2-Way Zipper

A type of zipper that can be unzipped from either of its two ends and has two zipper pulls.

3-in-1 Jacket

A jacket that has two layers that can be zipped together for added warmth and protection. You can also wear either of its layers on its own.

A

Airlume (Bella+Canvas)

A type of cotton used by brand Bella+Canvas that is purified 2.5x more than standard ringspun, which eliminates more stray fibers giving the fabric a smoother surface.

ANSI

ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute, a private nonprofit organization tasked to oversee the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, process, and personnel in the United States.

ANSI Class 2

A safety classification for apparel such as vests, sweatshirts, and jackets that have high visibility features so that they may be worn by workers during inclement weather or when they are exposed to traffic speeds that exceed 25 mph.

ANSI Class 3

A safety classification for apparel made with visibility features and are authorized to be worn by workers exposed to higher traffic speeds than that of ANSI Class 2.

Antimicrobial

A type of fabric with attributes that make it resistant to formation of odor-causing bacteria.

Appliqué

A piece of pre-cut fabric which may be decorated or plain and is sewn into a garment to serve as or to complete a design.

Athletic Wear

A piece of clothing that is designed to be worn when performing athletic activities like physical exercise, sports, and games.

Anti-Shrinkage

A fabric treatment that makes the material less prone to shrinking after washing.

Athleisure

A fashion trend expressed through wearing of athletic outfits beyond the gym and as aesthetically pleasing and comfortable pieces.

B

Base Layer

A garment of piece of clothing worn next to the skin to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

Blend

A fabric or yarn that is made with more than one type of fiber.

Bonded Fleece

A make of fleece fabric where multiple layers of the material are bonded to create a stronger and more resilient garment.

Bonding

The practice of bonding fabrics or layers of fabrics together using a bonding agent or adhesive.

Bonding

The practice of bonding fabrics or layers of fabrics together using a bonding agent or adhesive.

Branding

A practice that involves the use of distinctive marks, designs, or logos on merchandise or marketing collateral to promote a company, label, or product.

Breathability

An attribute of a fabric or garment that allows for movement of air through the fibers to keep the wearer comfortable.

Breathable Fabric

A type of fabric that allows air and moisture to pass through its fibers.

Button-Down Collar

A type of collar where the wings can be buttoned together in front of the shirt.

Button-Through Sleeve Placket

A placket with one button attached by the cuff of sleeves and is usually found in dress shirts.

C

Carhartt Force® (Carhartt)

Carhartt's patented technology that feature apparel with fast-drying properties to wick away sweat and keep the wearer cool and comfortable even in warm settings.

Casual Microfiber

A fabric created by weaving polyester thread tightly and is characterized with a smooth, suede feel. It is also referred to as 100% microfiber.

Collar

The neckband part of a shirt, blouse, or dress that can be fastened together.

Collar Stand

The band-like portion of a shirt, blouse, or dress that holds up the collar.

Colorfast

The ability of a fabric to retain its original color and resist bleeding or fading even when exposed to elements such as water, moisture, or sunlight.

Combed Ring Spun Cotton

A type of cotton fabric that has been processed to remove uneven fibers which results in finer, more even yarn giving a garment a smooth, softer, and better durability.

Compression Wear

Articles of clothing that are designed to give the wearer a tight fit and are commonly used to aid circulation.

Corduroy

A fabric known for its distinctive ridge pattern where parallel cords or ridges are raised and is typically made with cotton.

Cotton

One of the most popular fibers in the world, cotton is derived from the fibers that surround the cotton seed which are then harvested and spun into yarn. Cotton is known for its features such as softness, breathability, absorbency, and durability and is commonly used in manufacturing T-shirts, sweaters, pants, and delicate clothing.

Cotton Jersey (Alternative Apparel)

Alternative's signature cotton jersey refers to the cotton fabric known for its softness, breathability, wrinkle-resistance, and flexibility.

Cuff

The part of a dress shirt that encircles the wrist.

Customization

The practice of personalizing products and merchandise according to individual preference or a brand's style. Personalizing products according to individual preferences.

D

Deboss

A decoration technique where a lettering is depressed below into the fabric.

Denim

A fabric made of cotton or cotton-blend in a twill weave and is dyed with indigo. Denim fabric usually features a darker shade of blue on the outside and a lighter shade on the inside.

