A

A-line A popular style in women's apparel, where the cut flares slightly away from the body to form an 'A' shape. Acrylic A Synthetic, or man made fiber derived which is soft, lightweight and wool-like, the fiber is popularly used for making winter wear, like sweaters and fleece. Angora A Yarn from the long, incredibly soft hair of an angora rabbit or goat. The yarn is popularly used for making winter wear, like hats, gloves, scarves, socks and more. Argyle A diamond-shaped plaid pattern made for a knitted fabric and is often used on socks and sweaters.

B
Ballistic nylon A thick and even weave of extremely durable nylon material. It is commonly used in luggage for reinforcement and abrasion resistance. Barn An overcoat made of durable cotton (usually twill) having a corduroy collar and large front jacket pockets.

Basket weave A variation of the plain weave construction having two or more warp and filling yarns woven side-by-side to resemble a pleated basket. Batik A method of dying fabric by hand-printing with textiles, said to have originated in Indonesia.

Bedford A strong, ribbed fabric made from a variety of materials, including cotton, wool, silk or a combination of fibers. The fabric has the same look as corduroy, but usually does not have the heavyweight construction. Bias cut A diagonal cut across the fabric grain for creating garments that closely trace the body's natural curves for a flattering look. Boatneck A narrow Bodice The Boy A type of upper panties woven or neckline having part swim fabric wear in opening of bottoms, a offering from a maximum with shoulder female's hip a and back to shoulder. dress. short coverage. rib.

Broadcloth A tightly

plain

weave

crosswise

Burlap A heavyweight and loosely constructed fabric in a plain weave. It is usually made of jute and is therefore very coarse and durable.

C
Camisole A sleeveless undergarment with thin spaghetti straps that can be made of silk or cotton.

Canvas A medium-to-heavyweight type of cotton or linen in a plain or twill weave. Used in across industries, right from apparel to footwear for its durability. Cap sleeve A short-sleeved style that's popular on women's blouses and dresses. The sleeve extends just over the shoulder for a touch of femininity.

Cargo Loose-fitting

shorts

or

pants

with

large,

military-inspired

pockets

sewn

on

the

hips

and

style knees.

Cashmere An extremely soft wool combed from the fleecy undergrowth of the Kashmir goat, and considered a "luxury" fiber. Chemise A loose-fitting, straight nightgown or undergarment. Usually ends at mid thigh.

Chenille A super soft yarn that stand out around a velvety cord. It is popularly used for making sweaters, and home goods, like throws. Chiffon Lightweight, sheer fabric of twisted filament yarns and popularly use for making evening wear, scarves, intimates etc. Colorfast This term is used to describe a dyed fabric's ability to resist crocking, fading or crocking due to exposure to sunlight, washing, and other environmental conditions. Combed Cotton This term is used to describe extra-soft cotton. Cotton (or any other fabric) is "combed," to produce high-quality yarns which are an excellent combination of strength and softness. Corduroy This refers to a medium-to-heavyweight fabric, which is usually made of cotton. Corduroy is made using a cut-pile weave construction. Extra sets of filling yarns are then woven into the fabric to form ridges of yarn on the fabric surface. Corduroy is used in women's, men's, and children's knitwear because it is durable and provides warmth. Crochet Crochet is a loose, open knit made by looping thread with the help of a hooked needle. Crochet is often used to make lightweight knitwear that is for use in warm weather conditions.

D
Dazzle This is a lightweight, silky-soft fabric blend. It possesses a slight shine, hence the name. Dazzle is found chiefly in activewear/sportswear because of its ability to dry quickly. Denier Denier is a unit of measuring the weight/thickness of a thinly spun fiber. It is also a unit of measuring the fineness of silk, nylon, or rayon yarn. Denier indicates the durability and fineness of fiber filaments and yarns. The lower the denier, the finer the fiber; the higher the denier, the thicker the fiber. Drop-needle Stitching This is a type of knit where the needles are "dropped out" in some places during stitching, thus producing an openwork pattern in the fabric. Drop-needle stitching is similar to a wide, ribbed finish.

E
Empire This term refers to a type of waistline that begins just below Waistband the bust.

Eyelet This is a type of embroidery in which small holes are cut out in the fabric. The finishing is done by embellishing with thread around the opening. Eyelets are used to add a touch of charm to women's clothing.

