Clothing Terminology, A To Z Fashion Terms

For those who are new or old to being clothing sellers, here we have tried to put the most accurate dictionary of fashion lingo and clothing terms together as a guide that anyone can use. A list of the most common fabric and fashion terms, listed alphabetically A to Z.

----- A -----
Acid Wash
a process in that a denim garment is treated with a bleach solution containing chlorine-soaked stones so that the color becomes faded and the material is softer.
A-line
A popular silhouette in which the cut flares slightly away from the body to form the shape of an "A."
Acrylic
Synthetic, manufactured fabric that is soft, lightweight and wool-like. Acrylic can be found in winterwear, such as sweaters and fleece.
Angora
Yarn from the long, incredibly soft hair of an angora rabbit or goat.
Anti-pill
Used to describe the wear resistance of a fabric. Fibers in low-quality fabrics tend to twist together, resulting in an uneven and worn look. Anti-pill fleece is specially woven to prevent this from happening.
Argyle
A diamond-shaped plaid pattern on a knit fabric.
----- B -----
Ballistic
A thick, even weave of extremely durable material. Used in luggage for reinforcement and abrasion resistance.
Balmacaan
A loose, single-breasted overcoat usually with a short turnover collar.
Barn jacket
A medium-weight overcoat made of durable cotton (usually twill) that normally has a corduroy collar and large front pockets. With wool or flannel lining.
Basket weave
A variation of a plain weave construction in which two or more warp and filling yarns are woven side by side to resemble a pleated basket.
Batik
A method of dyeing in which parts of fabric are coated with wax, resulting in varying patterns or colors. Often the wax cracks, causing fine lines or streaks.
Bedford
A strong, ribbed fabric that can be made from cotton, wool, silk, or a combination of fibers. It has the same look as corduroy, but usually does not have the heavyweight construction.
Bengaline
This crosswise ribbed fabric has a sturdy, durable weave and offers a great tailored look.
Berber fleece
Usually single-sided, pile-cut fabrics with a knit backing made of polyester/modacrylic. Its most notable characteristic is a nubby, fur-like surface.
Besom pocket
An inset pocket with the lower lip finished with a welt. If both edges have welts, the pocket is called a double besom.
Bias cut
A diagonal cut across a fabric’s grain. Used to create garments that closely trace the body's natural curves for a flattering look.
Bicast leather
A split leather with a layer of polyurethane applied to the surface and then embossed. This results in a product that has an artificially consistent texture, and is easy to clean and maintain.
Biopolished cotton
Fabric treated by an enzyme that removes the roughness on the surface, creating a softer, smoother feel.
Boatneck
A narrow neckline that is open from shoulder to shoulder.
Bodice
The upper part of a dress.
Bohemian Style
Reflecting on the fashion style of "boho-chic".  Refers to a state of mind regarding fashion that is individual, romantic, and free-spirited.
Bomber jacket
A loose waist-length jacket with a fitted hem and cuffs. Also referred to as a flight jacket, and typically made of leather with a sheepskin lining and a full collar.
Bonded leather
A material composed of leather fibers and other substances, such as polyurethane, formed together to create the appearance of genuine leather.
Boyfriend cut
Women's apparel cut with a menswear silhouette. Usually relaxed, oversized and cuffed.
Boyshorts
A panty or swimsuit bottom with maximum hip and back coverage.
Boucle
A type of woven or knit fabric with a looped, knotted surface. Boucle is used in lightweight and heavyweight garments, more often the latter because the lofty yarns provide wonderful warmth.
Broadcloth
Fabric that is tightly woven in a plain weave with a crosswise rib. Similar to poplin, but finer. The most common broadcloth is made of cotton or cotton/polyester blends.
Brocade
A heavy fabric woven with an elaborate raised pattern or design, often with metallic or colored thread.
Burlap
A loosely constructed, heavyweight fabric in a plain weave that is very coarse and durable.
Burnout
A technique using a chemical paste that destroys a layer of fabric to create a patterned effect and can sometimes result in a sheer look.
----- C -----
Camisole
A garment with thin spaghetti straps.
Canvas
A medium- to heavyweight type of cotton or linen in a plain or twill weave.
Cap sleeve
This short sleeve extends just over the shoulder for a touch of femininity.
