The words used to describe a fabric, a knit or a finish can be genuinely confusing — and getting them wrong costs money when you are ordering a few hundred garments. This is a plain-English glossary of the apparel and promotional-product terms we get asked about most. If a term you need is not here, just ask us — we would rather explain it than have you guess.
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1×1 Rib Knit
This narrow rib has a soft, fine hand and retains its slim fit.
2-Way Zipper
A zipper with two zipper pulls so the garment can be unzipped from either direction.
2×1 Rib Knit
Textured rib knit with a comfortable stretch—made to be worn alone or layered.
4-Needle Stitching
A finish commonly used on a sleeve or bottom hem that uses four needles to create parallel rows of visible stitching, giving the garment a cleaner, more finished look, as well as adding durability.
4-Way Stretch
A fabric that stretches both on the crosswise and lengthwise grains of the fabric. Also called mechanical stretch, except mechanical stretch does not use spandex or other stretch yarns.
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Air Jet Yarn
A type of open-end spinning that uses a stationary tube in which jets of air are directed to cause fibers to twist, thereby forming a yarn. This process influences the soft hand feel of the fabric while maintaining excellent resistance to pilling.
All-Weather Microfiber
Fabric that is tightly woven from an extremely fine poly thread with a sueded finish for a luxuriously supple feel. When combined with a waterproof coating and full seam sealing, microfiber is 100% waterproof. 100% polyester.
ANSI
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is an organization that promotes standards for industry and government.
ANSI Class 2
An ANSI designation for garments intended for activities where greater visibility is necessary during inclement weather. It also covers workers who perform tasks that divert their attention from approaching traffic, or that put them in close proximity to vehicles traveling 25 mph or higher.
ANSI Class 3
An ANSI designation for garments that provide the highest level of visibility, intended for workers who face more serious hazards than Class 2.
Anti-Pill Finish
A treatment applied to garments primarily to resist the formation of little balls on the fabric surface caused by abrasion during wear.
Antimicrobial
A term used for a garment able to resist, either naturally or chemically, the effects of microbial secretions put off by the human body — resisting odor and increasing garment life.
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Baby Pique Knit
A knitting method that creates a fine, small textured surface that appears similar to a very small waffle weave.
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.
Bartack
To reinforce a seam with a bar of stitches, providing a more durable seam end. Commonly used at stress points.
Base Layer
Worn next to the skin, a base layer wicks sweat and keeps the wearer drier and more comfortable.
Bias Cut
A technique used by designers for cutting clothing to utilize the greater stretch in the “bias” or diagonal direction of the fabric, causing it to accentuate body lines and curves and drape softly.
Birdseye Jacquard
A small geometric pattern with a center dot knit into the fabric.
Blanket Stitch
A decorative stitch often used to finish an unhemmed blanket. The stitch can be seen on both sides of the blanket.
Blend
A yarn or a fabric that is made up of more than one type of fiber.
Bonded Fleece
Multiple layers of fleece bonded together to form a higher functioning garment.
Bonding
The technique of permanently joining two fabrics, or layers of fabrics, into one unit using a bonding agent.
Box Pleat
A single, uniform fold in the center back of a garment to allow for more room and comfort.
Breathability
The movement of water or water vapor from one side of the fabric to the other, caused by capillary action, wicking, chemical or electrostatic action.
Breathability Rating
The breathability rating is expressed as a gram measurement of how much vapor a square meter (G/M2) of fabric will allow to pass in a 24-hour period.
Brushed
A finishing process for knit or woven fabrics in which brushes or other abrading devices are used to raise a nap on the fabric or create a novelty surface texture.
Still Not Sure What You Need?
Tell us what the garments are for and how they will be worn, and we will recommend the fabric, the knit and the decoration method — you do not need to know the vocabulary to get the right product. Explore embroidery, screen printing and promotional products, read our custom printing FAQ, or call (970) 245-9814 for a free quote in Grand Junction.