F
Fairisle This refers to a knitting style that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. This knit is characterized by geometric patterns. Faux This word has its origin in French, which means 'false'. Hence, faux is a term used to describe an 'imitation'. For example, faux leather, faux silk etc.

Fishnet Fishnet

is

coarse

open-mesh

fabric

often

found

in

fishnet

stockings.

Flounce Hem This refers to a strip of fabric attached to one edge of a garment (for example, a skirt) to create a wide ruffle at the hem. French Terry This is the knit jersey version of terry cloth. It features loops of pile on one side, with a smooth, brushed finish on the other.

G
Garment-washed This term is used to describe garments that have undergone a standard wash cycle in a commercial washing machine. The repeated exposure of garments in water results in a softer, worn-in look on the garments. Georgette This refers to a sheer, crinkled fabric woven from hard-twisted yarns to produce a dull, pebbly surface. It creates a lightweight, flowing look. Gusset When a narrow piece of fabric is inserted in the garment to allow for more space or a bigger opening, it is called a 'gusset'. Primarily found in cargo pockets to create a larger cavity.

H
Herringbone A pattern made up of rows of parallel lines in opposite directions forming a zigzag design.

Houndstooth This refers to a small, distinctively broken-check pattern that resembles the jagged back teeth of a hound.

I
Interlock This is a type of cut-and-sew knit fabric that is characterized by the interconnecting of the knit stitches.

J
Jacquard A fabric made of this intricate knit or pattern.

Jersey This refers to plain fabric that is knitted instead of woven. It is soft, breathable, and comfortable. Jersey gets softer with every wash. This kind of fabric was first manufactured on the island of Jersey, off the coast of England, hence the name.

K
Kangaroo Pouch Pocket This refers to a large pocket formed by sewing a piece of cloth over the center or stomach area of the garment leaving both ends open. Keyhole A round/tear-shaped cutout that fastens at the front or back neckline. Neckline

L
Lapels This refers to the folded area on the front of a coat. Usually a continuation of the collar.

Linen Coarse fibers taken from inside the woody stem of the flax plant. Cool, absorbent, durable, and breathable. Lyocell

A cellulose fiber manufactured from wood pulp. Lustrous and color-rich, Lyocell feels like rayon, but it is more durable and more absorbent (even when wet). It also has low-shrinkage and wrinkle-resistant characteristics.

M
Mercerization This term is used to describe a process of treating a thread, yarn or fabric to increase its luster, durability, and color retention. Merino This term refers to high-quality wool made from the fleece of pure-bred merino sheep. It is fine, strong, dye-retentive, and stretchy. Mesh This term refers to a type of knitted, laced, woven or crocheted fabric with an open, net-like weave. Mesh is lightweight and breathable. Hence, it is ideal for warm-weather garments. Microfiber This refers to a series of synthetic fibers that is extremely lightweight, soft, breathable and durable. Microfibers are ultrafine. They are said to be two times finer than silk, and one hundred times finer than a human hair. Currently, microfiber is manufactured from rayon, acrylic, nylon, and polyester. Microsanded This term refers to a unique type of brushing done to fabric that removes its roughness, resulting in an extra-soft feel.

N
Nylon It is a synthetic fiber known for its strength and excellent stain resilience. Nylon also has superior abrasion resistance and high flexibility. It is often added to natural fibers to boost the durability of the garments produced.

O
Ottoman This term refers to a heavyweight, stiff, warp rib (vertical running yarns). It is also known as Ottoman cord. Rib

P
Patch Pockets This refers to small pockets which are usually found on pants. These pockets are made to look like pieces of material stitched onto the pants as a patch. Peter Pan Collar A small collar with rounded ends. It is flat and close fitting. This style is popular in children's clothing. Picot This refers to a row of tiny decorative loops cut or sewn along the edge of a garment.

Pigment Dye This is an ordinary type of dye which is applied and held to the fabric with resins, which are then cured at high temperatures. Pile This is a type of knit with a decorative pattern of yarns interlaced to create Knit loops.

Pill This is a term used to describe the small balls of fibers that are formed by the tangling of fleece. Pilling is generally caused by wear and tear, and produces an uneven and worn look. Nowadays manufacturers are producing fleece tops and bottoms with anti-pill characteristics that resist fiber entanglement. Pima Cotton This is one of the best grades of cotton in the world after Egyptian cotton and Supima cotton. It has long, luxurious fibers. Pintuck Pintuck refers to a small, narrow fold of fabric stitched together to create the appearance of lines or stripes.