Car coat
A knee-length coat with a flat front placket. This coat was originally designed to make driving a car more comfortable.
Cargo style
Usually loose-fitting pants or shorts with large, military-inspired pockets sewn on the hips and sides of the knees.
Carpenter style
Pants or shorts with handy pockets and loops for holding tools commonly used by a carpenter.
Cashmere
An incredibly soft wool. Considered a luxury fiber because it’s one of the rarest and most expensive fabrics available.
Cashmerlon
A soft, washable acrylic fabric that keeps its shape and feels like cashmere.
Challis
A lightweight, plain-weave fabric made of wool, cotton, or rayon. Its slightly brushed surface creates a silky finish that can easily be dyed and is usually machine washable.
Chambray
A fine, lightweight cloth (usually cotton) in a plain weave with colored, lengthwise threads and a white fill.
Charmeuse
A soft, lightweight silk, cotton, or manmade fabric with a smooth, semi-lustrous satin finish and a matte backing.
Chemise
A loose-fitting, straight nightgown or undergarment. Usually hits at midthigh.
Chenille
Incredibly soft, fuzzy yarns that stand out around a velvety cord.
Chiffon
Lightweight, sheer fabric of twisted filament yarns with a soft weave and an airy drape. Usually woven of silk, but also made of rayon and other synthetic fibers.
Colorfast
Used to describe a dyed fabric's ability to resist fading or running due to washing, exposure to sunlight, and other environmental conditions.
Combed cotton
When cotton is "combed," the shortest, additional fibers of a batch are removed. This process produces high-quality yarns with excellent strength and softness.
Corduroy
A medium- to heavyweight fabric (usually cotton) with a cut-pile weave construction. Extra sets of filling yarns are woven into the fabric to form nap-like cords of yarn on the surface.
Coverlet
A lightweight blanket often used during warmer months. Coverlets have a shorter drop than traditional bedspreads, exposing the frame or bedskirt.
Cover-up
A lightweight garment, such as a sarong, pareo, skirt or hooded jacket, used to cover a swimsuit.
Crochet
A loose, open knit made by looping thread with a hooked needle.
----- D -----
Damask
A rich, glossy fabric usually woven with a variety of elaborate patterns that are flat and reversible.
Dazzle
A lightweight, silky-soft fabric blend that has a slight shine to it. Dazzle is found primarily in active clothing because of its quick-drying capabilities.
Denier
A unit of measuring the thickness/weight of a thinly spun fiber. It indicates the material's durability, plus the fineness of fiber filaments and yarns — both natural and synthetic. The higher the denier, the thicker the fiber; the lower the denier, the finer the fiber.
Distressed
made or processed to appear faded or wrinkled, as if from long, steady use: Our best-selling jeans are the ones in distressed denim.
Dobby
Small, usually geometric patterns that are woven into a fabric.
Dolman
A cape-like sleeve that is very wide at the armhole.
Down
A fluffy, soft fibrous material that grows under the contour feathers of ducks, geese and other waterfowl. Used as a thermal insulator because it’s known for warmth.
Drop stitch
A type of knit where some of the needles are "dropped out" during stitching to produce an open-worked pattern in the fabric. Similar to a wide, ribbed finish.
Duck cloth
A medium-weight cloth (usually cotton) that is soft, breathable and durable. Tightly woven and retains color beautifully.
----- E -----
Egyptian cotton
Cultivated mainly in the Nile River Valley in Egypt, this grade of cotton boasts the longest and strongest fibers.
Embossed
A raised design on the surface created by heated rollers under pressure.
Empire waistband
This waistline begins just below the bust, giving tops or dresses a flowing, flattering fit.
Enzyme-washed
Often describes a garment that has been specially treated for extra softness. Enzyme washing uses special chemicals, or enzymes, to soften the fabric and give the overall garment a "worn-in" look.
Epaulet
An ornamental strip or loop sewn across the shoulder of a garment.
Eyelet
A type of embroidery in which small holes are cut out in the fabric and finished by embellishment of thread around the opening.
----- F -----
Fair Isle
A knitting style characterized by geometric patterns.
Fedora
A soft felt hat that is creased lengthwise down the crown with a pinched front and a brim that can be turned up or down.
