Definitions
We've compiled a list of definitions for common terms in our industry. If you're looking for a specific term, you can use the search bar to find it.
A
Acrylic
Acrylic is the closest synthetic alternative to wool, and allows for more lightweight warmth and durability. Acrylic is often mixed with polyester, and used in sweaters and fleeces. These are great for sports in the extreme cold, and those where you don't build up quite as much of a sweat, like hiking. Unlike wool, it won't shrink or fade in the wash.
Applique
A decorative technique where a piece of fabric is sewn or glued onto a garment. Applique is often used to add logos or designs, and can be combined with embroidery for a raised or textured effect.
Athleisure
A style of clothing that combines athletic and leisure wear, designed for both exercise and casual use. Typically made from performance fabrics like polyester and spandex.
B
Bamboo Fabric
A sustainable fabric made from bamboo fibers, known for its softness and breathability. Bamboo fabric is often used for activewear and undergarments due to its moisture-wicking properties.
Bella+Canvas
A popular apparel brand in the blank apparel industry, known for their high-quality, soft, and trendy products, especially t-shirts, tank tops, and hoodies.
Blank Apparel
Unbranded, undecorated clothing items sold in bulk for customization, such as printing or embroidery. Common in the promotional product industry.
Brushed Cotton
A soft, fuzzy fabric created by brushing the surface of cotton to create a nap. It is often used in casual wear and provides a cozy feel.
C
Canvas
A heavy-duty, durable fabric, typically made from cotton or linen, often used for bags, aprons, and outdoor apparel. It's a stiff fabric that holds its shape well.
Colorway
A specific combination of colors used in a garment or product line. Often used to describe variations of the same design.
Combed Cotton
Cotton that has been processed to remove short fibers and impurities, resulting in a smoother, stronger, and softer fabric. Often used in high-quality t-shirts.
Cotton
A natural fiber fabric made from the cotton plant. Known for its softness, breathability, and comfort, cotton is one of the most commonly used fabrics in the apparel industry.
Crew Neck
A type of neckline on a shirt, typically round and close-fitting. It's one of the most common necklines for t-shirts and sweatshirts.
D
Direct-to-Garment (DTG)
A modern printing method where ink is directly printed onto the fabric of a garment. DTG printing allows for high-quality, full-color designs, especially on dark fabrics.
Denim
A sturdy cotton twill fabric, typically dyed with indigo, known for its durability. Denim is most commonly used in jeans and jackets.
Drop Shoulder
A style of garment where the shoulder seam is positioned lower than the natural shoulder, creating a relaxed fit. Common in t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Dye-Sublimation
A variation of sublimation printing where dye is used to create vibrant, permanent designs on fabric, typically polyester. Ideal for all-over prints.
E
Eco-Friendly Fabric
Fabrics made from sustainable, environmentally conscious materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled polyester. These fabrics are designed to reduce the impact on the environment.
Embroidery
A decoration technique where threads are stitched into the fabric, often used for logos or designs. Embroidery can be done in a variety of colors and thread types, creating a textured, raised effect.
Enzyme Wash
A washing process that uses enzymes to soften fabric and create a worn-in look. Often used on denim and cotton garments.
F
Fleece
A soft, insulating fabric, usually made from polyester, that is commonly used in jackets, sweatshirts, and blankets. Fleece is known for its warmth and softness.
Flatlock Seams
A type of stitching used to join fabric without creating bulk. Flatlock seams are often used in athletic and performance apparel for comfort and durability.
Foil Printing
A printing technique that uses metallic foil to create shiny, reflective designs on fabric. Often used for special effects in apparel.
Free/Freight on Board (FOB)
The point at which the ownership of goods transfers from the seller to the buyer. FOB can be either FOB Origin or FOB Destination, depending on the terms of the sale.
French Terry
A knit fabric with loops on one side and a smooth surface on the other. Often used in sweatshirts and casual wear for its comfort and breathability.
G
Garment-Dyed
A technique where the garment is dyed after it has been constructed. This method creates unique, softer colors and is often used for casual wear like t-shirts and hoodies.
Gildan
A well-known brand in the blank apparel industry, offering affordable, durable clothing options like t-shirts, hoodies, and polos.
GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
A measurement of fabric weight, indicating the density of the fabric. Higher GSM values typically mean thicker, heavier fabrics, while lower GSM values mean lighter, more breathable fabrics.
Graphic Tees
T-shirts that feature printed designs, images, or logos. Popular in casual wear and often used for promotional purposes.
H
Heather
A fabric or yarn made by blending different colored fibers, creating a speckled or mottled appearance. Common in t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Hoodie
A sweatshirt with a hood, often featuring a drawstring and sometimes a front pocket. Hoodies are commonly made from cotton or fleece fabrics.
Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
A vinyl material applied to fabric using heat and pressure, often used for custom designs and lettering on apparel.
I
Imprint Area
The designated space on a garment where a logo or design can be printed. Important for ensuring visibility and branding.
Ink Transfer
A printing method where the design is transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure, often used for small runs or custom prints on garments.
Interlock Knit
A double-knit fabric with a smooth surface on both sides, known for its thickness and durability. Often used in polos and dresses.
J
Jacquard
A fabric with intricate patterns woven directly into it, often used for decorative apparel like sweaters and scarves.
Jersey Knit
A stretchy, soft fabric typically made from cotton, polyester, or a blend. It's often used in t-shirts and dresses for its comfort and flexibility.
K
Kangaroo Pocket
A large front pocket on a hoodie or sweatshirt, typically open on both sides. Often used for warmth or casual style.