Piping This term refers to a narrow fold of fabric with a bias cut. It creates a corded outline on the garment, and is primarily used to create a contrasting trim. Pique Woven or knitted fabric usually made of cotton, silk or rayon. It may be midweight or heavyweight in nature. Such fabrics are characterized by raised cords or ribs, in honeycomb or diamond patterns. Placket This term refers to a piece of cloth that is used to reinforce an opening that usually serves as the closure of a garment. Plaited This term refers to interwoven strands of a fabrication.

Pointelle This is a type of stitch used in knitting. It creates a tiny, openwork pattern and is characterized by geometric shapes (like chevrons). This stitch adds a delicate, lightweight texture to clothing. Polypropylene Polypropylene is a manufactured/man-made fiber. It is lightweight, with moisture-absorbing and high-strength abrasive qualities. It is also stain-resistant and and fade-resistant. Preshrunk/prewashed Preshrinking treatments are often performed on cotton fabrics or garments to prevent them from additional shrinkage when washed. It also adds softness to the garments/fabrics.

R
Raglan This term is used to describe a sleeve style. Raglan sleeves are cut with the armhole seam running from under the arm to the neckline. Rayon Rayon is a smooth textile fiber made from cellulose by extrusion through minute holes. It is known for its softness, high absorption. It also offers excellent drape and has a lustrous look. Ribbed This term is used to describe a type of knit fabric characterized with a ridge effect in one direction (usually vertical). Rib knits are extremely elastic and are used in apparel to provide a comfortable, body-hugging fit. Ringspun fabric Term used for fiber (especially cotton) that is spun prior to knitting. This makes the fabric softer, finer, and more durable than ordinary fabrics. Rosette This term is used to describe a small ornament made of colored ribbon or silk which is pleated and ruffled so it resembles a rose. Roving This term refers to wool that is spun loosely. Fabric made from such wool pills and abrades as it is weak, and does not wear well. Ruffle This term refers to a strip of lace, cloth etc. that is gathered along one edge to create frills. It is used as a trimming on women's or children's garmnets.

S
Satin Satin is a fabric with a lustrous and silky finish. The fabric has long, interlaced yarns, and is used to make women's garments, sheets etc. Sherpa (Fleece) This term refers to knitted terry fabric that has been washed and brushed to raise the fibers, resulting in a plush, fluffy look. The thick terry loops grow more absorbent and soft over time. This fabric is used to make blankets, garments etc. Silk

This natural fiber is created by the silkworm. It is used to make all kinds of garments, accessories, draperies etc. since it is soft and possesses a natural luster. It is also popular because it accepts dye easily, and does not shrink. Slub Yarn This term is used to describe yarn that has a textured, lumpy surface. It has a smooth ply and is spun unevenly, creating lumps or 'slubs' in the ply. Spaghetti Straps These are very thin straps that are attached to the bodice of a garment. They are very similar in appearance to spaghetti noodles, hence the name. Spandex This refers to the stretchy textile fibers made chiefly of polyurethane. A blend of spandex with other fibers adds stretchiness/elasticity to the fabric. Surplice Neckline This neckline is formed when two pieces of fabric wrap around each other so as to create a V-neck opening. Sweetheart This neckline has a curvy, scalloped trim similar to the top half of a heart, hence Neckline the name.

Synthetic This term is used for manufactured/man-made materials which are made as imitations of other natural materials. Synthetic materials also possess some of the characteristics of the original.

T
Tricot This is a knit fabric formed by adjacent, parallel yarns interlooped with each other. It is soft and versatile, and is often used to make ladies' undergarments. Tricotene This term refers to a tropic-weight wool. It is lightweight, breathable, and smooth. It offers a beautiful drape and can also be used to create garments suited for warm weather conditions. Tunic Tunics are simple blouses/jackets that reach hip-length.

Tweed Tweed is a woolen fabric with slubbed, color-speckled yarns.

V
Velour This term is used for a tightly woven/knitted fabric. It is a midweight fabric usually made of cotton, with qualities similar to velvet. Viscose The most common type of rayon which is manufactured from wood pulp. Also known as viscose rayon.

W
Wool Natural fiber that is heavy and thick, spun from the fleece of lambs and sheep. Wool

Worsted This term refers to a smooth, compact yarn made from long wool fibers.

Y
Yarn-Dyed This refers to the dyeing process where yarns are dipped in coloring solution. Then they are woven/knitted into fabrics.