Fiber-reactive
A type of printing where the chemical bonds with the cellulose molecules in a product's fabric, so the dye actually saturates the fibers. Fiber-reactive printing produces a more vibrant appearance and tends to have better colorfastness, or fade-resistant properties.
Flocking
A decorative detail in which short fibers are applied to the surface of a fabric in a particular pattern by using an adhesive.
Flounce hem
A strip of fabric attached to one edge of a garment (usually a skirt) to create a wide ruffle.
Foulard
A lightweight twill, woven silk, or silk and cotton blend, usually decorated with a small printed pattern.
French cuff(s)
Turned-up cuff(s) sometimes fastened with cuff links and sometimes contrasting in color.
French terry
The knit jersey version of terry cloth. Features loops of pile on one side and a smooth, brushed finish on the other.
Frog closure
The decorative closing of fabric with cording or braided material which fits over a ball or button to complete the closure.
Full-grain leather
Considered the highest quality of leather because only the hair is removed from the hide, so it retains the full, natural grain.
Funnel neck
A neckline that is high and wide, resembling a funnel. A funnel neck is attached to the body of the garment, not sewn at the neckline.
----- G -----
Gabardine
A firm, tightly woven fabric with a subtle, diagonal line of twill and sometimes a high sheen.
Garment-washed
This term often describes apparel that has been through a standard wash cycle in a commercial washing machine. The repeated exposure in water leads to a softer, worn-in look on the garments.
Georgette
A sheer, crinkled fabric woven from hard-twisted yarns to produce a pebbly surface. Creates a lightweight, flowing look.
Gingham
A middle-weight, checkered or plaid fabric using two or more colors with a plain weave made of cotton.
Godet
A triangular inset of cloth placed in a seam to give fullness (e.g., the bottom of a skirt).
Gored
A section of fabric that is cut narrow at the waist and wide at the hem.
Grosgrain
Strong, closely woven, corded fabric with narrow, horizontal ribs, usually used as trim.
Gusset
A usually diamond-shaped or triangular insert in a seam of the garment to allow for more space or a bigger opening (as of a sleeve, cargo pocket, pocketbook, or shoe upper). In terms of lingerie, a gusset generally refers to the section of fabric between the thighs, often a snap or hook-and-eye closure if it is a piece of shapewear.
----- H -----
Heat-transferred print
A unique type of printing in which art is digitally replicated and printed on the surface of polyester. The dye permanently bonds to the fibers without fading, even after repeated washing.
Henley shirt
A collarless knit top with a closure that stops midway down the shirt.
Herringbone
A broken twill weave with a pattern made up of rows of parallel lines in opposite directions forming a zigzag pattern.
Hook-and-eye closure
A fastening system with a small metal hook that is inserted into a matching eye loop or small metal loop.
Houndstooth
A usually small, distinctively broken-check pattern that resembles the jagged back teeth of a hound.
----- I -----
Ikat
A method of weaving tie-dyed threads to create a rich and lively pattern on a fabric. Ikat fabrics often possess a distinct look based on their region of origin.
Interlock
A type of cut-and-sew knit fabric that is characterized by the interconnecting of the knit stitches.
----- J -----
Jacquard
A decorative woven or knit pattern manufactured by using the jacquard attachment on the loom. Some types of jacquard fabrics have specific names, such as damask and brocade.

Jeggings
A very close fitting jean of heavier weight fabric than a legging, often styled like a jean but can also be a pull-on style.
Jersey
Plain fabric that is knit instead of woven. Soft and breathable, with extra "give" for comfort. Like your favorite tee, jersey gets softer with every washing.
Johnny collar
An open, split neckline with a pointed collar.
----- K -----
Kabuki sleeves
Wide loose-fitting sleeves modeled after the garments worn in traditional Japanese theater. Also known as kimono sleeves.
Kangaroo pouch pocket
A large pocket formed by sewing a piece of cloth over the center or stomach area of the garment leaving both ends open.
Keyhole neckline
A round or teardrop-shaped cutout that fastens at the front or back neckline.
Kimono
A loose-fitting wraparound robe or jacket with wide sleeves. Traditionally worn with a broad sash.
----- L -----
Lambskin
The skin or hide of a young sheep. Also known as "napa" leather, lambskin has fewer blemishes and a more uniform grain than other leathers such as buffalo and cowhide, which make it extra soft and attractive for use in clothing.
