Glossary
1x1 rib/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.
2 -way zipper: A zipper with two zipper pulls so that it can be unzipped from either direction.
4-Needle Stitched: Double-Needle stitched but with four stitches.
Abrasion resistance: The ability of a fabric to withstand loss of appearance and function through the destructive action of
rubbing. Fabrics labeled as abrasion-resistant are typically highly durable and long lasting.
Acrylic: (Fiber) Generic name for man made fibers derived from polyacrylonitrile. Features a soft, woolly hand; wash and
wear performance; brilliant high shade colors; good sunlight and wrinkle resistance.
Air Jet Spinning: During Air Jet Spinning yarn is made by wrapping fibers around a core stream of fibers with compressed
air. In this process, the fibers are stretched to the appropriate size, then fed to the air jet chambers where they are twisted, first
in one direction, then in the reverse direction in a second chamber. The yarn is stabilized after each operation. Yarn produced
on Air Jet pills less because the spinning process creates a tighter outer wrap which holds typically loose polyester fibers
(experienced in Open End Spinning) in place. Fewer loose polyester fibers mean less pilling.
All-Weather Micro fiber: 100% Polyester Micro fiber with waterproof coating and fully taped seams. 100% waterproof.
Anti Pill: A treatment applied to garments primarily to resist the formation of little balls on the fabrics surface due to
abrasion during wear.
Antron nylon: A taffeta nylon fabric with a reflection or shiny finish.
Argyle: A popular design for knitted fabrics, both hand and machine knit. Two or three colors generally are used in a
diamond-shaped pattern.
Back Pleats: Tiny folds in the material on the back of a garment that allow for more room and comfort.
Back Yoke: A piece of fabric that connects the back of a garment to the shoulders. This allows the garment to lay flat and
drape nicely.
Baby Pique: Very small pique knit. See pique knit.
Back Pleats: Tiny folds in the material on the back of a garment that allow for more room and comfort.
Backing Yarn: The yarn which is napped on the inside of a fleece garment that creates the soft lining of fleece.
Banded: Fabric is folded double and sewn down. Refers to tee shirt collars and staff shirtsleeves.
Bartacked: Reinforced stitching, i.e. rivets used in reinforcing pockets on jeans
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Basket weave: A variation of a plain weave in which two or more yarns weave alike in both the warp (Vertical) and Filling
(Horizontal) directions. The name probably derives from the similarity to basket work structures. The weave produces a
rather LOOSE construction.
Berber: A texture very similar to Sherpa, but with a heavier, more woolen texture-used for Outerwear.
Binding: A sewing method that encases an edge or seam with fabric.
Birdseye: A pattern that resembles a bird’s eye. Knit or woven fabric characterized with a small geometric pattern that has a
center dot resembling a bird’s eye. Used in fabric, collar and cuffs.
Bi-swing back: A rear insert panel, typically used in jackets. Extra material is gathered or folded to allow more freedom of
movement in the shoulder area. Sometimes called an "action back."
Blanket Stitch: A decorative stitch used to finish an un-hemmed blanket. The stitch can be seen on both sides of the blanket.
Bleach wash: The process of washing fabric or a garment with bleach to soften and distress the look of the fabric.
Blends: Combining two or more types of staple fibers in one yarn to achieve color mixtures such as heather, unusual dyeing
variations or better performance characteristics. Blends of natural and man made fibers are common today.
Binding: A sewing method that encases an edge or seam with fabric.
Bonded Fleece: Fleece produced with multiple layers that are bonded together creating a thicker and heavier weight garment.
Box Pleat: A single, uniform fold in the center back of a garment to allow for more room and comfort.
Brim: Also known as a Bill or Visor. Usually made of plastic surrounded by fabric. The fabric used is most commonly
canvas, but can also be brushed cotton, wool, denim, suede, etc. The brim is held down with symmetrical rows of stitching.
Some brims are pre-curved, some come relatively flat which you have to curve yourself.
Broadcloth: Closely woven fabric with very fine embedded ribs and a lustrous finish. Made in many weights, fibers, and
blends. Resembles fine poplin. (Worsted and woolen broadcloths have a glossy finish).
Brushed Cotton: Cotton fabric that is brushed to remove all the excess lint and fibers from the fabric, leaving an ultra soft,
smooth finish.
Brushed Napping: Knit or woven fabrics of wool, cotton, or synthetics. The result is a flannel-like texture.
Brushing: A finishing process for knit or woven fabrics in which brushes or other abrading devices are used to raise a nap on
fabrics and create a soft surface texture.
Buckram backing: Stiff fabric used to give shape and form to items like caps, belts, etc. A buckram lining is found on the
inside of a “Constructed” Caps front 2 panels (the crown). This is a very stiff lining that makes the front of the cap stand up.
Burguntal Cloth: Constructed from 100% nylon. This durable base fabric has a water repellent finish applied to the face,
which prevents water drops from soaking into the nylon. The back is coated with Polyurethane for added water resistance and
wind protection.