Double Knit

A type of fabric construction where two different sets of needles or two layers of fabric are used to produce one that's double the thickness.

Double-Needle Stitching

The process of using two needles to create visible parallel rows on cuffs and hems of shirts and trousers.

Down

A type of fabric derived from the soft and fluffy feathers of ducks and geese. The fabric is often used as insulation for outerwear pieces because of its compressibility and warmth-to-weight ratio.

Dri-FIT (Nike)

Dri-FIT is a proprietary technology developed by apparel brand Nike which features moisture-wicking properties, breathability, versatility, and comfort. Some Dri-FIT garments are also made with UV protection.

Dri-Mesh® Polyester

A variant of polyester fabric typically used in manufacturing athletic and performance apparel due to its moisture-wicking properties and breathability.

Drop Needle

A type of knit fabric known for its skipped stitches or loops made in regular intervals to create a textured pattern and add breathability to the fabric.

Drop Tail

A design or feature of a shirt where the back is made longer than the front for tucking in. It is often seen in dress shirts, casual wear, and active wear. It is also known as extended tail.

DryVent™ (The North Face)

A proprietary technology of apparel and outdoor gear brand The North Face to refer to fabrics engineered to be completely waterproof, windproof, and breathable by treating the outer face of the textile with a water-repellent finish.

Duck Cloth

A type of fabric that's plain and tightly woven to make it sturdy and water-resistant.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

A special treatment applied to fabrics to repel water and moisture. A DWR-treated garment resists water absorption and, in some cases, stains.

Dye Sublimation

A method of printing that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials like polyester, which are commonly used for athletic wear.

Dyed-To-Match

A term used to describe when the buttons or trims are the same color as the garments they are on.

E

Eco-Fleece (Alternative)

A fleece replica used by the brand Alternative Apparel. It is made from recycled materials including polyester and organic cotton to help reduce the use of virgin materials and to incorporate sustainability in the manufacturing process.

Embroidery

A decoration method where colored threads are sewn into a garment or fabric to create a design such as company logos, shapes, or texts.

Eco-Friendly

An eco-friendly material or merchandise may refer to products that are designed to help minimize environmental impact, and whose end-to-end production is certified safe to the health of consumers and laborers who manufacture them.

Elasticity

A fabric's ability to return to its original shape after stretching.

Enzyme Washed

A type of washing process where enzymes are used to create a specific effect on garments such as a faded appearance, a softer feel, or worn-in look.

Ergonomic

This describes a garment that is enhanced with elements to make it more comfortable and perform better for the person wearing it.

Eyelets

A small hole or opening in the fabric that may be reinforced with plastic or metal grommets. They can also be used to serve as decorative details on the garment or as support around buttonholes to prevent its surrounding area from fraying.

F

Fabric

A material produced by weaving or knitting textile fibers and is then used to produce clothing, accessories, linen, and accessories.

FastDry® (Carhartt)

A proprietary technology developed by apparel brand Carhartt which features quick-drying properties so that sweat, moisture, and water would easily evaporate. This helps keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

Firm Duck (Carhartt)

A type of cotton fabric used by apparel brand Carhartt, firm duck is the most durable canvas and the brand's strongest cotton duck. It is water-resistant, wind-resistant, and ideal for rugged clothing.

Fit

Refers to how the clothes fit the body when worn.

Flame-Resistant (FR)

A type of fabric that is designed to resist ignition and combustion even when exposed to high temperatures or open flame. Flame-resistant fabrics are often used in manufacturing safety apparel and gear. It is important to note, however, that flame-resistant fabrics do not necessarily mean they are fire-proof.

Flat Collar/Cuffs

A type of collar typically made with a single-ply fabric with a finished edge and is used as cuffs for casual wear's neckline and sleeve cuffs.

Flexfit®

A patented elastic technology used in headwear such as caps and hats, Flexfit is known for being stretchy while giving a comfortable fit.

French Cuff

A type of cuff where the cuff is folded back on itself and typically seen in long-sleeved shirts or dress shirts. It's often secured using cuff links and is also known as a "double cuff" or "dual cuff".

French Terry Cotton

A type of cotton fabric that features a knit with soft loops and a smooth surface. It is often used in manufacturing sweatshirts, sweatpants, loungewear, and joggers.

