Glossary

Anti Static - A fabric that resists the buildup of static effects using fibers that stretch instead of break eliminating triboelectric generation.

Antimicrobial - A fabric that resists, either naturally or chemically, the effects of microbial secretions from the human body, resisting odor and increasing garment life.

Blend - A fabric that is made up of two different fibers.

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

Moisture Wicking - A fabric that can disperse moisture or liquid in a given area. Fabric designed to keep you dry.

Nylon - A synthetic fiber with high strength and abrasion resistance, low absorbency and good elasticity.

Odor Resistant - A fabric that resists, either naturally or chemically, odors that would otherwise become trapped in the garments fibers.

Pill Resistant - A fabric designed to resist the formation of little balls on the fabrics surface due to abrasion during wear.

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

Shrink Resistant - A fabric that resists shrinking, giving a more consistent fit throughout the lifetime of the garment.

Snag Resistant - A fabric that resists snagging, ripping & threading when rubbed against a rough surface. Fabric is extremely durable for repeated wear.

Stain Resistant - A fabric treatment that helps to prevent staining and assistant in the release stains in the wash.

Tagless - A garment without a tag at the collar. Often times a heat seal or pad printed label takes its place.

Tear Away Tag - A garment with a perforated tag for easy removal.

Triblend - A blend of three materials, most commonly cotton and polyester with an elastic material such as rayon.

UV Protection - A fabric that resists the ability of ultraviolet rays to penetrate the fabric. Protects the fabric from fading and the wearers skin from UV rays.

Water Resistant - A fabrics ability to resist moisture.

Waterproof - A term applied to fabrics whose pores have been closed and will not allow water to pass through.

Wrinkle Resistant - A fabric designed to resist wrinkles, eliminating the need for ironing in most cases.

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

2x1 Rib - The width of each rib is twice the width between each rib. This helps the garment retain its elasticity.

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

Baby Pique Knit - A knitting method that creates a fine, small textured surface that appears similar to a very small waffle weave.

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

Bartack - To reinforce a seam with a bar of stitches, providing a more durable seam end. Commonly used at stress points.

Birdseye Jacquard - A small geometric pattern with a center dot knit into the fabric.

Blanket Stitch - A decorative stitch often used to finish an un-hemmed blanket. The stitch can be seen on both sides of the blanket.

Bonded Fleece - Multiple layers of fleece are bonded together to form a higher functioning garment.

Bonding - The technique of permanently joining together two fabrics or layers of fabrics together by a bonding agent into one unit.

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

Breathability - The movement of water or water vapor from one side of the fabric to the other. Fabric designed to keep you dry.

Breathability Rating - The breathability rating is expressed in a gram measurement of how much vapor a square meter (G/M2) of fabric will allow to pass in a 24-hour period.

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.

Button Down Collar - Found on many mens dress woven’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 closure.

Cashmere - A luxury fiber obtained from the soft fleecy undergrowth of the Kashmir goat. Prized for its warmth and its softness, cashmere is most commonly used in sweaters, shawls, suits, coats and dresses.

Casual Microfiber - Tightly woven fabric from a very fine polyester thread, usually with a sueded finish for a soft feel. Inherently water repellent and wind resistant due to its construction. 100% polyester microfiber.

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.

Coil - A metallic colored coil zipper.

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

Colorfast - A dyed fabrics ability to resist fading due to washing, exposure to sunlight and other environmental conditions.

Combed - 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.

Cord Lock - A stopper or toggle on a drawcord 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.

Coverseamed - A finish in which two needles are used to create parallel rows of visible stitching. It is used around the neck, armholes, waistband and wrists of garments to create a cleaner, more durable finish.

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.

Dobby - A decorative weave, usually geometric, that is woven into the fabric. Standard dobby fabrics are usually flat and relatively fine or sheer.

Double Knit - A circular knit fabric knitted via double stitch on a double needle frame to provide a double thickness.

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.

Down - The soft, fluffy under feathers of ducks and geese. Services as an excellent thermal insulator and padding for bedding, sleeping bags and outerwear.

Dri-FIT - Fabric that helps keep the wearer comfortable and dry by moving perspiration from the skin, through the layers of fabric, to the outside layer for rapid evaporation across the outer surface area.