Butterfly collar: A pointed collar that lay flat against the garment, but can be brought up and secured to ensure warmth.
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Buttons:
*Dyed-To-Match: Buttons or trims that are the same color as the garment onto which they are sewn.
*Etched Tone Buttons: A more upscale horn tone button with an etched pattern.
*Horn Tone Buttons: Buttons that appear to be manufactured from horn.
*Iridescent Buttons: Buttons with a lustrous, rainbow-like hue.
*Mother of Pearl Buttons: Buttons made from Mother of Pearl.
* Pearlized Buttons: Buttons that have a pearl-colored hue.
*Pewter Buttons: Buttons that have a dull, metallic hue.
*Wood Tone Buttons: Buttons that simulate a wood appearance.
Button Through sleeve placket: A small placket located on the sleeve, by the cuff, which contains a single button closure.
Byron Collar: Collar with large points and not much of a roll. A pointed, shirt-style collar.
Canvas: A heavy, closely woven fabric of cotton, hemp, or flax, originally used for making tents and sails.
Cami Strap: Very narrow shoulder straps.
Cap Button: This is the button at the top of the cap that helps hold all the panels together.
Cap Sleeves: Sleeve type used mainly in ladies styles but is also used in unisex styles. Standard tee sleeve length is
approximately to the elbow. Cap sleeves would fall midway between the elbow and the shoulder.
Carding: A fiber cleaning process in yarn spinning. Preliminary process in yarn spinning. Fibers are separated and made
into more parallel-untwisted strand called SLIVERS. This process also removes most of the impurities and a certain amount
of short or broken fibers.
Carded Cotton: Yarn that has been cleaned aligned and formed into a continuous untwisted strand but has not gone through
additional spinning processes like combing or ring spinning.
Cargo pockets: Large expandable pockets sewn to the shell with side pleats.
Casual Micro fiber: 100% Polyester Micro fiber fabric that is water repellent and wind resistant.
Cavalry Twill: A type of twill weave. (Pattern of the twill)
Center line/Center Crease: Helps line up garment for screen print or embroidery. Disadvantage: if line is not actually
centered, it is more difficult to center logo.
Chambray: A dressier fabric woven with white threads across colored threads. A broad class of plain weave, yarn dyed,
cotton or synthetic fabrics made with a colored yarn and white filling.
Chamois twill: An adjective used to identify a heavily brushed twill fabric.
Chevron: A zigzag stitch VERY similar to Herringbone
Cire nylon: Lustrous surface effect produced on the surface of a fabric.
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Clean finished self-shell: Seams are finished, not raw with any lining.
Closures: Located at the back of adjustable caps, these come in a variety of materials. Most of the caps you’ll find on this
website are adjustable. We carry caps with mostly either plastic or leather closures. The leather closures are nice. They
usually come with Brass buckles.
Coating: A finishing process in which a substance - like rubber, resin or synthetic compounds - covers the fabric on one or
both sides. Polyurethane is a common coating for outerwear. Coating typically aids water-resistance.
Collaret: The trim around the neck of a t-shirt of sweatshirt.
Colorfast: A term used to describe fabrics of sufficient color retention so that no noticeable changes in shed take place
during the “normal” life of the garment.
Colorfastness: The ability of a fabric to withstand exposure to sunlight, dry cleaning and laundering without fading or
running. The types of fiber, dye and treatment used for setting the color determine how colorfast a fabric will be.
Combed Cotton: Cotton yarn that has been combed to remove short fibers and straighten or arrange longer fibers in parallel
order resulting in a smooth yarn used in finer garments.
Combing: A secondary cleansing process performed to remove additional impurities from the staple fiber after carding.
Compaction: A shrinkage control technique used in fabric manufacturing.
Cool Mesh: Similar to a pique knit but with a more open texture for increased breathability. Features a soft hand for better
comfort.
Cool Weave: Similar to a pique knit, but with a more open texture for increased breathability. Slightly larger knit than Cool
Mesh, it has a denser feel.
Cord Locks: A stopper or toggle on a draw cord that keeps the cord from retracting into the garment.
Cordura®: Trademark of DuPont Company, for air-textured nylon yarn.
Corduroy: Cut pile fabric woven with either wide or narrow wales formed by using extra filling. Back may be either plain
or twill weave, the latter being better quality.
Core Vents: Efficiently dissipate excess body heat and perspiration vapor.
Constructed: Crown of a cap has Buckram to give the cap shape even when it is not being worn.
Cotton: A natural fiber used in the manufacture of apparel. Cotton is named for a shrubby plant (genus Gossypium) of the
mallow family, for the fibers surrounding the seeds, and for the cloth woven from the spun fibers. Each of the seeds, which
are contained in capsules, or bolls, is surrounded by white or cream-colored downy fibers that flatten and twist naturally as
they dry. Cotton is tropical in origin but is now cultivated worldwide. It has been spun, woven, and dyed since prehistoric
times.