Fully Seam-Sealed

A process where every seam of a jacket or a garment is sealed with waterproof tape to make it waterproof.

Full-Zip

A garment that has a zipper that runs all the way from the hem up to the collar and is usually seen in some jacket and sweatshirt designs.

G

Garment

An article or piece of clothing.

Garment-Dyed

A dyeing process wherein fully assembled garments are dyed rather than individual pieces of fabric that make up the whole clothing article.

Garment-Washed

A finishing process method where a completed or manufactured garment is washed to achieve a specific effect such as color variations, distressed look, or shrinkage reduction.

Graphic Design

A piece of visual content that is created by a graphic designer or an artist and may be applied to apparel by way of printing or embroidery.

Gusset

A triangular or rhomboidal piece of fabric inserted or attached to a seam to add breadth to a garment.

H

Hand

It refers to the feel or texture of fabric when touched. It also describes other tactile qualities like softness, thickness, and roughness.

Heatseeker (The North Face)

A proprietary technology developed by apparel brand The North Face which involves adding a layer of insulation to outdoor gear to retain heat and keep the wearer warm without adding unnecessary weight to the garment.

Heat Transfer

A method of printing designs onto fabric using heat and pressure.

Heather CVC (Bella+Canvas)

Chief Value Cotton (CVC) is a type of fabric that is made of heathered cotton and polyester and is used by apparel brand Bella+Canvas in creating comfortable garments such as T-shirts and sweaters. The heathered pattern refers to the fabric's appearance of the fabric which is characterized by a speckled look or with flecks of varying colors.

Hem

The edge of a piece of fabric or garment that is folded and sewn.

Heritage Blend (New Era)

A type of cotton-polyester blend fabric unique to apparel brand New Era and is known for its comfort, durability, and moisture-wicking properties.

Herringbone

A pattern characterized by a series of zigzag or chevron pattern that creates a distinctive "V" shape as the lines alternate.

High Profile

In the context of caps and hats, high profile refers to a cap that has a high slope and is less fitted around the head. It may also be deeper and structured with a stiff fabric lining.

Hoodie

The shortform term for ‘hooded sweatshirt'. The hood part is attached to the neckline of a sweatshirt and is pulled up to the head to serve as a covering.

Hook and Loop

A fastening mechanism used in various types of clothing to help secure the garment on the wearer and provide a comfortable fit. The hooks are made with stiff, tiny plastic protrusions while the loops are made with flexible fibers that are meant to engage with the hook to fasten completely. It is also more commonly known as Velcro.

Horn Tone Buttons

Horn tone buttons are created to look like they are replicas of natural animal horns and they come in a range of earthy colors.

I

Imprint

A design such as a logo, graphic, or text applied to a garment or fabric using printing, embroidery, or heat transfer.

Ink

A colored fluid used for printing graphic design or branding elements on apparel.

Insulated Jacket

A type of jacket designed to retain body heat and shield the wearer from the cold.

Interlock Knit

A two-ply variation of the rib knit and is achieved by interlocking two simple single yarn ribbed knits to form a thicker textile.

J

Jacquard Knit

A type of knit that uses two or more colors that result into a pattern created directly on the fabric.

Jersey

A type of lightweight and smooth fabric used in clothing, often for sportswear, casual shirts, and athletic uniforms.

Jersey Knit

A type of fabric and knitting technique used to create a soft and stretchy textile. Jersey knit fabrics are often used in making T-shirts, sportswear, and dresses.

Joggers

Jogger pants are trousers designed for athletic activities and exercising but may also be worn for comfort or lounging.

K

Knit

A type of fabric made by interlocking loops of yarn and into a series of loops to create a stretchy material that can be made into a garment.

L

Locker Loop

A piece of fabric formed into a loop and sewn into a garment so that it can be conveniently hung from a hook.

Locker Patch

A piece of fabric sewn on the inner side of the collar which helps prevent the garment from being stretched out when hung from a hook.

Logo

A symbol or design that represents a company, brand, or product and is often imprinted on garments and merchandise.

Low Profile

A low-profile cap with a shallow crown and sits closer to the head. It also has a snugger fit and a smaller front panel than high profile caps.

M

Material

A type of fabric or textile that a piece of clothing is made of.

