Universal Apparel Terms & Definitions

We put together this mini glossary to help you better understand common apparel terms. These are industry-standard words you might hear get thrown around in our conversations and meetings we have when helping you bring your ideas to life!

Fabric Types & Materials

Cotton A soft, natural fiber that’s breathable and comfortable. Great for everyday wear and feels good on the skin.

Combed Cotton Cotton that’s been cleaned up by removing short fibers. It’s smoother, stronger, and perfect for printing.

Carded Cotton Less refined than combed cotton. It has a slightly rougher texture but still holds up well.

CVC (Chief Value Cotton) A cotton/poly blend with more cotton than polyester. Budget-friendly and reliable.

Polyester Synthetic fabric that dries fast, resists wrinkles, and is great for sports or uniforms.

Rayon A lightweight, plant-based fiber with a silky feel. Often blended for softness and drape.

Spandex Stretchy and resilient. Used in activewear to let clothes move with you and return to shape.

Linen Made from flax. Breathable and cool to wear, especially in hot weather.

Modal A super soft fiber from beech trees. Absorbs moisture well and adds flexibility when blended.

Nylon Durable, lightweight synthetic fiber. Often found in outerwear.

Mesh Fabric with small holes for breathability. Great for ventilation.

Fleece Warm, soft, and insulating. Ideal for jackets and hoodies.

French Terry Loops on the inside, smooth outside. Lighter than fleece but still cozy.

Pique Knit Textured fabric often used in polos. Breathable with a slight pattern.

50/50 Blend Half cotton, half polyester. Combines softness and breathability with durability and shape retention.

Blended Materials Fabrics made by combining two or more fiber types. Blends offer the best features of each material.

Decoration & Printing Terms

DTF (Direct to Film) A full-color print that’s pressed onto fabric using heat. Works on most fabric types and holds detail well.

Screen Printing Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto fabric. Great for bold, long-lasting designs.

Screen Print Transfers Designs are printed onto transfer paper and heat-pressed onto apparel. Offers flexibility and vibrant colors.

Embroidery Stitching a design directly into the fabric with thread. Durable, professional, and great for logos.

HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) Cut-out vinyl designs that are heat-pressed onto fabric. Good for names, numbers, and custom elements.

Puff HTV A vinyl that puffs up when heat is applied. Adds dimension and texture.

Glitter HTV Vinyl that sparkles. Eye-catching and great for fashion or spirit wear.

Glow-in-the-Dark HTV Charges under light and glows in the dark. Fun and functional.

Metallic Puff HTV Shiny vinyl that also puffs. Adds bold texture and a reflective finish.

Brick HTV Thicker vinyl that creates a raised, blocky effect. Adds dimension to simple shapes and logos.

Sublimation A printing process that dyes the fabric itself. Works best on light polyester. Won’t crack or peel.

Pigment-Dyed Color sits on the surface of the fabric, creating a faded, vintage look.

Deboss Design is pressed into the fabric, creating a subtle indentation.

Flatlock Stitching Two pieces of fabric sewn together edge-to-edge for a smooth seam. Great for activewear.

Pre-Shrunk Fabric treated to reduce shrinking after you wash it.

Garment Features & Construction

3-in-1 Jacket A jacket system with two layers. Wear them separately or zipped together.

Back Yoke The panel across your upper back that helps the garment lay right.

Bartack Extra stitching at stress points to reinforce seams and prevent tears.

Drop Tail / Extended Tail Longer in the back to help keep your shirt tucked.

Placket Where the buttons or snaps go. Found on shirts and jackets.

Princess Seams Curved seams on women’s garments that give a tailored shape.

Raglan Sleeves Sleeves that extend in one piece to the collar. More room to move.

Set-In Sleeves Classic sleeve style sewn into the shoulder seam.

Side Vents Small slits at the sides of the hem. Adds comfort and mobility.

Finishing Techniques

Anti-Pill Finish Treatment to reduce fabric fuzz balls ("pills") over time.

Pilling The small balls of fuzz that form on fabric due to friction. More common on soft, worn fabrics.

Brushed Fabric is gently rubbed to create a soft, fuzzy surface.

Enzyme Washed Uses enzymes to soften fabric and give a worn-in feel.

Garment-Dyed Fabric is dyed after the garment is made for a vintage look.

Garment Washed Fabric is washed after sewing for extra softness and minimal shrink.

Peached Fabric is lightly sanded for a soft, suede-like touch.

Sandwashed Similar to peached, but usually washed with fine abrasives for a relaxed look.

Stonewashed Fabric washed with pumice or similar to create a faded, broken-in look.

Sueded Fabric brushed to raise the nap and create a soft texture.

Performance Features

Antimicrobial Helps reduce odors by fighting bacteria.

Breathability How well air flows through the fabric. More breathable = more comfortable.

Easy Care Low-maintenance fabric that resists wrinkles and often doesn’t need ironing.

Flame-Resistant Designed to resist ignition and self-extinguish when the flame source is removed.

Moisture-Wicking Pulls sweat away from your skin to keep you dry.

Odor-Resistant Helps block smells caused by sweat and bacteria.

Seam-Sealing Taped seams to help keep out water in jackets or rain gear.

Snag-Resistant Fabric built to resist pulls from rough surfaces.

Stain Release / Stain Resist Treated to help stains wash out easily or repel them to begin with.

UV-Protective Fabric (UPF) Fabric that helps block harmful sun rays and protect your skin.

Wind / Water Resistance Helps block wind or light rain. Not the same as waterproof, but still protective.

Need help figuring out what’s best for your project? Reach out to us anytime—we’re here to help!