Lapels
The folded area on the front of a coat that is usually a continuation of the collar.
Linen
Coarse fibers taken from inside the woody stem of the flax plant. Linen is considered cool, absorbent, breathable and durable.
Lycra
A stretchy spandex fiber introduced in 1958 by DuPont. Usually woven with other fibers to provide extra comfort, movement and shape retention.
Lyocell
A cellulose fiber manufactured from wood pulp. Lustrous and color-rich, lyocell feels like rayon, but it's stronger, more durable and more absorbent, even when wet. It has low-shrinkage and wrinkle-resistant characteristics. (Also, known as the brand name, Tencel)
----- M -----
Macrame
Coarse lacework made by weaving and knotting a series of cords, threads, strings or yarns into a decorative pattern.
Madras
A lightweight, breathable cotton, often in brightly colored plaid patterns, used primarily for warm-weather clothing.
Mandarin collar
A short, standup collar that gives garments a stylish Asian look.
Marled
Interlocked, different-colored fibers are twisted together to create a long, continuous strand resulting in a contrasting effect on the finished garment.
Mary Jane
A shoe style characterized by a single buckled strap over the middle.
Matelasse
French for "cushioned or padded," matelasse patterns add a quilted, puckered look to the material.
Matte
A smooth or sometimes brushed surface that lacks luster and shine.
Melange
A yarn spun from fibers that have been printed in many tones and hues. It resembles tweed, but is very lightweight.
Mercerization
A process of treating a thread, yarn or fabric to increase its luster, color retention and durability. The fabric (usually cotton) is immersed in sodium hydroxide and then neutralized in acid. This causes the fiber to permanently swell, which increases its qualities.
Merino
A type of high-quality wool made from the fleece of purebred merino sheep. It is fine, strong, stretchy and dye-retentive.
Mesh
A type of knit, woven, laced or crocheted fabric with a net-like, open weave. Mesh is lightweight and breathable, which makes it ideal for warm-weather clothing.
Microfiber
An ultrafine synthetic fiber with many applications. It is used in clothing and other textiles because it is soft, stretchy and stain resistant and it wicks away moisture. Microfiber is also ideal for cleaning products because it is non-abrasive, absorbent and leaves no lint or dust.
Microsanded
A unique type of brushing done to fabric that removes its roughness for an extra-soft feel.
Mitered
A popular striped pattern formed by a beveled line where a joint is made by cutting two pieces at an angle and fitting them together.
Mockneck
A stand-up collar that resembles a turtleneck but does not fold over itself like a turtleneck. Usually a mockneck is found on sweaters and jackets.
Modal
Manufactured fiber that's soft, smooth, shape-retentive (even when wet), durable, color-rich and lustrous.
Moire
A corded fabric (usually silk) characterized by having a wavy, watermarked pattern on the surface.
Moisture-wicking
Moisture-wicking fabric transfers moisture from the skin's surface to the garment's outer layer for faster drying.
Muslin
A medium-weight, woven fabric of cotton or cotton/polyester blends. Used in a wide variety of sheers and sheeting.
----- N -----
Neoprene
A brand of polychloroprene by DuPont®. It's an extremely durable synthetic rubber that is lightweight and buoyant, and has an outstanding resistance to temperature, chlorine and general physical wear.
Nep
Small knots of tangled fibers added intentionally to increase the fabric’s aesthetic appeal. The knots can be made from the same or different color and material.
Nubuck
Nubuck is the top side of leather, slightly sanded to make it more resistant to scuff marks and give it a suede-like feel. Its texture is finer than suede because a superior brushing technique leaves the natural grain pattern intact. It's made from split-grain (half of a hide) or full-grain (entire hide) leather.
Nylon
The first completely synthetic fiber developed by DuPont® in 1938. Known for its strength and excellent stain resilience, nylon boasts superior abrasion resistance and high flexibility. It's often added to natural fibers to boost a garment's durability.
----- O -----
Olefin
A lightweight, manmade material also known as polypropylene. It has exceptional strength, colorfastness and comfort. It is also resistant to stains, mildew, abrasions and sunlight.
Organza
A lightweight, plain-weave fabric made of nylon, silk, polyester or rayon. Crisp and sheer with a medium to high thread count.