Matte Taslan

A type of fabric characterized by a matte finish and is typically used in making outerwear pieces like jackets, coats, and windbreakers. It is known for its durability and water-resistance, and breathability making it ideal for garments designed for outdoor activities.

Mélange

A mixture of fibers of different colors created to achieve a heathered effect.

Mesh

A type of fabric characterized by open spaces between the yarns that make up the textile. It has a net-like structure of appearance and is often used in sportswear pieces due to its breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

Microfleece

A type of fabric known for its softness, lightweight properties, and warmth and is often used in creating comfortable clothing like pajamas, loungewear, and sweatshirts. It also helps in retaining warmth and keeping the wearer cozy, and it has moisture-wicking properties that makes it pull moisture easily.

Mid Profile

A cap whose height falls between high profile and low profile in terms of crown height. Its crown is higher than a low-profile cap but lower than a high-profile one. It also fits comfortably on the head without feeling too shallow or too deep.

Mid-Layer

A garment that is worn between a base layer of clothing and a piece of outerwear to help retain heat and keep the wearer comfortable. It can also be a layer sewn into the garment itself to help trap heat.

Moisture-Wicking

A garment made with moisture-wicking properties has the ability to draw perspiration away from the skin so that it evaporates quickly.

N

Nailhead

A type of jacquard knitting where the fabric the design forms a pattern of details similar to small nail heads.

Nap

A layer of fabric that is fuzzy or similar to fur and is created when fibers extend from the basic structure of the fabric itself onto the surface.

Neckband

A strip of fabric sewn around the inside of the neck of a shirt.

Neckline

The edge of a garment around or near the neck. It may also refer to the shape of and design of the opening of the shirt or sweater.

Non-Iron

A term used to describe fabrics that are chemically treated to resist wrinkles and creases, thus they do not require ironing or pressing.

Notch Lapel

A type of lapel that is usually found in suits, coats and blazers, the notch lapel is sewn onto the collar of a jacket and forms a V-shaped indentation or cutout on the lapel where the collar meets the lapel itself.

Nylon

A synthetic fabric known to be durable due to its strength and resistance. It is often used for swimwear, sportswear, and casual shirts.

O

Organic Cotton

A type of cotton that is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Open-End Cotton

A method of spinning cotton where the fibers are separated, cleaned, and fed into the spinning machine to produce texture. The open-end cotton method is an efficient way of spinning cotton which produces coarser yarn with a uniform texture and clean appearance.

Ottoman

A type of knit that is tightly woven and has a horizontal raised rib texture.

Outer Layer

A piece of garment worn on top of base and middle layers typically used to protect the wearer from wind, rain, or snow.

Overdyed

A process of dyeing fabrics or garments for a second or third time using a different color.

Oxford

A type of woven fabric knit popular for its distinctive basketweave pattern and is commonly used to make dress shirts.

P

Patch

A piece of cloth that's commonly embroidered and is used to repair or cover a hole in a garment. It may also be used as decoration or to add a branding element to clothing.

Pewter Buttons

Pewter buttons are designed to look like pewter which is a muted silver-gray metal. They can be made with plastic and dyed with pewter coloring.

Picot

A decorative edging style achieved by making embroidered loops.

Piece Dyed

A method of dyeing a sheet of fabric before it is cut and made into garments.

Pigment-Dyed

A dyeing process where a garment or parts of it are dyed to achieve a certain effect such as a washed or distressed look.

Pilling

The accumulation of broken clothing fibers that clump together as a result of normal wear and tear.

Pique Knit

A type of knit known for its honeycomb texture and is commonly used when making polo shirts.

Pit Zips

Zippers sewn into the armpit area of a shirt or garment to aid ventilation.

Placket

A strip of fabric attached to the chest area of a shirt or jacket where buttons and buttonholes are fastened.

Plated Knit

A method of knitting where two or more yarns of different colors are looped together to create a fabric.

Pleat

A type of fold made on garments which involves folding the fabric on the back of itself and sewing them in place to create an accordion-like appearance.

Ply

The result of two or more yarns twisted together.

Polo Shirt

A type of short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirt with a collar and placket with two or three buttons at the neckline.

Polyester

A type of synthetic fiber widely used in manufacturing different types of clothing and textile products. It is popular for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and moisture-wicking properties.