Dri-Mesh - The double layer mesh construction releases heat and sweat, while maintaining breathability. 100% polyester double mesh.

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

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

Dry Zone - A double-layer polyester fabrication that wicks moisture away from the body.

Duck Cloth - Tightly woven, plain-weave, bottom-weight fabric with a hard, durable finish that provides wind and snag resistance.

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

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.

Ergonomic - Design elements incorporated into a garment to improve the design by enhancing the wearers comfort, performance or health.

EZCotton Pique - Made from the highest grade of long-staple cotton, this fabric has an innovative finish that provides a consistently softer hand, enhanced smoothness, color fastness, wrinkle resistance and shape retention. 100% cotton.

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

Full Cut - Refers to a garments fit as being generous and roomy.

Hand - Quality or characteristic of fabrics perceived by sense of touch. Softness, firmness or drape.

Hoodie - A clothing item with a hood. Usually a sweatshirt but can also be a jacket or t-shirt.

IL50 - Signifies that a garment has been certified to withstand at least 50 industrial laundry cycles, which are typically about ten times more strenuous than a home wash.

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 in the jersey stitch to produce a fabric with a smooth, flat face and a more textured, but uniform back.

End on End - A weave pattern in which the warp yarn (the yard running lengthwise) alternates between colors.

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

Flat Collar - 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.

Garment Dyed - A dyeing process that occurs after the garment is assembled.

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.

Grosgrain - A firm, closely woven fabric with narrow horizontal stripes. Commonly used for ribbons, neckties and trimmings.

Herringbone - A chevron or zig-zag pattern knit into fabric. Commonly used in polo shirts and twill shirts.

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.

Honeycomb - A material with a waffle or cellular appearance.

Horn Tone Button - Buttons that appear to be manufactured from horn.

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

Interlock Knit - A two-ply fabric 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. Commonly used in knit shirts and turtlenecks.

Linen - A fabric made from linen fibers obtained from inside the woody stem of the flax plant. Linen fibers are much stronger and more lustrous than cotton. Linen fabrics are very cool and absorbent, but wrinkle easily, unless blended with manufactured fibers.

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.

Low Profile - A term used for a cap or hat silhouette that is more closely fitted to the head. Can be either structured or unstructured.

Lycra - A synthetic fabric material with the elastic properties of spandex.

Melamine - A highly resistant, exceptionally strong plastic laminate material sometimes used in buttons.

Melange - A mix of different colors of yarns knit together to create a heathered effect.

Mercerized - The result of a process in which cotton yarn or fabric is immersed in a caustic soda solution and later neutralized with an acid bath. This process increases luster, strength and affinity for dyes.

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 crocheted fabrics.

Microfiber - Tightly woven fabric from a very fine polyester thread, usually with a sueded finish for a soft feel. Inherently water repellent and wind resistant due to its construction.

Microfleece - 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 microfleece.

Mid Profile - A term used for a cap or hat silhouette that is in between that of a High Profile and Low Profile. Most often structured with buckram.

Modern Stretch Cotton - A breathable fabric made from a blend of cotton and spandex to provide a flattering stretch. 96% cotton. 4% spandex.

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.

Nailhead - A jacquard knitting pattern in which the jacquard forms a design similar to small nail heads.

NuBlend Fleece - A combined knitting and spinning process developed by Jerzees for the prevention of pilling.

Organic Perfect Weight Cotton - With the same relaxed drape and comfortable stretch of Perfect Weight, this fabric is made from certified organic cotton for a hypoallergenic and biodegradable fabric. 100% certified organic ring spun combed cotton.

Ottoman - A tightly woven, horizontal raised rib textured knit.

Oxford - A fine, lightweight woven cotton or cotton blend fabric with a 2x1 basket weave variation. Typically used for dress shirts.

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.

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

Pearlized Button - Buttons that have a pearl-colored hue.

Perfect Weight Cotton - This lightweight fine knit cotton has a relaxed drape and a comfortable stretch. 100% ring spun combed cotton.

Pewter Button - Buttons that have a dull, metallic hue.

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 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.

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.

PimaCool - A blend of Pima cotton and polyester create a soft fabric that offers performance moisture wicking and breathability. 55% Pima cotton. 45% polyester.

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.

