Glossary of Terms

1-9

1x1 Rib Knit. The width of each rib is the same as the width between each rib. This helps the garment retain its elasticity. 

A-C

Angled Chin Guard. A piece of fabric on the collar which is stitched so it covers the top of the zipper, protecting the skin on your chin and neck from abrasion from the zipper.

Blend. A yarn or a fabric that is made up of more than one type of fiber.

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.

Chin guard. A fold of soft fabric around the end of the zipper that helps prevent abrasion. Also known as a zipper garage.

Collar. The upright or turned-over neckband of a coat, jacket or shirt.

Colorblock. 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. 

Cotton. Soft vegetable fiber obtained from the seedpod of the cotton plant.

Cuff. The part of the sleeve encircling the wrist or the part of the jogger pant leg encircling the ankle.

D-J

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 durability.

Drop Tail. A longer back than front for the purpose of keeping the shirt tucked in. Also referred to as Extended Tail.

Dyed-To-Match. A term which characterizes buttons or trims that are the same color as the garment onto which they are sewn.

Full Zip. The zipper runs from the bottom of the garment to the top, separating the front completely in two when unzipped.

Jersey. Single knit construction with rows of vertical loops on the face and rows of horizontal half-loops on the back that results in a durable, soft hand and beautiful drape.

K-P

Knit. Fabric produced by a series of interloping yarns.

Logo. An artistic interpretation of a company's sign or symbol. These figures can be copyrighted or trademarked. Permission is needed for duplication. 

Mock (Collar). A shortened version of the turtleneck where the neck of the garment does not fold over.

Nylon. High strength, elasticity and abrasion resistance, soft hand, low in absorbency.

Patch Pocket. A pocket attached to the outside of a garment. 

Polyester. A strong, durable synthetic fabric with high strength and excellent resiliency. Low moisture absorbency allows the fabric to dry quickly. 

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.

R-Z

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

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

Ring-Spun 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 uniformity.

Self-fabric Collar. A collar that is constructed from the same material as the body of the garment. 

Set-In Sleeves. Most common style of sleeve, which is sewn into the shoulder seam.

Side Seams. Seams that join the front and back together. If a shirt does not have side seams, it is tubular

Spandex. A manufactured elastomeric fiber that can be repeatedly stretched over 500% without breaking and will still recover to its original length. Elastic yarn added to cotton or other yarns to add stretch properties.

Thumb-holes. Openings at the cuffs so they cover the back of the hands and the palms for warmth and enhanced fit.