Ottoman rib
A stiff, heavyweight, warp rib (vertical running yarns) sometimes referred to as Ottoman cord.
Oxford cloth
A soft, yet durable, cotton or synthetic blend with a plain or basket weave that boasts a silklike, lustrous finish.
----- P -----
Paisley
A swirled pattern of fancy, curved teardrop shapes.
Panne
A silk or rayon velvet with lustrous pile flattened in one direction.
Patch pockets
A small pocket, usually found on pants, which looks like a piece of material was sewn on as a patch.
Peached fabric
A soft feel usually obtained by sanding the fabric lightly; it also can be achieved with chemical or laundry abrasion.
Peacoat
A heavy wool coat featuring a double-breasted style and notched collar. Hits at the hip.
Pedal pushers
These women's pants with a straight leg are usually cuffed and fall just below the knee.
Pencil skirt
A skirt that is cut in a straight line from the hips to the hem. The name comes from its pencil-straight appearance.
Peplum
A flowing piece of material attached at the waistline or hemline of a jacket, blouse, skirt or dress designed to create a flared appearance.
Percale
A closely woven plain-weave fabric that's smooth, firm, medium weight and fine. Usually made of cotton from a minimum of 180 threads per square inch.
Peter Pan collar
A small collar that is flat and close-fitting with rounded ends.
Pewter
A mix of metallic alloys, composed mostly of tin. It will not tarnish, rust or deteriorate
Photo real
A screen print with the realistic qualities of a photo.
Picot
A row of tiny decorative loops sewn or cut along the edge of a garment.
Pieced
A design that is created by sewing pieces of material together to form the garment.
Pigment dye
A type of dye applied and held to the fabric with resins and cured at high temperatures. Boasts excellent features for light colors and less so for darker shades.
Pile knit
A type of knit with a decorative pattern of yarns interlaced to create loops, most often used in faux fabrics.
Pile weave
A type of weave with a decorative pattern of yarns interlaced to create loops.
Pill
A term used to describe small balls of fibers tangled together on a fabric (usually fleece). Pills are generally caused by wear and tear producing an uneven, worn look.
Pima cotton
One of the best grades of cotton in the world with long, luxurious fibers.
Pinpoint
A type of weave with two-over, one-under stitching. More durable than most weaves but less soft than sateen.
Pintuck
A small, narrow fold of fabric stitched together to create the appearance of a line or stripe.
Piping
A narrow fold of fabric that creates a corded outline on the garment, usually as contrasting trim.
Pique
A woven or knit fabric usually made of cotton, rayon or silk. Medium- or heavyweight, it's characterized by raised cords, or ribs, in all-over waffle, honeycomb or diamond patterns.
Placket
The piece of cloth that reinforces an opening that is the closure of the garment.
Plaited
The interweaving of strands or locks of a fabrication, so that one yarn appears only on the face and the second on the back.
Pointelle
A stitch used in knitting to create a tiny, open-worked pattern typically with geometric shapes. It adds a lightweight, delicate texture to clothing.
Polypropylene
A lightweight, manmade material characterized by a high-strength, abrasive quality. Also boasts moisture-absorbing, stain- and fade-resistant qualities. (Also known as Olefin)
Polyresin
A combination of polyester and resin metals reinforced with fiberglass mat.
Polystyrene
A lightweight plastic often used for insulation. Its heat- and shape-retention abilities make it moldable and comfortable. Commonly used to fill beanbag chairs.
Ponte
A design with stability, firmness, subtle sheen and incredible durability.
Poplin
A tightly woven plain-weave fabric characterized by fine, crisscrossing ribs. A durable fabric, poplin is usually made of cotton but can also be silk, wool or synthetic blends.
Pork chop pockets
Front pockets on a pair of pants, shorts or a skirt that are characterized as being oversized and rectangular.
Preshrunk
A term used to describe fabrics or garments, especially tees, that have received treatment to prevent it from additional shrinkage when washed.
Prewashed
A term used to describe fabrics or garments, especially tees and jeans, which have already been washed to add softness and prevent shrinking.
Princess seams
Seams that are on the front or back of a garment that create a flattering, form-fitting shape.
Puffed ink
A decorative detail added to screen prints to give them a raised surface.