Poly-Filled

A type of clothing, garment, or product made with warm polyester lining to help retain heat.

Polypropylene

A thermoplastic polymer used to make clothing and accessories water-resistant or enhance their moisture-wicking properties. Polypropylene is also used as outerwear insulation to help keep the wearer warm while repelling moisture.

Polyurethane Coating (PU Coating)

A protective layer applied on garments to give it a water-repellent finish and boost its resistance to abrasion.

Ponte Knit

A type of fabric commonly used in creating women's clothing and is known for its thick, double-knit structure and soft texture.

Popcorn Pique

A type of fabric known for its raised, bumpy texture that looks like popped popcorn kernels.

Poplin

A type of plain-weave fabric known for its smooth texture, durability, and glossy surface. It's typically used in making dress shirts and formal blouses due to its crisp appearance.

PosiCharge Mesh®

An apparel line under brand Spor-Tek where open-hole mesh fabric is combined with PosiCharge technology to make garments' color last long. PosiCharge refers to technology known for its benefits such as moisture-wicking propeties, colorfastness, durability, breathability, and static control.

PosiCharge® Electric Heather (Sport-Tek)

A high-performance apparel line by brand Spor-Tek characterized by the heather pattern and made colorfast with PosiCharge technology.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

A type of plastic material used to coat fabrics with a glossy, shiny appearance. It's also used to waterproof garments like jackets, raincoats, and other outerwear pieces.

Pre-Shrunk

Fabrics that have undergone pre-shrinking treatment to minimize further shrinking when it's washed.

Q

Quick-Dry

A type of fabric that is made to dry fast when exposed to perspiration or after swimming. Quick-dry fabrics are often used when creating apparel meant for exercising, swimming, and other physically intensive activities.

Quilting

A sewing technique that involves sewing two or more layers of fabric together to make a thicker padded material. This method can also be used to create decorative patterns.

R

Raglan Sleeves

A style of sleeves where the sleeve extends from the collar to the underarm and is often seen in casual garments like T-shirts and sweatshirts. It also provides visual contrast as the sleeves are typically of a different color from the rest of the shirt.

Rain Defender® (Carhartt)

A technology used by apparel brand Carhartt for enhancing water-repellent features of their garments while adding durability to their rugged workwear and outerwear.

Rapid Dry™ Technology

A type of fabric treatment designed to wick sweat from the body and accelerate the evaporation of moisture to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

Rayon

A type of synthetic fiber that is usually made from wood pulp. Rayon is created by chemically treating natural cellulose from wood pulp or bamboo and turning it into fiber for textile. Rayon is a fabric known for its softness and breathability and is used in various garments like everyday clothing, lingerie, and underwear.

Reverse Coil Zipper

A type of zipper whose teeth are not seen on the front rather inside the zipper itself.

Reverse Placket

A type of placket where the buttons are on the opposite side of a men's garment.

Rib Knit

A type of fabric knit characterized by raised vertical lines.

Ring Spun

A method of spinning yarn where fibers are continuously twisted and thinned until they become a single strand of cotton thread. Ring-spun yarn is soft and smooth and is less prone to pilling.

Ripstop Nylon

A type of plain-weave fabric made using a reinforcing technique to make it tear-resistant. It is woven using a crosshatch pattern which features intervals that creates a grid-like pattern making the fabric resistant to ripping.

Ruching

A design technique which involves gathering or pleating the fabric to create a wrinkled gathered look.

Running Stitch

A type of stitch that is spaced equally and runs a straight line.

S

Sandwashing

A type of fabric treatment where the fabric is washed with very fine particles of sand or rubber/silicon balls to give the garment a relaxed appearance and reduce shrinkage.

Scoop Neck

A type of neckline that is round and deep and is often used in women's shirts.

Screenprinting

A printing technique where mesh screen is used to transfer ink onto the fabric.

Sculpted Hem

A hemline that's been designed to have a distinctive shape or style such as waves or curves.

Seam Sealing

A treatment where stitch holes and seams are sealed to waterproof a garment and prevent any leaks.

Self-Fabric Collar

A collar that is made from the same fabric as the garment.

Self-Fabric Sweatband

A cap sweatband that is constructed from the same material as the front panel of the cap.