Course: Loops of horizontal knit fabric.
Cut: The number of needles utilized per inch when knitting fabric.
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Constructed: Crown of a cap has Buckram to give the cap shape even when it is not being worn.
Coolmax: Certification mark of the DuPont Company, for knitted fabrics made of POLYESTER fibers that are grooved on
the outside to facilitate better wicking and moisture evaporation.
Cover seaming/Cover stitching: Two needles to overlap the threads underneath, reinforcing the seams with a smooth layer
of threads. (Looks similar to double needle stitching)
Cover stitched armhole seam: Usually found in knit shirts, refers to the inside armhole seam being serged or finished.
Crepe: A fabric characterized by a broad range of crinkled or grained surface effect.
Crocking: The tendency of excess dyes to rub off. Napped a pile fabrics in deep colors are most likely to crock. Industry has
set standards and tests to measure and prevent crocking. With the PIGMENT dye process this can occur if the garment is
NOT washed before worn.
CrossWinds: Lightweight wind protection. CrossWinds shells are extremely pack able and compressible.
Crown: The front 2 panels of a cap.
Cuff: A ribbed piece of knit goods used to form the end of a sleeve on a knit shirt. End piece of fabric sewn on to form the
end of a sleeve on woven shirts.
Cut: The number of needles utilized per inch when knitting fabric.
Delrin zipper: A heavy nylon zipper with large teeth often left exposed for style.
Denier: Is to polyester as Singles is to cotton, however with Denier, the SMALLER the number of denier the THINNER the
strand of polyester and the LARGER the number the THICKER the strand of polyester. (This is the OPPOSITE of singles.)
Denim: Basic cotton cloth. It is rugged, tough, serviceable and generally seen in traditional indigo color. Course single yarns
are used to make denim.
Dobby: When weaving fabric: geometric shapes are woven into the weaving pattern
Double knit: A knit fabric of double thickness.
Double Needle Hem: Double row of stitching at seam.
Double-Needle Stitched: A finish used on a sleeve and/or bottom hem that uses two needles to create parallel rows of visible
stitching. It gives the garment a cleaner, more finished look and adds durability.
Double needle safety stitched: Seams top stitched with two needles running side by side.
Double sided fleece: Fuzzy on both sides for maximum durability.
Drapability: A fabric's ability to hang gracefully in a finished product.
Drop Tail: A design feature where the back of the garment is longer then the front.
Duck Cloth: Tightly woven fabric that provides wind and snag resistance.
Dry-Fiber: A high activity sportswear fabric that absorbs wicks and dries faster than average golf wear.
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DryPoint ™ Semi-Oxford: A modified basket weave of 100% Nylon coated with Ether-based Poly Urethane. Extremely
durable and waterproof.
Dyeing: The process of applying color to fiber stock, yarn or fabric. There may or may not be thorough penetration of the
colorant into the fibers or yarns. There are many methods of dyeing.
EcoSpun: A fleece outerwear fabric made from at least 50% materials reclaimed from recycled plastic soda pop bottles.
Elasticity: The ability of the fibers to ‘bounce back’ or recover when released from tension or stretch.
End On End: An alternating color or striped effect. An arrangement of warp yarns with one end of color and one end of
white alternatively.
Enzyme Wash: A fabric softening process that gives a soft hand to fabric and wears the color VERY slightly. Does NOT
have a washed out look like pigment dye.
Epaulet: A shoulder "strap" or collar trim that is styled with a military look.
Extended Tail: When the back portion of the garment is longer than the front. Assists in keeping the garment tucked in
during normal activity.
Eyelets: Small holes embroidered into a cap (by the cap manufacturer: not H&H). These holes allow for ventilation.
Face: Traditionally, the side of a fabric that offers a finished or polished appearance. The face is normally used for outward
print and decoration.
Face Yarn: The exterior yarn of a fleece garment.
Feeder stripe: A 1/8" repeating stripe.
Filament: A fine or thinly spun thread or fiber.
Finish: General term for processes used in converting raw goods into finished cloth. Bleaching, mercerizing, steaming,
singeing, and dyeing are typical finishing processes.
Finishing: A general term which covers the treatment of fabric to give a desires surface effect. Some finishes add luster,
others give a muted dull effect. Finishes often contribute to the ‘feel’ or ‘hand’ of a fabric. It has been said that ‘clothe is
made in the finishing’. It is the application of a pleasing or appealing of the fabric.
Flannel: Plain or twill weave, can be fabric with a slightly napped surface.
Fleece: A multi-yarn fabric identified by a soft napped interior and a smooth exterior. Refers to pile or napped fabric with a
deep, soft, woolly-style surface.
Four needle stitching: Used to reinforce the waistband in shorts and sweatpants.
Full Cut: Refers to a garment's fit as being generous and roomy.