----- R -----
Raffia
Material obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, a plant in Madagascar with featherlike leaves that yield strong, flexible fibers. After the fibers are peeled from the stem of the leaves, they're dried in the sun.
Raglan
A sleeve style that is cut with the armhole seam running from under the arm to the neckline. It's commonly known for a contrasting long-sleeved look.
Ramie
A woody fiber characterized as being extremely durable.
Raschel knit
An open-worked knit construction, where heavy, coarse yarns are held in place by finer yarns. It has good draping qualities and is frequently used as an unlined material for coats, lingerie and dresses.
Rayon
A group of smooth, synthetic fibers manufactured from cotton linters, wood pulp or other vegetable matter. It’s known for excellent softness, drape, high absorption and a lustrous look.
Resin
A natural or synthetic compound. It's a lightweight and tough material. Plastic is an example of a synthetic resin.
Rib
A type of knit fabric characterized with a ridge effect in one direction, usually vertical. Rib knits are extremely elastic and often used in apparel to provide a comfy, body-hugging fit.
Ricrac
A decorative trim on clothing featuring a flat fabric that forms a zigzag pattern.
Ringspun fabric
Fiber (usually cotton) spun prior to knitting, so it's finer, softer and more durable than ordinary cotton.
Ripstop
A very fine fabric (usually nylon) plainly woven with coarse fibers ribbed at intervals to stop tears. Lightweight and durable, ripstop also boasts wind and water resistance.
Rosette
A fabric embellishment that's pleated and ruffled to resemble a rose.
Ruching
A pleated or gathered strip of fabric used as a decorative, feminine accent.
----- S -----
Sandwashed
Garments that have been specially treated with sand creating a softer, worn-in look and feel.
Santoprene
A synthetic material with a soft, nonslip surface that absorbs shock and reduces fatigue. These properties make it ideal for grips and handles.
Sarong
A loose-fitting, long strip of fabric that is often worn around the waist like a skirt, or wrapped around the whole body like a dress. It is a very popular form of a swimsuit cover-up.
Sateen
A type of fabric weave that creates a soft, smooth, lustrous surface.
Satin
A fabric with a silky, lustrous finish. The fabric's long, interlaced yarns have no visible pattern, which creates a smooth, shiny surface.
Scooter
Skirt with attached undershorts that offers the look of a skirt with the modesty and comfort of shorts.
Screen print
A picture or design printed on a garment using the silk-screen process.
Seedstitching
A type of stitch that creates a textured finish and looks like a continuous pattern of seeds.
Seersucker
A woven, light- to medium-weight fabric with a puckered appearance made of cotton or rayon.
Shark-bite (4-point) hem
A border of cloth that has an uneven cut with two points in the front and two points in the back. It resembles a "shark bite" because of its jagged look.
Sheath
A dress that is characterized by having a straight, form-fitting skirt and bodice. Usually hits just below the knee, often with a slit in the sides or back for ease of movement.
Sheeting
A lightweight, woven fabric made from cotton or linen. It sometimes has a crinkled texture and is commonly used for seasonal bottoms like capris.
Sherpa (fleece)
Knit terry fabric brushed and washed to raise the fibers for a fluffy, plush feel. The thick terry loops stay soft and absorbent over time.
Shift
A loose-fitting dress that lacks a defined waistline. It tends to hit above the knee and is commonly sleeveless.
Shirred
Gathered material that creates pleated details.
Silk
This natural fiber is known as one of the finest textiles because of its softness and radiant sheen.
Simplex
A ribbed V-knit material (usually nylon) offering firm support, shape retention, and elasticity.
Sinamay
An open-weave, straw-like fabric spun from banana plant fibers. Usually dyed and stiffened, but pliable, and mainly used in the production of hats.
Skant
Pants that have flaps of fabric sewn on at the waist to create a skirt-like appearance.
Skimmer pants
Cropped pants with a straight-leg fit that skims the knee. A stylish cross between Bermuda shorts and capris.
Skort
A pair of shorts that have a fabric covering sewn on the front to create a skirt-like appearance. The back may also be skirt-like, or the garment may look like shorts from the back.
Slubbed
A process where a fabric (usually silk or cotton) is slightly twisted or drawn out, producing an intentional unevenly textured appearance.