Serge

A sewing technique used to finish the raw edges of a fabric to avoid fraying and to give the seams a neat appearance.

Set-In Sleeves

A style of sleeves where the sleeves themselves are sewn into the shoulder seam.

Sherpa Fleece

A type of knitted fabric known for its curly piled structure made of synthetic yarns and is known for its softness and plush texture. Sherpa fleece is typically used to line outerwear pieces like jackets, blazers, and coats to keep the wearer warm.

Side Vents

Openings or slits on the side of a garment. They help facilitate ventilation and ease of movement.

Side-Seamed Tee

A type of T-shirt whose side seams are visible and run vertically from the sleeve cuffs to the bottom hem.

Silhouette

The outline or general shape of a garment when it is worn by a person.

Singles

A term used to describe the diameter of a yarn. A smaller number refers to thicker yarn while a higher number refers to thinner variants.

Slash Pockets

A style of pocket that has a diagonal or vertical opening.

Soft Shell

A type of outerwear garment made by bonding an outer shell to a knit layer or fleece to create a breathable and flexible jacket. Soft shell jackets are also made water-resistant.

Soft Spun Cotton

A type of cotton spun using a special process to achieve a soft kind of yarn.

Sphere Dry (Nike)

A proprietary technology developed by apparel brand Nike where the fabric is made with maximum moisture control and quick-drying properties. The Sphere Dry fabric is characterized by raised circular bumps and is used in making athletic wear.

Sport-Wick® Fleece

A technology used by apparel brand Spor-Tek which comprises of a clothing line made of anti-static fleece and moisture management properties.

Stain Release

A treatment that's meant to release various stains from a fabric.

Stain Resist

A treatment used on fabrics to make them resistant to staining.

Stitching

The process of sewing fabric together using different stitching techniques. This may be done by hand or with the help of a sewing machine.

Sweatshirt

A long-sleeved, relaxed sweater that's typically made of cotton and is designed to keep the wearer warm and cozy.

Spandex

A synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. It has superior stretch and recovery properties and it's commonly used in clothing pieces whose shape needs to be retained and their structure kept even when worn over and over.

Stone washing

A washing process done during manufacturing where the fabric or garment is washed with pumice stones to create a distressed look.

Structured

A cap that has a structured or reinforced front panel to give it a sturdy appearance even when not worn.

Sublimation

A printing technique used to create vibrant and colorful prints on garments like polyester. Sublimation uses heat and pressure to transfer the design onto the fabric and works best on light-colored textile.

Sueded

A finishing process where a fabric goes through brushing to give its nap a soft texture similar to suede leather.

Super Heavyweight Fleece

A type of fleece fabric that is thick and heavy and is used to create insulated clothing and dense outerwear garments.

T

Tailoring

The process of modifying a piece of clothing's proportions, sizing, and structure to enhance its fit and overall appearance.

T-shirt

A short-sleeved or long-sleeved casual top that can be worn on its own or layered underneath a dress shirt. It is often made of cotton and is ideal for everyday wear.

Textile

A type of cloth or woven fabric that is used to create clothing or fabric-based merchandise such as bags, blankets, and caps.

Thumbhole

An opening or slit at the cuff where the wearer can wear around their thumbs to cover the hand and add warmth to the wearer. These are usually found in jackets, windbreakers, and sweaters.

Tie-Dye

A dyeing method which involves the use of two or more colors to dye a garment or fabric and binding the cloth to create distinctive patterns.

Tri-blend

A type of fabric that is made up of three different fibers. A common example of a tri-blend fabric is the combination of cotton, polyester, and rayon.

Tricot

A type of fabric made by knitting a variety of fibers and is known for its fine vertical ribs on the front side interlocked with horizontal ribs on the back.

Trim

A piece of embellishment such as ribbons, sequins, lace, beads, and appliqué that serves as a garment décor. A trim can also serve a purpose such as holding seams together or securing closures of a garment.

Trucker Hat

A variant of baseball hat typically made with foam in the front panel and mesh farbic for the back panel.

Tubular Collar

A type of collar that is shaped like a tube and has no seams.

Tuck Stitch

A type of knit known for its loops that give it a raised appearance and makes it look textured.

Tuck-In Tail

A feature of a shirt or a blouse where the back is designed longer than the front to give the garment a neat appearance when it is tucked in. It also helps keep the garment in place.

