10.17.06
Apparel Terms
In order to answer my client’s questions about promotional clothing more effectively, I compiled a list of apparel terms. The sources used to define the terms were Dictionary.com, Wikipedia and garment manufacturerers.Â
This list has been a helpful reference tool for me when answering questions about various types of clothing and I hope you find it useful too. If you find an apparel term that is not on this list, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to add the new apparel term to my list.
Combed Cotton- Woven cotton in which the cotton has been combed to reduce the number of short, uneven fibers.
Herringbone- A pattern consisting of rows of short, slanted parallel lines with the direction of the slant alternating row by row and used in masonry, parquetry, embroidery and weaving.
Interlock- A tight weave
Jacquard- A fabric with an intricately woven pattern.
Lisle Knit- A fine, smooth, tightly twisted thread spun from long-staple cotton. Fabric knitted of this thread, used especially for hosiery and underwear.
Mercerized is a treatment used to thread an apparel that makes the cotton soft and has a slight luster.
Micro Fiber- The true definition of a micro fiber is a fiber that has less than one denier per filament. Micro Fiber is the thinnest and finest of all man-made fibers. It is finer than the most delicate silk. To relate it to something more familiar–A human hair is more than 100 times the size of some micro fibers.
Ottoman- A heavy silk, polyester, or rayon fabric with ribbed or corded texture.
Oxford- A cotton cloth of a tight basket weave, used primarily for shirts.
Pima is mercerized; long staple cotton Pima is the finest cotton available. Pima’s ability to resist pilling makes the garments more durable and longer lasting.
Poplin- A ribbed fabric of silk, rayon, wool, or cotton, used in making clothing and upholstery.
Polynosic is a high-density microfiber tightly woven from rayon threads.
Ring Spun- The fiber is spun prior to weaving or knitting, creating a softer feel.
Tactel is a brand name that has developed progressive and modern fabrics that flatter the appearance, stir and delight the senses. The main inspiration for these fabrics is nature itself.
Tanuis cotton is generally organically grown Peruvian cotton bred for staple length. It is related to the naturally colored Pervian cotton.