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Glossary of Garment Terminology

1x1 rib: also 2x2 rib knit trim: the width of each rib is the same as the width between each rib; this helps the garment retain its elasticity.

Antimicrobial: finishing process which protects against odor-causing bacteria.

Birdseye jacquard: a small geometric pattern with a center dot knit into the fabric.

Button-through sleeve placket: a small placket located on the sleeve, by the cuff, which contains a single button closure.

Camp shirt: a men’s shirt with an open collar and patch pockets, typically meant to be worn un-tucked.

Carefree: anytime you see carefree, expect an easy care, machine washable fabric.

Classic fit: a traditional missy cut that is tailored, but not form fitting.

Crew neck: a round collarless neck.

Decorative stitching: stitching/embroidery which serves no purpose except to enhance the item’s appeal and surface interest.

Dobby: a weaving process which creates small geometric shapes into the fabric.

Double pleated back yoke: the back piece of a garment which contains two individual pleats that provide more room and comfort.

Fine gauge knit: refined in texture and drape “Fine” refers to the diameter of the yarns or stitches.

Interlock knit: a fabric that has two ply knit simultaneously to form one thicker and one 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, two or more colors are used.

Jacquard woven: a pattern woven directly into the fabric during the weaving process; typically, two or more colors are used.

Jersey knit: this fabric has a definite smooth side (the outside) and textured side (the inside).

Micro-stripe: an ultra-fine stripe that is knit into the fabric.

Needle out: term which refers to the pattern made when a stitching needle is removed from the knitting process.

Open collar: a type of collar which does not button down.

Oxford: a soft, absorbent type of cotton which has been given a silk-like luster finish.

Performance trio: combined functional features of stretch and recovery, moisture management and antimicrobial.

Pickstitch: a decorative stitch that is formed by picking up stitches during the knitting process.

Pinpoint oxford: a lightweight, soft, cotton-like fabric with small, 2x1 basket (rib) weave repeats. It is of high quality, with a very smooth surface often used for shirts.

Pique: a knitting method that creates a fine texture surface that appears similar to a birds-nest or waffle weave.

Ply yarn: a yarn formed by twisting together one or more single yarns or strands in one single operation.

Poplin: tightly woven, durable, medium weight cotton or cotton blend fabric. Made using a rib variation of the plain weave creating a slight ridge effect.

Princess darts: a tapered tuck sewn from the bottom hem to the arm hole to adjust the fit of the garment.

Princess seam detailing: seams found in the front or back of a garment that creates a tailored silhouette.

Raglan sleeve: a type of sleeve sewn in with seams slanting outward from neck to underarm. The sleeve continues in one piece to the collar so there are no seams at the shoulder, allowing for ease of movement.

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

Silk: known for being one of the finest textiles because it is strong, soft, absorbent, and has a brilliant sheen. It is the only natural fiber to come in a filament form from a silk worm.

Shirttail: a scoop in the front and/or back of the shirt that is longer than the sides.

Sport silk: name given to modal rayon/polyester fabrication to exemplify its wash and wear capabilities.

Tailored fit: a more form-fitting style.

Tipping: the embellishment of a garment by adding some type of trim to the edges of cuffs, pockets, plackets, or hems for decoration.

T-weave dobby: a type of woven fabric that contains a simple t-shape pattern which is created in the weaving process.

Twill: fabric characterized by a diagonal rib. Twill weaves are used to produce strong, durable, firm fabric.

Vertical princess pleats: vertical seams, rising from the hem, which are found in the front or back of a garment that creates a tailored silhouette.

Waterproof: the ability to prevent the penetration of water.

Water resistant: possessing the ability to resist wetting and the penetration of water.

Windowpane: a large bar-like design resembling window panes.

Wrinkle free: a finish which permanently presses a garment that can be applied before or after the garment is produced.

Yarn-dyed: yarns are individually dyed before the weaving or knitting process.