Full-fashioned: A term applied to fabrics made on a flat-knitting machine, such as hosiery, sweaters and underwear that
have been shaped by adding or reducing stitches.
Garment Dyed: Garments are made in an un-dyed fabric and then dyed in garment form. Most garment-dyed items are
100% cotton, as natural fibers accept dyes better than synthetic fabrics do. Note: Shade variations are inherent in the garment
dying process. Garment dyed goods should be washed separately in cold water before wearing.
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Garment washed: After a garment is sewn it is washed to cut down on shrinkage and add softness to the garment.
Glen Plaid: Popular Scottish pattern for sportswear characterized by checks of two different sizes with similar color patterns.
Made in many grades of fabric.
Graded Collar: The size of the collar changes proportionally with the size of the shirt.
Greige (Gray) Goods: This term is used when a fabric is in the unbleached and un-dyed state. Knitted or woven fabrics of
all fibers in an unfinished state, after they have been woven and before dyeing or finishing.
Grommets: Metal, plastic or stitched holes creating fabric reinforcement at stress points
Gusset: Added panel of fabric in a seam to provide action movement.
Hand: Quality or characteristic of fabrics that are perceived by the sense of touch; e.g. firmness, softness, fineness, drape.
Heather: Blended fibers combined to create a vary-colored effect; e.g. heather gray. This fabric typically contains 3 fibers:
cotton, polyester or rayon. When garments or of Ash, Birch, Heather Grey, Steel Grey, Light Steel, etc. these colors are
NEVER 100% Cotton. Another fiber MUST be added with the cotton in order to achieve the necessary color. NOTE: If a
fabric contains 95% cotton it can be LEGALLY labeled 100% cotton.
Henley: A knit shirt with a button placket at the neckline, no collar. Copied from a shirt originally worn by rowers at Henley
England.
Herringbone: A decorative pattern of rows of slanted parallel lines alternating direction row by row. Broken twill weaves
giving a zigzag effect.
High Profile: A high profile cap is a cap whose crown is about 3” to 4” high. You’ll find these on the Cap Products page
under “Pro Caps”. High Profile caps are usually always constructed (i.e. they have a buckram lining).
HyventMicro Faille weave: A 100% coated Nylon flat ribbed fabric that is waterproof, windproof and very breathable with
excellent abrasion and durability characteristic. Treated with a Durable Water Repellant finish to shed water.
Hollofil: High loft insulation made with hollow polyester fibers. The finished product is lightweight and warm. Hollofil II,
another version, is a coated hollow polyester fiber with added drape.
Hound’s-tooth: A medium-sized broken check effect in fabric. The check is a four pointed star surrounded by white usually.
Design woven into a fabric that looks like a star pattern.
Interlock: Double knit construction makes this the heaviest of the 3 knits. Similar to a Jersey knit except both front and back
of the fabric look identical. Interlock is the tightest weave, gives the smoothest surface and the finest hand. A plain-stitched
knit fabric, which looks the same on both sides. Often used for T-shirts and golf shirts.
Insulation: That which maintains warmth; the action of a garment in maintaining user warmth.
Intarsia: Derived from Italian meaning "inlay." A flat knit fabric with patterns knitted in solid colors, so that both sides of
the fabric are alike.
Jacquard: Woven-in pattern created by a special loom. A raised design or pattern woven into the fabric as opposed to being
printed on the fabric.
Jersey Knit: A soft plain-knitted fabric with a smooth finish. A plain knit stitch cloth in contrast to a rib knitted fabric. The
top and the underside of the fabric do not look the same
Johnny collar: A knit, stand-up collar.
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Kangaroo Pocket: A large front single pocket, with side openings allowing both hands to be inserted, meeting in the Middle.
See Also muff pocket).
Kasha lining: A lining principally for jackets featuring cotton flannel, napped face and imitation chambray back. A light,
flannel-like lining.
Knapping: Refers to the inside of a fleece garment. Garment fabric brushed with a wire brush to give a very soft hand.
Knits: Fabrics constructed by interlocking a series of loops by hand or machine. Knitted fabrics tend to mold and fit easily
to body shape: woven fabrics, in contrast, drape.
Knit Fabric: Fabric made by intertwining yarn or thread in a series of connected loops.
Kodel: Polyester fiber created and trademarked by Eastman Kodak Co.
Lamborder: A flat rib knit, with specified dimensions, which are used to function as a placket and placket facing.
Lamination: A process of binding one fabric to another by means of heat or adhesive bonding.
Lisle (Yarn): Refers to type of yarn. This type of yarn has a soft hand is a very fine count (singles) and is 2 ply.
Locker Loop: A looped piece of fabric in the neck of a garment for the convenience of hanging the garment on a hook. Can
also be located at the center of the back yoke on the inside or outside of a garment.
Locker Patch: A semi-oval panel sewn into the inside back portion of a garment, just under the collar seam, to reinforce the
garment and minimize stretching when hung on a hook. The patch also allows for the garment tag or label to be sewn below
the neckline to help prevent irritation.