Ply - Two or more yarns that have been twisted 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.

Polyurethane Coating - A finish commonly used in winter jackets, rainwear and wind wear to offer high performance water resistance, while maintaining the garments breathability.

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

Port Pocket - A zipper entry pocket that allows the garment to be hooped and embroidered with no exposure on the inside lining of the garment.

Pre-Shrunk - Fabrics or garments that have received a pre-shrinking treatment.

Princess Seams - Short, stitched folds that taper to a point, typically used to shape womens garments.

PrintPro XP - A fleece knitting process developed by Hanes that creates a tighter knit for a better printing surface.

PVC - A polyurethane coating that is added to make garments water resistant.

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-Tek Fleece - An exclusive lightweight microfleece with a soft, plush hand and an anti-pill finish to resist pilling. 100% polyester.

Racerback - An article of clothing with a T-shaped back behind the shoulder blades to allow ease of movement in sports.

Raglan - 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.

Rapid Dry Technology - Designed with a unique weave to wick away moisture from the body.

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.

Reverse Placket - When the buttons on a placket are on the opposite side from a mens garment. Commonly done on womens styles.

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.

Ringspun - 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.

Rip-Stop Nylon - A lightweight, wind and water resistant plain weave fabric with large rib yarns that stop tears without adding excess weight. Often used in activewear and bags.

Scoop Neck - Characterized by a deep, rounded neckline that is significantly deeper than normal necklines. Typically found on women’s shirts.

Seam-Sealed - The process of treating the stitch holes and seams of a garment to prevent leaking and to ensure full waterproof integrity.

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 crown of the cap.

Serge - An overcasting technique done on the cut edge of the fabric to prevent unraveling.

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

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.

Side Vents - Slits found at the bottom of side seams, used for fashion detailing, as well as comfort and ease of movement.

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 fibers triangular, prism-like structure, which allows silk fabric to refract incoming light at different angles. Silk is recognized for its fine hand and fluid drape.

Singles - A term used to indicate the diameter of a yarn. The smaller the number, the thicker the yarn.

Slash Pockets - A pocket in a garment to which access is provided by a vertical or diagonal slit in the outside of the garment.

Slub Cotton - A soft, textured cotton that is lightweight without being overly sheer. 100% slub cotton jersey.

Soft Shell - A fabrication that combines the benefits of hard shell fabrics with a breathable, flexible and comfortable fabric.

Spandex - A manufactured elastometric fiber that can be repeatedly stretched over 500% without breaking and will still recover to its original length.

Sport-Wick Fleece - An anti-static fleece that provides moisture wicking by releasing moisture from the inner layers.

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

Structured - A headwear term referring to a buckram lining used to control the slope of the cap.

Sueded - A process in which fabric goes through a brushing process to raise the nap and give the garment a soft hand.

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 wind and moisture.

Super Heavyweight Fleece - A 12-ounce cross-grain heavyweight fleece. 80% ring spun combed cotton. 20% polyester.

Taped Seams - A strip of fabric sewn to the seam of a garment to prevent distortion. In outerwear, taped seams aid in waterproofing.

Taslan - A durable and water repellent nylon fabric with a slightly shiny surface, used mainly in outerwear garments.

Teklon - A rugged, stronger Taslan nylon that is water repellent.

Terra-Tek Nylon - Durable and water repellent with a matte finish.

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.

Tricot Lining - A very lightweight nylon lining often used in shorts.

Triple-Needle Stitch - 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 durability.

Twill - A fabric characterized by micro diagonal ribs producing a soft, smooth finish. Commonly used for casual woven shirts.

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.

V-Neck - The neckline of a garment, having straight sides meeting at a point to form a V-shape.

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.

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.

Waffle Knit - A square pattern knit into a garment.

Waterproof Rating - The waterproof rating is expressed in millimeters (MM) and refers to the amount of water a garment will hold before it leaks.

Welded Pockets - The technique by which seams are affixed to one another without sticking.

Wind Resistant - The ability of a fabric to act against or oppose the penetration of wind or air, without being completely windproof.

Wind Shirt - A typically water and wind resistant outerwear piece.

Wood Tone Button - 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.

Yarn-Dyed - A term used when yarn is dyed prior to the weaving or knitting of the garment.

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.