Tulip Hem

A style of hem typically seen in skirts dresses where the hemline's asymmetrical shape resembles the petals of a tulip flower.

Twill

A type of fabric known for its diagonal ribbed design and its soft, smooth surface.

Twill Tape

A strip of fabric with a twill weave pattern used as a placket for shirts.

Two-Ply Yarn

A type of yarn that is made with two strands for added weight and thickness.

U

Underarm Grommets

Grommets or holes attached to the underarm area of a garment to facilitate ventilation, moisture management, and odor control.

Uniform

A specific set of clothes worn by members of the same organization or team. A uniform helps a team set apart from other groups at an event and be easily identified with their company.

V

V-Neck

A neckline in the shape of the letter "V", where the edge of the neck forms slanting sides downward to the chest giving it depth.

Vent

A slit or small opening in a piece of clothing to allow movement of the individual wearing the garment or to facilitate airflow.

W

Waffle Knit

A type of fabric known for its waffle-like texture characterized by grids from the square patterns and depressions into the textile. It is also known as waffle weave.

Waffle Weave

A pattern or weave characterized by a raised grid of small squares that resemble the look of a waffle.

Washed Duck (Carhartt)

A term used to describe a canvas fabric unique to apparel brand Carhartt that's been pre-washed to soften the texture and to give it a broken-in appearance.

Water-Repellent

Water-repellant fabrics are designed to repel water, liquids, and moisture by causing particles to bead on the surface upon contact without absorbing it.

Water-Resistant

Water-resistant fabrics have the ability to prevent water from penetrating through but may not sustain heavy rains or large amounts of liquid.

Waterproof

A type of fabric that is resistant to water. Waterproof fabrics are commonly used when designing outerwear like jackets, hoodies, and coats.

Weathered Twill

A type of fabric that's been treated to achieve a weathered appearance and vintage look. The fabric also looks worn-in and is commonly used to create casual wear pieces.

Weave

The pattern in which threads or fibers are combined in fabric construction.

Welded Pockets

A method of sealing where seams are heated to close them up instead of the traditional sewing.

Welt Collar/Cuffs

A single ply of fabric with a finished edge used on casual wear pieces like polo shirts and sports shirts.

Wicking

The ability of a fabric to draw moisture, water, or sweat from the body's surface.

Wind Fighter® (Carhartt)

A proprietary technology developed by apparel brand Carhartt that is meant to resist strong winds and is designed for extreme outdoor environments and windy weather.

Wind-Resistant

A fabric or garment's ability to resist the passage of wind through the fabric. Wind-resistant garments help individuals stay warm, especially during the cold season.

Wind Shirt

A type of shirt known for its being wind-resistant, lightweight, and breathable.

WindWall® (The North Face)

A proprietary technology developed by apparel and outdoor gear brand The North Face. Garments and equipment made with WindWall are designed to resist wind while remaining comfortable and breathable making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Wood-Tone Buttons

A button made of plastic or resin that's been colored to resemble a wooden appearance.

Wool

A type of textile fiber obtained primarily from sheep but may also come from other animals like goats and rabbits.

Woven

A type of fabric created by interlacing yarns at right angles to each other. This method gives the fabric a structured, grid-like pattern and helps strengthen the fabric.

Y

Yarn

A long, continuous length of fibers spun together and are used to create textiles. Yarn may also be used for knitting, crocheting, and trimming.

Yarn-Dyed

A yarn that has been dyed or colored prior to weaving of a garment.

Yoke

The part of a garment across the shoulder and the upper back and may extend from one side of the shoulder to the other.

Youth Sizes

This clothing size range is designed specifically for children and adolescents or individuals between 5 and 14 years old.

Yupoong

The headwear company known for creating the Flexfit® hat.

Z

Zipper

A fastening device made of two flexible strips with interlocking metal or plastic teeth. Zippers are often used as closures for hoodies, jackets, and bags, but they can also be used as decorative details in other garments.

Zipper Garage

A piece of fabric folded around the end of a zipper to help avoid skin irritation. It is also known as chin guard.

We strive to keep our shoppers informed and we look forward to updating this list as more words come up. If you find this list helpful, bookmark it on your browser or pass it along to a friend or coworker.