Knit
A type of fabric made by interlocking loops of yarn. Knits are stretchy and comfortable, often used for t-shirts, sweaters, and activewear.
L
Linen
A natural fabric made from flax fibers, known for its breathability and lightweight texture. Often used in summer apparel like shirts and pants.
Lightweight Fabric
Fabrics that are thin and breathable, often used in summer apparel or activewear for comfort and ease of movement.
Lycra
A synthetic fabric known for its stretch and shape retention. Lycra is often used in activewear, swimwear, and compression garments.
M
Melange
A fabric made from yarns of mixed colors, creating a heathered or marbled effect. Often used in casual apparel like t-shirts.
Mesh
A lightweight fabric with an open weave, often used for sportswear and activewear to allow for breathability and moisture-wicking.
Microfiber
A fine synthetic fiber, typically made from polyester or nylon, known for its softness, durability, and moisture-wicking properties. Microfiber is often used for performance fabrics and cleaning cloths.
Moisture-Wicking
A fabric property that draws sweat away from the body to keep the wearer dry. Common in activewear and performance fabrics.
N
Neck Tape
A strip of fabric sewn inside the collar of a garment to provide structure and comfort. Often used in t-shirts and polos.
Nylon
A strong, durable synthetic fabric often used for outerwear, sportswear, and activewear. Nylon is water-resistant and abrasion-resistant.
O
Organic Cotton
Cotton that is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Organic cotton is a more sustainable and eco-friendly option compared to conventional cotton.
Overlock Stitch
A type of stitching that sews over the edge of fabric to prevent fraying. Commonly used in knit garments like t-shirts and activewear.
P
Pique
A textured knit fabric with a waffle-like pattern, often used in polo shirts for its breathability and durability.
Polyester
A synthetic fiber commonly used in apparel for its durability, moisture-wicking properties, and resistance to wrinkles. Polyester is often blended with other fabrics for improved performance.
Performance Fabric
Fabrics designed for activewear and sportswear, often made from synthetic fibers like polyester or spandex, with moisture-wicking, breathability, and stretch properties.
Promotional Products
Items branded with a company logo or message, often used for marketing purposes. Common examples include pens, mugs, and apparel.
Q
Quick-Dry Fabric
A fabric designed to dry quickly, often used in sports and activewear. Quick-dry fabrics are usually made from synthetic fibers that wick moisture away from the body.
R
Raglan Sleeve
A sleeve style that extends from the collar to the underarm, creating a diagonal seam. Often used in athletic shirts for increased mobility.
Rayon
A semi-synthetic fabric made from wood pulp or other plant materials. Rayon is soft, breathable, and often used in clothing like shirts and dresses.
Ribbed Fabric
A type of fabric with raised vertical lines, often used for cuffs, collars, and waistbands. Ribbed fabric adds texture and stretch to garments.
Ring-Spun Cotton
Cotton yarn that is spun to be smoother and stronger than regular cotton. Often used in premium t-shirts for a softer feel.
S
Satin
A smooth, glossy fabric with a shiny surface, often used for linings or decorative apparel like jackets and dresses.
Silk Screen Printing
A printing method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric, often used for large-volume printing. This technique is commonly used for t-shirts, hoodies, and other promotional apparel.
Spandex
A stretchy synthetic fabric known for its elasticity, commonly used in activewear, swimwear, and performance apparel.
Sublimation
A printing method where the ink is transformed into a gas and bonds directly with the fabric, allowing for vibrant, all-over designs. Sublimation works best with polyester fabrics.
Sweat-Wicking
A fabric feature that pulls sweat away from the skin to the outer surface for evaporation. Similar to moisture-wicking, used in athletic wear.
T
Tencel
A sustainable fabric made from wood pulp, known for its softness and moisture-wicking properties. Tencel is often used in eco-friendly clothing lines.
Terrycloth
A fabric with loops on one or both sides, typically made from cotton. Terrycloth is highly absorbent and is commonly used for towels and robes.
Twill
A durable fabric with a diagonal weave pattern, often used in pants, jackets, and aprons. Twill is known for its strength and texture.
U
Unisex
Apparel designed to be worn by any gender, typically featuring a relaxed or versatile fit. Common in t-shirts and hoodies.
UV Protection Fabric
Fabrics designed to protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays. These fabrics are often used in outdoor clothing and swimwear.
V
V-Neck
A neckline shaped like a "V," often used in t-shirts and sweaters for a stylish, open look.
Velour
A fabric with a soft, velvety texture, often used in robes, sweatshirts, and loungewear. Velour is typically made from cotton or polyester.
Viscose
A type of rayon made from regenerated cellulose, known for its softness and drape. Often used in dresses and shirts.
W
Waffle Knit
A knit fabric with a grid-like texture resembling a waffle, often used in thermal wear and casual tops for its warmth and breathability.
Wool
A natural fiber obtained from sheep, known for its warmth, softness, and moisture-wicking properties. Wool is commonly used in cold-weather clothing.
Woven Fabric
Fabric made by interlacing threads in a crisscross pattern, such as cotton or denim. Woven fabrics are less stretchy than knits.
X
X-Stitch
A type of embroidery stitch forming an "X" shape, often used for decorative detailing on apparel.
Y
Yarn-Dyed
Fabric or yarn dyed before being woven or knitted, resulting in consistent color throughout the material. Often used for plaids and stripes.
Z
Zipper Hoodie
A hoodie featuring a full-length zipper down the front, allowing for easy wear and temperature regulation. Popular in casual and promotional apparel.