Low Profile: These are caps whose crown is only about 3” high. These can be either constructed or un-constructed.
Lyocell: Generic name for TENCEL®
Lycra: Man made elastic textile yarns with excellent stretch and recovery properties. Lycra is trade marked name but is also
known as Spandex. An elastomeric fiber that is blended with other fibers. Can stretch 500 percent without breaking. Holds
dyes well and is resistant to heat. Trademark owned by DuPont.
Man Made Fibers: Formally called synthetic fibers. Examples are acrylic, nylon, polyester, rayon and spandex
Marled Yarn: Twisting a solid color yarn with a yarn of various colors to create a varied color effect.
Matte Taslan: See Taslan but with a dull finish.
Medium Weight: Classification for fabric of 22 to 24 single yarn, where the number of yarn denotes the overall fabric
weight.
Mélange: A mix of different colors of yarns knit together to create a heathered effect.
Melton Wool: A heavily felted non-lustrous fabric. The heaviest type is used in outerwear.
Mercerization: Treatment for fabric (cotton yarn or cloth) that swells the fiber and gives it LUSTER or shine. Slightly
preshrinks yarn and makes it stronger. This also helps with dye acceptance and improves fabric absorbency.
Mesh: Similar to a pique knit, but with a more open texture for increased breathability. Larger knit than Cool Weave.
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Micro Fleece: A high density, anti-pilling fleece made of knit micro-fibers that are brushed less than a regular fleece
garment. It has a high capacity for warmth without the weight.
Micro fiber: This fabric is tightly woven from a very fine poly thread and has a suede finish for a luxurious, soft feel. Micro
fiber fabric is naturally water repellent due to its construction process and when specially treated, can also be waterproof.
Micro Cord: A very fine wale cord.
Micro-Stripe: An ultra-fine stripe that is knit into the fabric.
Mid Profile: A cap with a slope height in between that of a High Profile and Low Profile. It is most often structured with
buckram.
Nail Head Design: A jacquard knitting pattern in which the jacquard forms a design similar to small nail heads.
Nap: A downy surface given to a cloth when part of the fibers are raised from the basic structure and brushed.
Nappa: A soft surface on fabric or leather.
Neck tape: Protective band of tape sewn over the seam between the shell and the collar for a more comfortable feel to the
garment.
Needle-Up Pique: While knitting the pique design in fabric a needle is dropped to allow a stripe of jersey to knit. This causes
a stripe effect in the fabric.
Neoprene: A generic name for a type of synthetic rubber.
Non-woven fabrics: Materials that are produced by interlocking or bonding fabrics together.
Nylon oxford weave: A coarse, plain weave cloth.
Nylon zipper: Sturdy cord zipper that is self-lubricating.
NuBlend (Jerzees): Trademark process of spinning yarn that virtually eliminates pilling.
Omni Dry™: Process keeps you dry and warm whatever the activity by drawing moisture to the fabric face where it wicks
across the surface and evaporates. The rate of evaporation increases with the amount of moisture.
Open End Spinning: A technique to create yarn using a combing roll and rotor. A system of spinning based on the concept
of introducing twist to the yarn by rotating the yarn end at a gap in the flow of fibers between the delivery system and the
yarn package; a much faster operation than ring spinning. Open-end yarn has a coarser hand than ring spun cotton.
Open End Yarn: The yarn is prepared by blowing fibers into small rapidly spinning drum. A cylinder catches the loose
fibers almost like a cotton candy machine catches its sugary filaments. The speed of the spinning process is very fast and
much more inexpensive than traditional spinning. Fabrics made with open end yarns are less durable and tend to pill more
easily.
Optical Brightener: A fabric brightening additive.
Ottoman knit: A horizontal raised rib textured knit.
Ounces Per Sq. Yd.: A measurement of fabric weight
Overdyed: A process in which yarn dyed fabrics or piece dyed garments are put through an additional dye color to create
unique colors.
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Oxford: A modified plain or weave. Can be striped or checked by using groups of various colored yarn.
Oxford weave: A group of cotton or man-made fabrics made with a modified plain weave or basket weave. Mainly used as
shirting material.
Patch pocket: A pocket added to a garment usually made of self-material and without pleats of lining, like a shirt pocket.
Peach wash finish: A "peach fuzz" like finish applied to washed poplin with a light nap for a soft, supple feel.
Pigment dye: Washed down colors that will continue to soften and age with washing. Great for outdoor and casual looks.
Pig split leather: The dermal and epidural layers of the leather are split, creating two pieces of thinner garment-weight
material suitable for production.
Pile fabric: Fabric with cut fibers or uncut loops, which stand up densely on the surface. Usually has a plush feel (i.e., bath
towel, velvet).
Piece Dyed: This term is used when the knitted cloth is dyed, prior to being assembled into a finished product.