Soutache
A flat, decorative braid usually consisting of narrow loops, similar to crochet. Most commonly used as a trim or accent on women’s clothing.
Space-dyed
A dye process in which individual strands receive more than one color at irregular intervals.
Spaghetti straps
Very thin straps attached to a bodice.
Sublimation
A technique in fabric achieved through the infusion of an image onto the thread of a fabric so that it does not affect the surface of the garment. Unlike screen printing, where the ink lays on top of the garment, this process creates permanent images that will not crack or fade.
Suede
The softer side of leather, which has been brushed, leaving a velvetlike texture.
Sueded fleece
A very smooth and luxurious fabric that involves a unique finishing process to gently sand the fabric making it very soft.
Supima
An abbreviation for "superior pima." Made of 100% American pima cotton or extra-long staple cotton.
Surplice
A neckline formed when one piece of fabric overlaps the other to create a V-neck opening.
Sweep
The circumference of the bottom hem of a skirt, coat, or dress.
Sweetheart neckline
A curved neckline with a scalloped trim that is similar to the top half of a heart.
Swiss dot
Woven, flocked or embroidered dots on a sheer, lightweight fabric providing a textured pattern.
Synthetic
Used to describe manufactured materials made to imitate a natural material.
----- T -----
Taffeta
A medium-weight, plain-weave fabric with a slightly ribbed texture that is known for its luster.
Tape yarn
A pure cotton yarn used to create a narrow, woven fabric. It is a soft with an airy texture and ideal for warmer temperatures.
Trapunto
A type of quilting with two or more rows of stitches and a padded underside which give it a raised effect.
Tricot
A knit fabric formed by interlooping adjacent, parallel yarns. Known for being exceptionally soft and versatile.
Tricotine
A lightweight, breathable wool made of lightly twisted yarns in a double twill.
Tunic
A simple pullover blouse or jacket that falls at the hip. It was designed from two pieces of linen sewn up the sides and across the top with holes left for the head and arms.
Turtleneck
A standup collar that folds down over itself, usually found on sweaters.
Tweed
A middle- to heavyweight, woolen fabric with color-speckled yarns.
Twill
A woven fabric characterized by distinct, diagonal lines on the surface. It's very strong, yet relatively lightweight.
----- V -----
Variegated
A pattern having streaks or marks in different colors. Variegated ribs will have a slight difference in the colors between the ribs.
Velboa
A polyester construction that is a cross between fur and velvet. It is usually a medium-weight, short-pile textile. The result is a faux-fur fabric that is very luxurious and plush.
Velour
A medium-weight, tightly woven or knit fabric, usually made of cotton, with qualities similar to velvet. It’s soft and plush with a close, dense pile.
Velvet
A woven, medium-weight fabric made of silk, cotton or rayon. Its pile is cut and brushed for a rich, plush texture that stands straight up.
Velveteen
A woven, cotton fabric with a velvet-like pile.
Vinyl
A versatile plastic with physical properties that make it ideal for a wide variety of consumer products. Depending on its application, vinyl can be any thickness or color, it can be rigid or flexible, and it can also be weather-, heat- or impact-resistant.
Viscose
The most common type of rayon, it is manufactured from wood pulp and treated with chemicals. The result is a soft and absorbent fabric.
Voile
A fine, sheer fabric with a slightly crisp feel. Usually made from plain woven cotton, but can also be made from acetate, silk or rayon.
----- W -----
Waffle weave
A fabric pattern characterized by having recessed squares on the surface that resemble a waffle.
Welt
A run-resistant, double-edged strip or insert for embellishment or reinforcement.
Whipstitching
A type of stitch that passes diagonally over a fabric's edge.
Windowpane
A checkered pattern characterized by vertical and horizontal lines that intersect to form the appearance of a windowpane.
Wool
A thick, heavy natural fiber, usually spun from the fleece of lambs and sheep.
Worsted wool
A smooth, compact yarn from long wood fibers used especially for firm, napless fabrics.
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Yarn-dyed
A dyeing process where yarns are immersed in a coloring solution and then woven or knit to make fabric. The colors stay brighter longer.
Yoke
Seams across the top of pants, a skirt or a shirt that create an inverted triangle shape.
Yoryu
Made with synthetic materials such as polyester or rayon, this lightweight, durable fabric has a pleated crinkle effect.