Pill Free®: A process developed by Lee® to help prevent pilling on fleece garments.
Pilling: Accumulation of fibers on the surface of a fabric, caused by wear and washing. In 50/50 fabric, cotton fibers tear and
become tangled with the stronger fibers on the surface of the garment. Higher cotton content results in less pilling.
Pima Cotton: Refers to type of cotton. Originally grown by the Pima Indians in the South West part of the United States. Its
natural color is yellow as opposed to white for other cotton. It’s a very fine, long staple (refers to the length of the individual
fibers) cotton. It is a very soft and strong fiber that accepts dye well.
Pinwale: A very narrow ridge or rib in a fabric (from 16 to 23 wales to the inch) EX: Pinwale corduroy.
Poly-filled: A warm polyester lining found in the body or sleeves of outerwear garments. It has more loft than a regular
nylon lining.
Polynosic: Type of fabric that has a TWILL texture with a VERY soft “silk like” feel. This fabric will also protect against
95% of the UV rays from the sun.
Popcorn Pique: Alternating rows of 2 different pique knits; one knit is a baby pique, while the other is a larger pique that
resembles small circles knit closely together.
Pique Knit: A knitting method that creates a fine textured surface that appears similar to a birds nest, waffle weave or
honeycomb. It offers an open knit surface with a coarser hand than jersey or interlock and used primarily in short-sleeve knit
polo shirts.
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Placket: The part of a shirt where the garment fastens together.
*Allen Solley Placket: A one piece placket that is hidden after sewing. This process utilizes the existing fabric
the outside placket face.
*French Placket: Is to woven shirts as a set-on placket is to staff shirts.
*Inset/Set-In Placket: A placket that is constructed from a separate piece of fabric and sewn in separately. This
placket is visible after it is sewn into the garment.
*"J" Placket: The shape of the placket is curved at the bottom. The "J" refers to the shape of the placket.
*Reinforced Placket (X-Box): A square or rectangular sewn area used to strengthen and reinforce the bottom of a
placket.
*Reverse Placket: See Placket, but reversed for women’s garments.
Plain weave: The basic criss-cross method of weaving cloth.
Ply: The number of single yarns twisted together to form ply yarn; also the number of ply yarns twisted together to form
cord.
Pointelle: A kind of drop needle fabric. It is constructed to control the degree of unlooping of certain stitches and to provide
for opening needles latches when necessary.
Polyester: A wrinkle resistant fabric of man made filament fibers.
Polynosic: A type of microfiber that is a blend of advanced polyester and rayon fibers. Characteristics include luxurious
soft touch with a drapeable hand.
Poplin: A blend of cotton and polyester (bi-blend) in a poplin weave.
Print Pro™: A knitting process developed by Hanes® for their fleece garments that create a tighter knit for a better printing
surface.
Printed fabric: A fabric with a pattern printed on it with an ink or dye.
PVC: A polyurethane coating that is added to make garments water resistant.
Quarter Turning: Eliminates the center line by rotating the shirt at 900 so that the fold line is then under the arms.
Currently, imprinters like his feature because it eliminates the center line.
Quilted (jacket): Jacket featuring a lining with two or more layers and a padded filling.
Raglan sleeves: Sleeves are all one piece from collar to cuff, allowing for ease of movement.
Rapid Dry: A fabric designed with a unique weave to wick away moisture from the body.
Reactive Dyes: Dyestuffs that form chemical bonds with cotton fibers.
Reactive printed fabric: A fabric printed with a reactive dye that promotes colorfastness.
Recovery: The capacity of a fabric to return to its original dimensions after being stretched out of shape.
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Resign: A chemical compound used in the finishing process of fabric and sometimes collars and cuffs. Helps impact wash
and wear durable press properties to fabrics which contain natural fibers.
Rib knit: A form of knit fabric with vertical rows of knitting loops visible on both sides of the cloth. This fabric features
more elasticity than jersey knit. Rows of alternating wales or raised ridges that form a knit fabric that commonly has recovery
characteristics.
Ring Spun Yarn: Yarn made by continuously twisting and thinning a rope of cotton fibers. The twisting makes the short
hairs of cotton stand out, resulting in a stronger yarn with a significantly softer hand.
Ringer: T-shirt with solid body featuring ribbed crew neck (and sleeve bands) in a contrasting color.
Ring Spinning: A spinning technique which stretches the yarn between rollers.
Ripstop: Very fine woven fabric, often NYLON, with coarse, strong yarns spaced at intervals so that tears will not spread.
Running stitch: Sequential stitching which runs in a single direction.
Saddle Shoulder: Variation of a raglan sleeve, where the shoulder portion forms a straight band cut in the same piece with
the sleeve. It is seamed front and back parallel to the shoulder instead of at an angle as in raglan style.
Safety Stitched: Sewing operation completed after the serger sews the fabric together. An additional row of stitches are sewn
to secure the hold.
Sand wash: The process of washing fabric or a garment with sand to soften and distress the look of the fabric.
Scouring: Is not an actual finish, but is the most important process in finishing textiles. It cleanses the fabric in totality or its
surface by washing and an abrasion or rubbing treatment.
Sculpted Hem: A hem that is softly rounded for fashion detail.
Seamless Collar: A collar that is knit in a circle and set circular. There are no “joining” seams on the collar.
Seam sealing: A process in which the stitch line of a garment is made leak proof by the application of seam tape or seamsealing glue.
Self collar: Collar comprised of the same type of piece goods used in the shirt body. The collar is made by sewing the two
collar parts together with a lining in the center for support.(As in tanks tops and ladies items)
Self-Fabric Collar: A collar that is constructed from the same material as the body of the garment.
Self Trim: Trim constructed from the body fabric.
Serge Stitch: An overcastting technique done on the cut edge of the fabric to prevent unraveling.
Set-in Sleeves: Style of sleeve, which is sewn into the shoulder seam. The seam is straight up and down from the shoulder
seam to the underarm as opposed to the neck in raglan sleeves.
Sheeting, cotton: Plain weave cotton.
Sherpa: As garment is woven, the outside of the fabric is brushed with a wire brush to give the garment a very soft “fuzzy”
feel.
Shoulder to Shoulder Taping: Shoulder seams, as well as neck seam are covered by tape or binding. This reinforces
shoulder and neck seams, and reduces separation of the seams.
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Shrinkage: The reduction in width and length that takes place when it is washed. Residual shrinkage is the percentage of
shrinkage that occurs at the first washing. Shrinkage that occurs on each subsequent washing as called progressive shrinkage.
Shrinkage Rate: Approximately 4: 5 % on most 100 % garments after pre-shrinking or compacting
Side Vents: Slits found at the bottom of side seams. They are fashion details that allow for comfort and ease of movement.
Silicone washed: A process of washing using silicones that increase softness.
Single Needle: Single row of stitching at seam, see “Top Stitching”.
Singles: One single yarn.
Sitka: A long-lasting, super-waterproof coating made perfect for wet weather.
Slash pockets: Angled pockets that are formed by cutting a slash in the shell and attaching a pouch inside the garment.
Space dye: A yarn dyeing process of which one strand received one color at irregular intervals. Produces an effect of
unorganization.
Sport Fleece: A Dunbrooke term used to identify anti-pill polyester fleece.
Sportex: Sanded poplin.
Stand-up collar/mandarin: A collar with a short height that does not lie against the garment.
Staple: Synonym for fiber length in spun yarns. Long staple yarn being the best.
Stone Washed: A process to give indigo denim fabrics a washed out look by tumbling with pumice stone chips or powder.
Newer techniques use a bleaching agent instead.
Storm flap: A strip of fabric covering the zipper or snap closure of the jacket and its pocket.
Structured: Crown of a cap has Buckram to give the cap shape even when it is not being worn.
Sueded Cotton: A fabric that goes through a brushing process to raise the nap and give the garment a soft hand.
Sueded Nylon: (See Sueded Cotton).
Supplex: A DuPont trademarked fabric made of nylon fibers available in a side range of finished - it is durable, lightweight,
and soil-resistant. Colorfast, quick drying and breathable.
Sweatband: Some caps, mostly visors, come with a narrow (about 1.5” high) band inside the crown. This band is usually
made of terry cloth.
Tactel®: Trademark of the DuPont Company, for filament nylon fiber.
Taffeta: Basic plain weave that is crisp and smooth on both sides, usually with a sheen. Warp and filling approximately of
the same count. May be plain, printed, striped, checked, plaid, or antique with uneven threads.
Tape: Originally, the item that contained the programming for computer controlled embroidery machines. Today, programs
are recorded on computer floppy diskettes. Same as embroidery pattern.
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Taped Seams: A strip of fabric sewn to the seam of a garment to prevent distortion. In outerwear, taped seams aid in
waterproofing.
Taping: Designs feature whereby a piece of fabric is used to cleanly cover a seam.
Taslan: Refers to how the fibers are woven and the resulting texture. Used mainly in outerwear garments, Taslan is a durable
and water repellent nylon fabric with a slightly shiny surface.
Teflon coating: DuPont trademarked water and stain repellent coating while remaining breathable.
Talkeetna: Design for all-season active outdoor sports, Talkeetna shells use Core Vents and our new Hyvent waterproof and
breathable coating to help keep your body cool and dry.
Teklon: A rugged, stronger Taslan nylon that is water repellent.
Tencel®: Trademark of Courtlands. The first new fiber to be introduced in over 50 years. Made from the natural cellulose
found in trees especially grown for this purpose. When one tree is harvested another is planted.
Characteristics:
*Very strong fiber
*Soft, smooth hand
*Excellent DRAPE when worn
*Machine washable & Dryable
*Low shrinkage
*Wrinkle resistance
Terra-Tek™ : A durable and water repellent Taslan with a matte finish.
Terrain cloth: A Dunbrooke adjective used to identify a very rugged, durable nylon.
Terry Velour: A type of material with uncut loops on both sides. It has a soft, plush feel and is water absorbent.
Texturing: To achieve a matte, cotton-like texture, a jet of air is blown on a fiber to give it a rough, non-reflective surface.
Textured fibers offer greater bulk and airiness to a fabric without increasing its weight.
Three End Fleece: Face, tie-in and backing yarns combined to form a fleece fabric.
Tie In Yarn: The joining yarn between the face and backing yarns in fleece fabric.
Top Stitching: A design feature, both decorative and functional, that is an additional means of securing fabric plies whereby
the original seam is folded under and sewn down.
Tricot: French for warp-knitted fabric. Tricots are flat knitted with fine ribs on the face (lengthwise) and ribs on the back
(widthwise).
Tricot Lining: A very lightweight nylon lining most often used in shorts.
Tubular Collar: Collar which is knit in a tube form so it has no seams.
Tubular Garments: Garments made with no side seams.
Tubular Knit: Fabric manufactured in a complete circle without seams.
Tuck-In Tails: A shirt constructed so the back hem is longer than the front. This aids in keeping the shirt tucked-in during
strenuous activities.
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Tuck Stitch: Refers to the look of the knit where some stitches are actually under the other stitches. Gives the shirt a waffleweave type texture and look.
Twill: A fabric whose weave is made up of 2 or 3 warp yarns or threads to every one weft. Weave with diagonal ribs and
large number of variations. Diagonals may be set at sharp or blunt angles, may be embedded or raised. Important types are
flannels, surges, gabardines, and surahs.
Twill Tape Placket Lining: Twill tape is attached to the inside of the placket for a fashion effect.
Un-constructed/Unstructured: This is a type of cap. It means that there is no buckram lining inside the crown. The crown
of this cap won’t stand up by itself. It needs your head for support. When there is no buckram in the crown of a cap. The cap
only has shape when placed on the head.
Underarm Grommets: Small holes in the armpit area to allow breathability and air circulation.
Under layer: Random stitches sewn to under-cover stitches and lettering to stabilize fabric and depth.
Under visor: The colored material on the bottom side of the visor. Years ago, the under visor was always green because this
color was considered easiest on the eyes. Today, however, we do have silver under bills, however, in most circumstances, the
color of the under visor matches the color of the cap.
Unstructured: A low profile cap style with a natural low sloping crown. No buckram has been added to the crown.
Urethane coated: A thin layer of polyurethane is sprayed onto backside of fabric to waterproof, yet accommodates
silkening.
V-Notch: Triangular 2-ply patch of material sewn to the front of the neck for decorative purposes.
V-Patch: A section of material in a V shape that is sewn onto a garment directly under the collarette. Can provide support
against stretching the neck opening and is also a style component.
Velcro: Closure material. Consists of fabric with small hooks that stick to a corresponding fabric of small loops.
Vents, Front & Back: Allow for breathability and may aid in ease of decoration, allowing the garment to be hooped and
embroidered with no show-through on the inside of the garment. Some vents are tacked down and are for fashion purposes
only.
Visor (Peak): The front of the hat or cap that extends out from the front panel and acts as a sunshade. Also a type of
headwear that consists of the peak or sunshade only so that the top of the head is exposed. When referring to a full cap, visor
is interchangeable with peak.
Waffle: Stitch used in KNIT goods to produce a series of square waffle-like designs
Wales: The individual loops of a course (vertical rows of loops) also, when referring to corduroy, the amount of ridges per
inch in the fabric.
Warp: Lengthwise yarns found in all woven fabrics. The warp is stronger and denser than the weft (crosswise) yarns.
Washer Nylon: A nylon garment treated with a special finish to produce a crinkled effect.
Water repellency: The ability to resist penetration by water, but not stop its penetration over prolonged exposure.
Weathered Twill: A special dye process resulting in a softer fabric with a weathered appearance that will continue to
enhance with each wash.
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Weight: Usually measured in ounces per yard.
Welt: A fabric with a clean edge normally used to trim a sport shirt collar and cuffs.
Welted Sleeve Cuffs: ONE piece of rib knit material sewn on the cuff, collar or placket of a shirt
Wicking: Movement of moisture within a fabric by capillary action, usually along the filament surface, to where it can
evaporate quickly.
Windproof: The ability of a fabric to shut out wind or air.
Yarn dyeing: Yarn which has been dyed prior to the weaving of the goods; follows the spinning of the yarn.
Yarn Dye Jacquard: The yarn is dyed in individual colors and then the yarn is knit on specialty machines equipped with
jacquard attachments to create a knit fabric in intricate two-color or multi-color design patterns.
Yarn Size: A gauge of yarn weight
Yoke: A part of a garment fitted closely to the shoulders.
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